Japan’s Hirokazu Kore-eda to Direct Family Drama Series ‘Asura’ for Netflix

As a devoted fan of Japanese cinema and television, I am absolutely thrilled about Hirokazu Kore-eda‘s latest project, “Asura.” Having been captivated by his poignant storytelling in films like “Shoplifters” and “Monster,” I can hardly contain my excitement to see him bring his distinctive vision to a contemporary remake of a classic Japanese family drama series.


Renowned Japanese filmmaker Hirokazu Kore-eda, known for movies like “Shoplifters” and “Monster”, is joining forces with Netflix again to write and direct “Asura”. This is a modern adaptation of a timeless Japanese family drama series from the late ’70s. The star-studded cast includes Rie Miyazawa, Machiko Ono, Yu Aoi, and Suzu Hirose. Production has already been completed, and the series will debut on Netflix on January 9th.

Kore-eda and his crew are treating this series as a heartfelt homage to the renowned Japanese TV writer Kuniko Mukoda, who was responsible for penning the original Like Asura, along with many other groundbreaking works in the early era of J-drama.

Netflix stated with admiration for Mukoda’s impact on Kore-eda’s professional journey, they expressed that Kore-eda imbues the film Asura with his distinctive perspective. This portrayal emphasizes the autonomy and intricacy of female characters.

According to Kore-eda, what makes Kuniko Mukoda’s dramas captivating is the subtle toxicity found within their dialogues and the genuine affection concealed beneath harsh words. As the four actresses portraying the sisters grasp this essence, filming the series was an enjoyable experience.

Similar to the original, Kore-eda’s series, which is also set in 1979, revolves around four sisters – Tsunako, Makiko, Takiko, and Sakiko – whose lives are disrupted when they learn about their father’s affair. Much like the demigods known as “asura” in Buddhist mythology, these women embody a tumultuous mix of emotions, clashing fiercely at times but also sharing deep emotional bonds. As they grapple with their contrasting perspectives on love and life, their journey is characterized by both disagreements and personal development.

The show was created and brought to life by Yasuo Yagi, a person who had previously collaborated with Mukoda prior to her passing in 1981.

Yagi remarks, ‘Forty years after her death, I reexamined her works and discovered that ‘Like Asura’ was crucial to her enduring influence.’ In our production, we selected top-tier actors for the roles of the sisters, and with Kore-eda at the helm, I feel confident we’ve crafted a classic drama.

2023 marked my debut on Netflix as a gamer, diving into the captivating world of “The Makanai: Cooking for the Maiko House” – a heartfelt drama adapted from a beloved manga. This series follows the lives of young women adapting to life in a traditional geisha house in Kyoto. While Kore-eda, an esteemed filmmaker with awards like the Oscar nomination and Cannes Film Festival Palme d’Or for “Shoplifters”, was the driving force behind the project, he only directed the initial episode. This opportunity also served as a platform to nurture upcoming Japanese directors.

A sneak-peak of the Asura is below. 

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2024-11-12 04:54