# Ikiru

> 1952 film by Akira Kurosawa

**Wikidata**: [Q152105](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q152105)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ikiru)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ikiru

## Summary  
Ikiru is a 1952 Japanese drama film directed by Akira Kurosawa, produced by Toho, and starring Takashi Shimura. It explores themes of existentialism and bureaucratic stagnation, following a government employee’s quest for meaning after a terminal diagnosis. Released in multiple countries between 1952 and 1956, it is recognized as a significant work in Kurosawa’s filmography.  

## Key Facts  
- **Release dates**: 1952-01-01, 1952-10-09 (Japan), and 1956-03-25 (international).  
- **Director**: Akira Kurosawa, a renowned Japanese filmmaker (1910–1998).  
- **Production company**: Toho, a Japanese film studio established in 1932.  
- **Genre**: Drama film.  
- **Starring**: Takashi Shimura, a Japanese actor (1905–1982).  
- **Country**: Japan.  
- **Wikidata description**: "1952 film by Akira Kurosawa."  
- **Sitelink count**: 45 (indicating cross-platform references).  

## FAQs  
- **Who directed Ikiru?**  
  Ikiru was directed by Akira Kurosawa, a celebrated Japanese filmmaker known for works like *Seven Samurai* and *Rashomon*.  

- **What is the film about?**  
  The story follows Kanji Watanabe, a bureaucrat diagnosed with cancer, as he confronts existential purpose and societal indifference.  

- **Why are there multiple release dates?**  
  The film premiered in Japan in 1952 and later received international releases, including a 1956 debut in some markets.  

- **Who stars in the film?**  
  Takashi Shimura, a prolific Japanese actor, plays the lead role of Kanji Watanabe.  

- **What studio produced Ikiru?**  
  It was produced by Toho, a major Japanese film company founded in 1932.  

## Why It Matters  
Ikiru stands out for its poignant critique of postwar Japanese bureaucracy and its universal exploration of mortality and purpose. As a product of Toho during its creative peak, the film benefits from Kurosawa’s masterful direction and Shimura’s nuanced performance. Its enduring relevance is reflected in multiple re-releases and its status as a classic of Japanese cinema, underscoring its role in shaping global perceptions of existential themes in film.  

## Notable For  
- Directed by Akira Kurosawa, one of Japan’s most influential filmmakers.  
- Stars Takashi Shimura, a leading actor of postwar Japanese cinema.  
- Produced by Toho, a studio pivotal to Japan’s film industry since 1932.  
- Explores existential themes rarely addressed in 1950s mainstream cinema.  
- Released across multiple decades, indicating sustained cultural impact.  

## Body  
### Production Background  
Ikiru was produced by **Toho**, a Japanese film studio founded in 1932, which played a central role in the country’s cinema industry. Directed by **Akira Kurosawa** (1910–1998), the film reflects his signature style, blending social critique with emotional depth.  

### Release History  
The film saw three key release dates:  
- **1952-01-01**: Initial completion or domestic screening.  
- **1952-10-09**: Official Japanese theatrical release.  
- **1956-03-25**: International debut, marking its global reach.  

### Cast and Crew  
- **Director**: Akira Kurosawa, whose career spanned multiple genres and earned international acclaim.  
- **Lead Actor**: Takashi Shimura (1905–1982), a versatile actor known for collaborations with Kurosawa, including *Seven Samurai*.  

### Themes and Genre  
As a **drama film**, Ikiru critiques postwar Japanese bureaucracy through the lens of **Kanji Watanabe** (played by Shimura), a low-ranking clerk who seeks meaning after a terminal cancer diagnosis. The narrative emphasizes existential reflection and societal alienation, rare for mainstream 1950s cinema.  

### Cultural Context  
Produced in **Japan**, the film contextualizes the nation’s postwar identity and social structures. Its exploration of individuality versus institutional rigidity resonated domestically and internationally, contributing to Kurosawa’s reputation as a humanist storyteller.  

### Legacy  
With a **sitelink count of 45** and a dedicated Wikidata entry, Ikiru remains a referenced work in film studies. Its production by Toho and association with Kurosawa and Shimura cement its place in Japan’s cinematic heritage, ensuring continued scholarly and audience engagement.

## References

1. [Source](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0044741/)
2. [Source](http://www.filmaffinity.com/es/film246184.html)
3. [Source](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0044741/fullcredits)
4. Česko-Slovenská filmová databáze
5. Ikiru. Rotten Tomatoes
6. IMDb
7. Rotten Tomatoes
8. Letterboxd
9. [IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0044741/releaseinfo)
10. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
11. [IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0044741/technical/)
12. Kinopoisk
13. [IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0044741/parentalguide/#certificates)
14. [Source](https://www.kijkwijzer.nl/films/ikiru-1/)
15. List of film licenses issued from 1945 to 2020
16. [Source](https://www.cnc.fr/professionnels/visas-et-classification/31320)
17. Online-Filmdatenbank
18. Bechdel Test Movie List
19. mymovies.it
20. The Movie Database
21. [Source](https://imdaonline.imda.gov.sg/classification/Search/Film/SearchDetail.aspx?sType=Feature&sRowID=AAAgZnAAAAAACQwAAX)
22. [Source](https://www.acmi.net.au/works/115700)
23. [Source](https://www.acmi.net.au/works/87368)
24. Kanopy
25. Trakt.tv
26. FilmVandaag.nl