---
title: "Kwaidan"
year: 1965
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/kwaidan-1965"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 30959
imdb_id: null
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 183
community_rating: 7.7
vote_count: 0
content_rating: "PG-13"
---

# Kwaidan (1965) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/kwaidan-1965

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

Kwaidan is a film first released in 1965. Catalogued under Horror, Fantasy, Drama. Produced and broadcast by Ninjin Club, TOHO. Current status: Released.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "Four haunting Japanese folk tales unfold in vivid, atmospheric cinema."

### Why Watch
- Stunning black‑and‑white cinematography
- Rich adaptation of classic Japanese folklore
- Atmospheric score and art direction

### Caveats & Content Note
- Deliberate pacing may feel slow
- Each story is brief due to anthology format
- Tone & Suitability: The film’s eerie, supernatural themes are suitable for mature teens and adults (PG‑13).

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: haunting, anthology, slow-burn, eerie, poetic

## Streaming Availability Matrix

Direct streaming licensing updates dynamically. Consult the live tracking interface at https://www.archytele.com/show/kwaidan-1965#watch.

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: Masaki Kobayashi
- **Networks / Studios**: Ninjin Club, TOHO

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Michiyo Aratama** as *First Wife (segment "The Black Hair")*
- **Rentaro Mikuni** as *Husband (segment "The Black Hair")*
- **Misako Watanabe** as *Second Wife (segment "The Black Hair")*
- **Kenjirō Ishiyama** as *Father (segment "The Black Hair")*
- **Ranko Akagi** as *Mother (segment "The Black Hair")*
- **Fumie Kitahara** as *(segment "The Black Hair")*
- **Kappei Matsumoto** as *(segment "The Black Hair") (uncredited)*
- **Yoshiko Ieda** as *(segment "The Black Hair") (uncredited)*
- **Otome Tsukimiya** as *(segment "The Black Hair") (uncredited)*
- **Kenzō Tanaka** as *(segment "The Black Hair") (uncredited)*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: What type of film is Kwaidan?
It is an anthology horror‑fantasy drama that adapts four Japanese folk tales.

### Q: How long is the movie?
The runtime is approximately three hours and three minutes.

### Q: What rating does it have?
It is rated PG‑13.

### Q: What is the meaning of the title?
The title comes from an archaic Japanese word meaning "ghost story."

### Q: When was it released in the United States?
It was released on July 15, 1965 in the US.

## Grounded Source Citations

- [Kwaidan — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/30959)

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