Only Yesterday

NZ release: 20 July 1991

Adult themes Rated on: 18 February 2005

Omohide poro poro

Only Yesterday

What’s it about?

A twenty-seven-year-old office worker travels to the countryside while reminiscing about her childhood in Tokyo.

The facts 

  • Directed by Isao Takahata
  • Japanese and Bulgarian languages, with English subtitles
  • Runtime: 119 minutes
  • Animated film by Studio Ghibli (Spirited Away, My Neighbour Totoro, Ponyo)

Why did it get this rating? 

This film was cross-rated by the Film and Video Labelling Body. You can find out more about cross-rating here.

Adult themes

This film contains some moments that some may find inappropriate for younger viewers.

In one scene, boys flip up girls skirts, peeking under them to see what underwear they’re wearing, but this view is not shown.

A woman’s undetailed cartoon body is shown bathing nude, but there is no nudity. 

There are some discussions about menstruation, which may go over younger viewers’ heads.

A girl’s dad slaps her hard across the face.

Drug use

The film contains some depictions of adult men casually using alcohol and tobacco.

When content stays with you: 

We all have our boundaries, and it’s completely okay if something you’ve watched is weighing on your mind. If certain content lingers with you, consider having a chat with friends or whānau to debrief about what you’ve just seen. But if you’re still feeling affected, please reach out to any of the following helplines for support.  

Further information 

Recent featured decisions

30 September 2026

Sexual material, sexual violence & offensive language

After twenty years spent “chillin’, tokin’ and bonin’”, Ali G is shocked to discover that his long-term girlfriend, Julie, is 8 months pregnant. Faced with an extra mouth to feed, he heads to America to reclaim his former glory… but soon encounters adversaries who will ultimately threaten his and his child’s very existence.

Read more

15 October 2026

Offensive language and violence

Ambassador and Second Lady Kate Wyler works desperately behind the scenes to ensure peace between major nations – and her marriage – in the fourth season of the acclaimed drama.

Read more