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The much-anticipated Netflix series Asura season 1 is set to premiere on January 9, 2024. Written and directed by internationally acclaimed filmmaker Hirokazu Kore-eda, the series brings a new perspective to Kuniko Mukoda’s iconic 1979 drama, Like Asura.
Known for his work on Shoplifters and Our Little Sister, Kore-eda delves into the intricate dynamics of family relationships, with a particular focus on the independence and complexity of women. The series stars renowned Japanese actors Rie Miyazawa, Machiko Ono, Yu Aoi, and Suzu Hirose as the four Takezawa sisters, whose lives are uprooted when their father’s secrets come to light.
Set against a retro 1970s backdrop, Asura blends nostalgia with contemporary storytelling. Producer Yasuo Yagi, who worked with Mukoda during her career, has revisited the original drama to commemorate the 40th anniversary of her passing.
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When and where to watch Asura season 1?
Asura season 1 is slated to release on January 9, 2024, and will be available to stream exclusively on Netflix. The series will premiere globally at 12 AM PT / 3 AM ET. The official synopsis of the show reads:
"One winter day, the four Takezawa sisters ikebana teacher Tsunako (Miyazawa), housewife Makiko (Ono), librarian Takiko (Aoi) and waitress Sakiko (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. "
Here is the complete release schedule of Asura season 1 according to different time zones:
More details about Asura season 1
Set in 1979, Asura follows the lives of the four Takezawa sisters: Tsunako, Makiko, Takiko, and Sakiko. Each sister is at a different stage of life. While Tsunako is an ikebana teacher, Makiko is a housewife. Moreover, Takiko is a librarian, and Sakiko is a waitress.
When Takiko suspects that their aging father, Kotaro, has a secret lover and child, the revelation disrupts their family dynamics. While the sisters struggle to protect their mother, Fuji, from the truth, the situation unravels long-held secrets and conflicts among them.
Much like the Buddhist demigods asuras, the sisters embody a spectrum of emotions anger, jealousy, love, and compassion. Their journey explores themes of loyalty, personal growth, and the bond of sisterhood.
Asura is helmed by Hirokazu Kore-eda, whose acclaimed filmography includes Nobody Knows (2004), and Shoplifters (2018), which won the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival.
The production team includes Yasuo Yagi, who played a significant role in shaping the series by revisiting Mukoda's original work. Cinematographer Mikiya Takimoto and production designer Keiko Mitsumatsu recreate the 1970s setting. Music by a Japanese band, fox capture plan, further enriches the series’ nostalgic atmosphere.
Cast details of Asura season 1
The central roles are portrayed by an ensemble of celebrated Japanese actors:
- Rie Miyazawa as Tsunako, the eldest sister and an ikebana teacher navigating the challenges of tradition and modernity.
- Machiko Ono as Makiko, a housewife grappling with her role within the family and societal expectations.
- Yu Aoi as Takiko, a librarian whose discovery of her father’s affair serves as the catalyst for the story.
- Suzu Hirose as Sakiko, the youngest sister and a waitress finding her path in life.
Asura is a tribute to Kuniko Mukoda, one of Japan’s most influential screenwriters, known for redefining family dramas in Japanese television. Mukoda’s original series, Like Asura, explored themes of familial conflict and reconciliation with sharp wit and emotional nuance. The modern adaptation retains these elements while updating the narrative for a global audience.
On November 12, 2024, producer Yasuo Yagi emphasized the importance of preserving Mukoda’s legacy, stating to Netflix:
“Like Asura was central to her career. With Kore-eda as director and a stellar cast, we’ve created a quintessential drama that respects her vision.”
Asura season 1 examines the complexities of family life, from resentments to moments of love and understanding. It portrays how individuals within a family grapple with their identities and relationships, offering a story that resonates across cultures.
Interested viewers can stream Asura season 1 exclusively on Netflix from January 9, 2025.
