ASURA
“Doesn’t everyone have a thing or two that they aren’t proud of?” This question, posed by eldest sister Tsunako in the newly released trailer for Asura, sets the stage for the series’ exploration of family secrets and personal struggles. Premiering on January 9, Hirokazu Kore-eda’s Japanese drama remake is poised to draw audiences in with its compelling storytelling and talented cast.
Joining the main cast are Jun Kunimura as the sisters’ father Kotaro, Keiko Matsuzaka as their mother Fuji, and Masahiro Motoki as Makiko’s (Machiko Ono) husband Takao. Ryuhei Matsuda plays Katsumata, a private investigator with feelings for Takiko (Yu Aoi); Kisetsu Fujiwara is Sakiko’s (Suzu Hirose) boxer boyfriend Hide; and Seiyo Uchino portrays Sadaharu, a Japanese restaurant owner who’s secretly involved with Tsunako (Rie Miyazawa). These supporting actors deliver standout performances that complement those of the four main sisters, heightening anticipation for their on-screen interactions.
The series also features Yui Natsukawa as the wife of Tsunako’s lover, Naho Toda as Kotaro’s mistress, and Kumi Takiuchi as Takao’s subordinate and suspected affair partner. Makiko and Takao’s children are played by Kairi Jyo (who also appeared in Kore-eda’s Shoplifters) and rising star Maru Nouchi, while Atsuko Takahata plays Hide’s mother.
The main trailer reveals the sisters’ world turned upside down by their elderly father’s affair. As they confront their differing worldviews and lifestyles, their emotions run high, exposing struggles and secrets: Tsunako’s affair, Makiko’s husband’s infidelity, Takiko’s romantic uncertainty, and Sakiko’s feelings of inferiority to her sisters.
Complementing the trailer, photographer Mikiya Takimoto, who also serves as the series’ cinematographer, has released special art of the four sisters, capturing the essence of the modern family drama depicted in the series.
At a recent press conference celebrating the series’ completion, producer Yasuo Yagi joined the talented cast of the four sisters. Their lively banter showcased the genuine chemistry and sisterly bonds they portray in the series. Miyazawa, who plays the eldest sister, expressed that she felt like she had found “true younger sisters.” Aoi, the third sister, shared, “I wished it could have gone on forever, like a dream you don’t want to wake up from.” Hirose, the youngest sister, added, “This is such a precious work. I laughed so much that it felt like quite a workout!” Ono, the second sister, confidently declared, “This is one of the best works ever, if I do say so myself.”
Asura, a modern family drama about four sisters searching for true happiness, streams January 9, only on Netflix.
Netflix Series Asura
STORY One winter day, the four Takezawa sisters — ikebana teacher Tsunako (Rie Miyazawa), housewife Makiko (Machiko Ono), librarian Takiko (Yu Aoi) and waitress Sakiko (Suzu Hirose) — get together for the first time in a while. Takiko suspects that their aging father, Kotaro, has a lover and child. While the other sisters find this unbelievable, they promise to keep this from their mother, Fuji. However, this commotion brings to light various conflicts and secrets that lurk in the women’s lives.
STAFF Original work and screenplay: Kuniko Mukoda Director, screenwriter and editor: Hirokazu Kore-eda Developer and producer: Yasuo Yagi Producers: Miyuki Fukuma, Eiji Kitahara, Hijiri Taguchi / Music: fox capture plan / Cinematography: Mikiya Takimoto / Lighting: Norikiyo Fujii / Sound: Kazuhiko Tomita / Production Design: Keiko Mitsumatsu, Masato Nunobe / Set Decoration: Tetsuji Tatsuta, Shiori Haba / Costume Design: Sacico Ito / Hair & Makeup: Mutsuki Sakai / Sound Effects: Akihiko Okase, Go Hasegawa / Assistant Director: Takashi Matsuo / Scripter: Tomoko Oshida / Production Lead: Ichiro Goto / Line Producer: Masaaki Kikuchi / Production: Bunbuku / Production: Netflix
Cast: Rie Miyazawa, Machiko Ono, Yu Aoi, Suzu Hirose Masahiro Motoki, Ryuhei Matsuda, Kisetsu Fujiwara, Seiyo Uchino Jun Kunimura, Keiko Matsuzaka Netflix title page: https://netflix.com/asura
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Ami Yamaguchi
Publicity – Japan
Kana Momonoi
PR Coordinator
