Asura is a Japanese family drama series that premiered on Netflix on January 9, 2025. . The show is written and directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda, the renowned filmmaker behind Shoplifters and Broker.
The plot centers on the Takezawa family, focusing on the lives of four sisters:
Tsunako (Rie Miyazawa), the eldest, is a traditional ikebana teacher dedicated to preserving family values.
Makiko (Machiko Ono), a seemingly content housewife, conceals her dissatisfaction with her monotonous life.
Takiko (Yu Aoi), a librarian, often stirs conversations and revelations within the family.
Sakiko (Suzu Hirose), the youngest, works as a waitress, balancing her ambitions with a quest to define herself.
The sisters’ world is upended when Takiko suspects their father, Kotaro, of having an affair—and possibly fathering a child with another woman. Initially dismissive, the sisters eventually decide to keep the discovery from their ailing mother, Fuji. This choice triggers a cascade of events, unveiling deeply buried family secrets and testing their bond.
As the story unfolds, each sister faces her own struggles and reevaluates her role in the family. Tsunako grapples with the responsibilities of being the eldest, Makiko rethinks her marriage, Takiko becomes increasingly consumed by uncovering the truth, and Sakiko is torn between familial obligations and her aspirations.
Under Kore-eda’s direction, the series is infused with his signature realism and emotional depth, looking into themes of identity, betrayal, forgiveness, and the passage of time. With breathtaking cinematography, a moving script, and stellar performances from the cast, Asura presents a poignant and universally resonant story about family.
The series is exclusively available on Netflix and has received acclaim for its nuanced portrayal of family life and emotional complexity.
