To Eat To Live (2016)
A Japanese drama about a city boy who discovers the true meaning of gratitude during a transformative winter in his grandparents' mountain village.
To Eat To Live - Movie Information
- Original Title: ぼくが命をいただいた3日間
- Release Year: 2016
- Directed by: Risa Kudo
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- Release Date (Theatrical): March 5, 2016 (Japan)
- Production Countries: Japan
To Eat To Live - Plot
Yusuke (Kirato Wakayama) is in the 6th grade of elementary school. He has lived in the city all of his life and his father Keita (Kazuya Takahashi) recommends to Yusuke that spend his winter vacation at his grandparents' home. His grandparents live in a mountain village. There, Yusuke has a hard time adapting to the area, customs and the people. He longs to go back home. Soon, Yusuke learns the true meaning of the pre meal phrase "Itadaki-masu" ("thank you for the meal").
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To Eat To Live - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Risa Kudo
Main Cast
- Kirato Wakayama
- Yuna Taira
- Kazuya Takahashi
- Yûko Itô
- Chieko Matsubara
- Toshio Sakata
- Denden
Writers
- Shin'ichi Tanaka
Producers
- Goka Kimitaka
To Eat To Live - FAQs
What is To Eat To Live about?
To Eat To Live follows Yusuke, a sixth-grade city boy who spends his winter vacation at his grandparents' mountain village home. Struggling to adapt to rural life and customs, he gradually comes to understand the deep meaning behind the Japanese pre-meal phrase "Itadaki-masu" — a heartfelt expression of gratitude for life and nourishment.
Who directed To Eat To Live?
To Eat To Live was directed by Risa Kudo. The film reflects a thoughtful, intimate approach to storytelling, centering on a child's emotional journey through nature, tradition, and the quiet wisdom found in rural Japanese life.
Who are the main actors in To Eat To Live?
The film stars Kirato Wakayama as the young protagonist Yusuke, alongside Yuna Taira, Kazuya Takahashi, Yûko Itô, Chieko Matsubara, Toshio Sakata, and Denden. Together they bring warmth and authenticity to this story of a city child discovering rural Japanese traditions.
What does "Itadaki-masu" mean in the film?
"Itadaki-masu" is a Japanese phrase said before meals, often translated as "I humbly receive" or "thank you for the meal." In the film, young Yusuke comes to understand it as a genuine expression of gratitude — not just for food, but for the lives given so that others may live and eat.
When was To Eat To Live released?
To Eat To Live was released in Japan on March 5, 2016. The film offers a quietly moving portrait of childhood, tradition, and the bond between generations, set against the backdrop of a Japanese mountain village during winter.
Is To Eat To Live based on a true story?
To Eat To Live is not based on a specific true story, but it draws deeply from authentic Japanese rural traditions and the cultural significance of food and gratitude. The screenplay by Shin'ichi Tanaka grounds the narrative in real customs and values that resonate with Japanese everyday life.
What are similar films to To Eat To Live?
If you enjoyed To Eat To Live, you might also appreciate Inside the Yellow Cocoon Shell, Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains, One Second, and The Divide — films that share a similar contemplative, human-centered approach to storytelling, exploring themes of identity, belonging, and the quiet rhythms of life.
What language is To Eat To Live in?
To Eat To Live is entirely in Japanese, reflecting its setting and cultural roots in rural Japan. The film's language is integral to its themes, particularly the exploration of the phrase "Itadaki-masu," whose meaning and nuance are deeply embedded in Japanese culture and daily life.
More About To Eat To Live
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