---
title: "Departures"
year: 2008
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/departures-2008"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 16804
imdb_id: null
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 130
community_rating: 7.9
vote_count: 0
content_rating: "PG-13"
---

# Departures (2008) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/departures-2008

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

Departures is a film first released in 2008. Catalogued under Drama. Produced and broadcast by TBS, Amuse Soft Entertainment, MBS. Current status: Released.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "A laid‑off cellist discovers an unexpected calling in his hometown."

### Why Watch
- Thoughtful look at life and death
- Strong performances by the lead cast

### Caveats & Content Note
- Pacing is deliberate and may feel slow to some viewers
- Tone & Suitability: Rated PG‑13, the film deals with death and mourning, suitable for mature teens and adults.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: drama, reflective, quiet

## Streaming Availability Matrix

Direct streaming licensing updates dynamically. Consult the live tracking interface at https://www.archytele.com/show/departures-2008#watch.

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: Yojiro Takita
- **Networks / Studios**: TBS, Amuse Soft Entertainment, MBS

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Masahiro Motoki** as *Daigo Kobayashi*
- **Hirosue Ryoko** as *Mika Kobayashi*
- **Tsutomu Yamazaki** as *Ikuei Sasaki*
- **Kimiko Yo** as *Yuriko Kamimura*
- **Tetta Sugimoto** as *Yamashita*
- **Toru Minegishi** as *Yoshiki Kobayashi*
- **Tatsuo Yamada** as *Togashi*
- **Yukiko Tachibana**
- **Yukari Tachibana** as *Rie Yamashita*
- **Genjitsu Shu**

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: What is Daigo’s profession at the start of the film?
He is a cellist in an orchestra.

### Q: Why does Daigo return to his hometown?
He is laid off and moves with his wife to a cheaper living situation.

### Q: What new line of work does Daigo pursue?
He becomes an assistant to an undertaker, helping with funeral preparations.

### Q: Who directed Departures?
The film was directed by Yōjirō Takita.

### Q: In what language is the film primarily spoken?
Departures is a Japanese‑language film.

## Grounded Source Citations

- [Departures — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/16804)
- [Departures (2008 film) - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Departures_(2008_film))
- [Departures (2013) | ČSFD.cz](https://www.csfd.cz/film/56951-departures/prehled/)

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*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*