Sanshiro Sugata
A hotheaded youth in 1880s Meiji Japan apprentices to judo master Shōgorō Yano, trading brute jujutsu bravado for discipline and humility. As Sanshirō matures, he proves judo’s spirit against old-guard challengers—including a deadly duel—while falling for his vanquished opponent’s daughter. Based on the novel by Tsuneo Tomita, son of Tomita Tsunejirō, the earliest disciple of judo.
Where to watch Sanshiro Sugata in United States
Criterion Channel
Fawesome
PlexClick a service to open Sanshiro Sugata there. Availability last verified on June 21, 2026.
Where is Sanshiro Sugata streaming around the world?
| Country | Streaming on | Rent / Buy |
|---|---|---|
| United States | Criterion Channel, Fawesome, Plex | — |
| India | Plex | — |
| United Kingdom | BFI Player, BFI Player Amazon Channel, BFI Player Apple TV Channel, Plex | — |
| Canada | Criterion Channel, Plex | — |
| Australia | Plex | — |
| Germany | Plex | — |
| France | Plex | — |
| Spain | Plex | — |
| Brazil | Plex | — |
| Japan | U-NEXT, Plex | Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies |
About Sanshiro Sugata
Sanshiro Sugata is a 1943 Japanese-language drama film directed by Akira Kurosawa. The cast is led by Denjirō Ōkōchi, Susumu Fujita, Yukiko Todoroki. It has a runtime of 1h 19m. Viewers rate it 6.5/10 across 100 ratings. In United States, it is currently streaming on Criterion Channel, Fawesome, Plex.
Sanshiro Sugata was produced by TOHO and made in Japan. It was released on March 25, 1943.
- Director
- Akira Kurosawa
- Writers
- Akira Kurosawa
- Release date
- March 25, 1943
- Original language
- Japanese
- Status
- Released
- Country
- Japan
- Production
- TOHO
Sanshiro Sugata cast & crew
Sanshiro Sugata was directed by Akira Kurosawa and written by Akira Kurosawa.
The cast features Denjirō Ōkōchi as Shogoro Yano, Susumu Fujita as Sanshiro Sugata, Yukiko Todoroki as Sayo Murai, Ryūnosuke Tsukigata as Gennosuke Higaki, Takashi Shimura as Hansuke Murai, Sayo's father, and Ranko Hanai as Osumi Kodana.
Behind the camera, the score was composed by Seiichi Suzuki, cinematography is by Akira Mimura, and it was produced by Keiji Matsuzaki.
Is Sanshiro Sugata worth watching?
Sanshiro Sugata holds an audience score of 6.5/10 from 145 ratings, a solidly received drama films.
At 1h 19m, it's an easy, time-light watch.
If you enjoy drama, Sanshiro Sugata is worth a place on your watchlist.
How and where to watch Sanshiro Sugata
In United States, you can stream Sanshiro Sugata on Criterion Channel, Fawesome, and Plex. Click any service above to open it directly.
Streaming rights change country by country and month by month, so the options above reflect United States today — switch your country at the top of the where-to-watch section to see availability elsewhere.
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Cast of Sanshiro Sugata
Denjirō Ōkōchi
Shogoro Yano
Susumu Fujita
Sanshiro Sugata
Yukiko Todoroki
Sayo Murai
Ryūnosuke Tsukigata
Gennosuke Higaki
Takashi Shimura
Hansuke Murai, Sayo's father
Ranko Hanai
Osumi Kodana
Sugisaku Aoyama
Tsunetami Iimura
Ichirō Sugai
Police Chief Mishima
Yoshio Kosugi
Master Saburo Kodama
Kokuten Kōdō
Buddhist Priest
Michisaburō Segawa
Wada
Akitake Kōno
Yoshima Dan
More from the Sanshiro Sugata Collection
Sanshiro Sugata — FAQs
▸Where can I watch Sanshiro Sugata in United States?
Sanshiro Sugata is streaming on Criterion Channel, Fawesome, Plex in United States.
▸Is Sanshiro Sugata on Criterion Channel?
Yes — Sanshiro Sugata is currently available on Criterion Channel in United States.
▸What language is Sanshiro Sugata in?
Sanshiro Sugata is originally in Japanese. Subtitle and dub options vary by streaming service.
▸How long is Sanshiro Sugata?
Sanshiro Sugata runs 1 hours 19 minutes (79 minutes).
▸What is Sanshiro Sugata rated?
It holds a 6.5/10 audience score from 145 ratings.
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