Where to Watch Only Yesterday in Canada (2023)

“Only Yesterday” is a touching film that brings audiences to the early days of the main character, Taeko as she reminisces about her childhood during her vacation trip. Filled with mundane yet interweaving tales of Taeko’s youth, the movie brings out the inner child of anyone who watches it.

Reminisce with Taeko and her younger self as she embarks on a journey of self-reflection. Find out where you can watch “Only Yesterday” in Canada. 

What Is Only Yesterday All About?

“Only Yesterday” is an animated drama movie that follows Taeko Okajima, an unmarried woman from Tokyo who decides to take a vacation in the countryside. On her journey, Taeko begins to remember moments from her younger years, specifically during fifth grade. She starts remembering her first loves, her family, and the troubles that she gets into as a child, as well as aspirations she had but never really pursued. She also reflects on the community she’s a part of while sharing a deep connection with Toshio who accompanies her during her stay on the farm. The movie alternates between Taeko’s present and past as she reflects on her life from childhood to present.

Who Are in the Cast and Production of Only Yesterday?

The movie was written and directed by Isao Takahata. It is based on the book “Omoide Poro Poro” or “Memories Trickle Down” by Hotaru Okamoto and Yuko Tone. “Only Yesterday” was produced by Toshio Suzuki under Studio Ghibli. The movie was distributed by Toho in Japan and by GKIDs for its English dub version. It features a talented group of cast who lent their voices to bring life to the film. The cast includes: 

• Yōko Honna / Alison Fernandez as Younger Taeko
• Miki Imai / Daisy Ridley as Older Taeko
• Toshirō Yanagiba / Dev Patel as Toshio
• Michie Terada / Grey DeLisle as Taeko’s mother
• Masahiro Ito / Matthew Yang King as Taeko’s father
• Yorie Yamashita / Laura Bailey as Nanako
• Yuki Minowa / Ashley Eckstein as Yaeko

What is the Rating for Only Yesterday? 

“Only Yesterday” received a PG rating which means that it can be viewed by younger audiences but there can be scenes, topics, and storylines that might need parental guidance for younger audiences. 

How Many People Watch Only Yesterday? 

Because of its strong critical reception, “Only Yesterday” managed to garner a lot of audiences. It is the highest-grossing Japanese film in the domestic market in 1991. While there are no accurate data for the number of people watching it on streaming platforms, the innocent charm and simplicity of the movie still draw in the right amount of audiences today.

How Are the Reviews for Only Yesterday?

“Only Yesterday” is a comforting movie that captures the heart of its audiences because of its vulnerability and sincerity making it one of Studio Ghibli’s well-loved and well-received movies. It boasts a 100% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, perhaps the highest out of Studio Ghibli movies. It also has an impressive 7.6/10 score on IMDb and a 90/100 score on Metacritic. Here’s what critics have said about it:

• “Only Yesterday may have been released in 1991 and take place in 1982 and 1966, but Taeko’s reflection on girlhood is truly timeless,” says Devan Coggan of Entertainment Weekly.
• “Only Yesterday is unabashedly modest, but in its twin dialogues between the past and the present, and the undying lure of the country and the city, it’s a singularly specific story whose message echoes decades later,” says Michael Syndel of The Film Stage.

Where to Watch Only Yesterday in Canada? 

“Only Yesterday” is available on streaming platforms in Canada. 

Is Only Yesterday Available on Streaming? 

Netflix

“Only Yesterday” is exclusively streaming on Netflix and other movies from Studio Ghibli. The platform offers a wide selection of movies and series you can stream once you subscribe. If you’re planning to subscribe to the platform, these plans are available: 

Plan	Price	Number of Simultaneous Screens	Streaming Quality
Basic with Ads	CAD$5.99	1 device	SD
Basic	CAD$9.99	1 device	HD
Standard	CAD$16.49	2 devices	HD
Premium	CAD$20.99	4 devices	Ultra HD

Movie nights are more convenient with Netflix because of the vast choices available for viewers of any age. Whether you’re looking for a movie for your next date night or a family movie night, the platform has options available for you. You can look forward to streaming content like “Spirited Away” and “My Neighbor Totoro” which are also available on the platform. 

Is Only Yesterday Available for Rent (VOD)?

“Only Yesterday” can be rented or purchased on different VOD platforms. Here are a few platforms that offer viewers a chance to rent or purchase the movie. Just a heads up, rented films are only available for a limited time.

Platform	Rent	Purchase
Apple TV	CAD$6.99	CAD$11.99
Google Play	CAD$3.99	CAD$12.99
Microsoft	Not Available	Not Available
Youtube Movies	CAD$3.99	CAD$12.99

Is Only Yesterday on Cable or Free TV?

“Only Yesterday” is not airing on any Free TV or Cable networks in Canada. 

Should I Use a VPN to Watch Only Yesterday?

There is no need to use a VPN since “Only Yesterday” is available on Netflix without any restrictions.

Reconnecting with Your Younger Self

“Only Yesterday” presents itself as an introspective tale that follows the main character as she goes on a vacation that seems to bring up memories of her childhood. While animated films may seem to have children as their main demographic, it also appeals to an older generation who may relate to the main character’s reflection about growing up and reminiscing about her experiences. While the movie may not have the magical elements that other Studio Ghibli films are known for, it still captures the viewers’ hearts because of its simple yet breathtaking cinematography and storytelling. 

Join Taeko on a trip down memory lane and watch “Only Yesterday” on Netflix and VOD platforms in Canada.