'Asura': A Modern Take on a Classic Japanese Family Drama Streams January 9

Set to premiere on January 9, Asura reimagines the beloved Japanese family drama Like Asura for a modern audience, starring some of Japan's most talented actors including Rie Miyazawa, Machiko Ono, Yu Aoi, and Suzu Hirose.

Written and directed by the internationally acclaimed Hirokazu Kore-eda (Shoplifters, Our Little Sister) and produced by Yasuo Yagi, the series presents a slice of life that resonates across cultures with universal family dynamics. A newly unveiled video of the opening sequence gives audiences a peek at its retro 1970s setting, preserving the ambiance of the drama.

The original Like Asura stands as a testament to the late Kuniko Mukoda's brilliance, a legendary screenwriter who laid the foundation for Japanese family dramas. Set in 1979, the story follows four sisters - Tsunako, Makiko, Takiko, and Sakiko - whose lives are shaken by the discovery of their aging father's affair. Like the "asura," demigods in Buddhist cosmology, these women embody a whirlwind of emotions, clashing fiercely yet sharing moments of profound connection. As they navigate their differing views on love and life, their journey is marked by both conflict and growth.

With great respect for Mukoda and her influence on his career, Kore-eda infuses Asura with his unique vision, highlighting the independence and complexity of women. "What makes Kuniko Mukoda's dramas so rich are the superficial poison exchanged in conversation and the love hidden behind those cruel words," he notes. "The four actors playing the sisters understand this well, so the series was very enjoyable to shoot."

Having worked with Mukoda in the past, producer Yagi looks back on his early career interactions with her. "Before the 40th year since her passing, I revisited her works and realized that Like Asura was central to her legacy. We focused on casting the best actors for the sisters, and with Kore-eda as director, I believe we've created a quintessential drama."

Follow the journey of these sisters as they find true happiness in Asura, streaming on 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

Netflix title page: https://netflix.com/asura

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