Journey of a Dying Wife Poster

Journey of a Dying Wife 2011

113 min📅 2011-02-26

"Why is it a sin for two people to be together?"

Directed by Yukinari Hanawa, *Journey of a Dying Wife (2011)* is a deeply moving Japanese drama that explores the extraordinary lengths one man goes to honor his wife's final wish.

Director: Yukinari Hanawa

Cast

Tomokazu Miura
Tomokazu Miura
Shimizu Hisanori
Yuriko Ishida
Yuriko Ishida
Shimizu Hitomi
Aki Nishihara
Aki Nishihara
Saori
Baiken Jukkanji
Hisanori's older brother
Reiko Tajima
Reiko Tajima
Hisanori's older sister
Fujio Tokita
Fujio Tokita
Old man traveling by bicycle
Yutaka Izumihara
Yutaka Izumihara
Young Hisanori
Denden
Denden

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Journey of a Dying Wife (2011) about?

The film tells the true story of a husband who honors his terminally ill wife's dying wish by burying her alone across thousands of kilometers. Over 272 days, he navigates legal peril, societal stigma, and his own grief to fulfill her request, creating a poignant portrait of love beyond the grave.

Who directed Journey of a Dying Wife?

The film was directed by Yukinari Hanawa, a Japanese filmmaker known for his contemplative storytelling and visually evocative dramas.

Who stars in Journey of a Dying Wife?

The film features Tomokazu Miura as the devoted husband, alongside Yuriko Ishida as his ailing wife, with Aki Nishihara rounding out the central cast.

Is Journey of a Dying Wife (2011) worth watching?

For fans of introspective dramas about love and loss, this film offers a unique emotional journey. While it doesn't have an IMDb rating to gauge popularity, its themes of sacrifice and solitude make it a thought-provoking watch for those drawn to character-driven storytelling.

How long is Journey of a Dying Wife?

The film has a runtime of 113 minutes, or approximately 1 hour and 53 minutes.

🎥 Trailer

About Journey of a Dying Wife (2011) — A husband's solitary pilgrimage to fulfill his wife's final wish

Directed by Yukinari Hanawa, *Journey of a Dying Wife (2011)* is a deeply moving Japanese drama that explores the extraordinary lengths one man goes to honor his wife's final wish. A haunting tale of devotion set against Japan's silent winter landscapes, the film follows a grieving husband as he embarks on a 6,000 km journey by himself to bury his beloved in a place she loved most. Over 272 days, he carries her ashes in silence, grappling with societal judgment, legal consequences, and the weight of her final request. This isn't just a story of loss—it's a meditation on love, sacrifice, and the blurred lines between duty and defiance.

With a minimalist storytelling style and a quiet, snow-laden atmosphere, Hanawa crafts a visually arresting experience that lingers long after the credits roll. Starring Tomokazu Miura and Yuriko Ishida, the film blends raw emotion with philosophical undertones, asking what it truly means to cherish someone—to the very end.