Diamonds in the Sand
6.6
Divorced salaryman Yoji has just buried his mother in Tokyo. With few meaningful relationships left, he comes to grips with the realization that he has nothing to live for. A chance encounter with Minerva, a Filipina migrant worker who appears to sense his sadness, urges him to see his situation in a new way. A former nightclub entertainer, Minerva now works as a caregiver to provide for her only child in the Philippines. When Yoji discovers the decomposing corpse of his neighbor, an old man whose name he does not know, the death is ruled a kodokushi, or the lonely death. Unwilling to meet the same fate, Yoji throws caution to the wind to follow Minerva to Manila, the capital city of the Philippines.
Where to watch
Not streaming anywhere
Not on any streaming service in United States, and not available to rent.
Your rating
Your review
Cast
19 people
Lily Franky
Yoji
Known for
Shoplifters
The Boy and the Beast
Maria Isabel Lopez
Minerva
Also in
Captive
Daughters of Eve
Soliman Cruz
Toto
Known for
Batang Quiapo
Dirty Linen
Charlie Dizon
Angel
Known for
Finally Found Someone
Kazuko Yoshiyuki
Natsuko Kimura
Known for
Ponyo
When Marnie Was There
Stefanie Arianne
Sheila
Known for
Plan 75
Oh Lucy!
Vikash Paliwal
Store Clerk
Also in
Queen of Mars
Tokyo Shaking
Nukata Shinichi
Suzuki
Also in
One Day of Mayor Fukuyama
Reiko Kataoka
Aiko
Known for
Alice in Borderland
Red
Sheenly Gener
Krista
Known for
Norte, the End of History
BuyBust
Ryo Iwamatsu
Kawase
Known for
Air Doll
Shin Ultraman
Tetsu Sakuma
Senior Cleaner
Also in
Fireworks
Tokyo Vice
Janus Victoria Director · Akiko Ashizawa Cinematographer Soo Mun Thye Editor
First release November 30, 2024 · Produced in Japan, Malaysia, Philippines · Languages Japanese, Tagalog
Production
Is.Field
Production
CMB Film Services
Production
Nathan Studios
Production
Talents Tokyo
Production
Spanic Films
Production
Paperheart
Production
Project 8 Projects
Production
Japanese Agency for Cultural Affairs
Production
Japan · Malaysia · Philippines
Produced in
Languages
Original title
ひとりで死ぬのはイヤだから
Original language
Japanese
Spoken on screen
Japanese · Tagalog
Release dates
Japan · November 30, 2024
Premiere · TOKYO FILMeX
Japan · January 16, 2027
Theatrical
No release date listed for United States.
Hong Kong SAR China
October 24, 2025 · Premiere · Hong Kong Asian Film Festival
October 30, 2025 · Theatrical
Indonesia
October 25, 2025 · Premiere · Jakarta Film Week
Philippines
November 14, 2025 · Premiere · QCinema International Film Festival
Taiwan
June 21, 2025 · Premiere · Taipei Film Festival
Thailand
September 28, 2025 · Premiere · Bangkok International Film Festival
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