“Asura,” streaming on Netflix starting January 9, reimagines the classic Japanese family drama “Like Asura” for a modern audience. It stars Miyazawa Rie, Ono Machiko, Aoi Yu, and Hirose Suzu, some of Japan’s finest actors.
Kore-eda Hirokazu, known for “Shoplifters” and “Our Little Sister,” directs the series. Yagi Yasuo produces it. The story captures universal family dynamics through a slice-of-life lens. A newly released opening sequence highlights its retro 1970s setting, preserving the drama’s ambiance.
The original “Like Asura” showcases the brilliance of Mukoda Kuniko, a legendary screenwriter who shaped Japanese family dramas. Set in 1979, it follows four sisters—Tsunako, Makiko, Takiko, and Sakiko. Their lives are shaken when they discover their aging father’s affair. Like the “asura” demigods in Buddhist cosmology, the sisters face intense emotions. They clash fiercely but share moments of deep connection. Their journey explores love, life, conflict, and growth.
Kore-eda draws inspiration from Mukoda’s work, celebrating her legacy. “What makes Kuniko Mukoda’s dramas so rich are the poison exchanged in conversation and the love hidden behind those cruel words,” he explains. “The actors playing the sisters understand this well, making the series a joy to film.”
Producer Yagi Yasuo reflects on his collaboration with Mukoda: “Before the 40th anniversary of her passing, I revisited her works. I realized ‘Like Asura’ was key to her legacy. We cast the best actors for the sisters, and with Kore-eda as director, I believe we’ve created a quintessential drama.”
Join the sisters on their journey to find happiness in “Asura,” streaming January 9 on Netflix.