Watch Official Trailer for Netflix’s Japanese Drama Remake Asura

Netflix has released the highly anticipated official trailer for Asura, a Japanese drama remake directed by acclaimed filmmaker Hirokazu Kore-eda. The series, set to premiere globally on January 9, promises an emotional and thought-provoking exploration of family secrets, strained relationships, and personal struggles.

“Doesn’t everyone have a thing or two that they aren’t proud of?” Eldest sister Tsunako, played by Rie Miyazawa, asks this reflective question in the trailer, immediately hinting at the drama’s central theme: the hidden imperfections within families. Kore-eda’s signature storytelling—known for its poignant and intimate portrayals of human relationships—comes to life through a star-studded cast and masterful cinematography.

The series revolves around four sisters—Tsunako (Rie Miyazawa), Makiko (Machiko Ono), Takiko (Yu Aoi), and Sakiko (Suzu Hirose)—as their lives are upended by their elderly father’s infidelity. Each sister grapples with her own struggles and secrets, from extramarital affairs to insecurities, all of which bubble to the surface as they confront their familial bonds and individual worldviews.

A Stellar Ensemble Cast

The series boasts a formidable cast led by the four sisters, whose performances are already generating buzz. Supporting them is Jun Kunimura as their father Kotaro, whose affair triggers the family’s turmoil, and Keiko Matsuzaka as their mother Fuji. Masahiro Motoki portrays Takao, Makiko’s husband whose own infidelity complicates matters further.

Ryuhei Matsuda takes on the role of Katsumata, a private investigator with unspoken feelings for Takiko, while Kisetsu Fujiwara plays Sakiko’s passionate boxer boyfriend, Hide. Seiyo Uchino steps into the role of Sadaharu, a restaurant owner entangled in a secret relationship with Tsunako. Each of these supporting characters adds depth and layers to the sisters’ tangled emotional journeys.

Additionally, Asura features a lineup of compelling actors in smaller yet impactful roles. Yui Natsukawa plays the wife of Tsunako’s lover, Naho Toda portrays Kotaro’s mistress, and Kumi Takiuchi stars as Takao’s suspected affair partner. The younger cast includes Kairi Jyo—who previously worked with Kore-eda in Shoplifters—and rising star Maru Nouchi, playing Makiko and Takao’s children. Atsuko Takahata rounds out the ensemble as Hide’s stern yet loving mother.

The Trailer Unveils Deep Family Drama

The trailer offers a glimpse into the sisters’ turbulent dynamics, as their father’s actions force them to confront their own hidden lives. Each sister’s arc is teased: Tsunako wrestles with guilt over her affair, Makiko faces her husband’s infidelity, Takiko navigates uncertainty in her romantic life, and Sakiko battles feelings of inadequacy compared to her older siblings. The combination of emotional revelations and intense interpersonal moments sets the stage for an unforgettable family drama.

Adding a visual layer to the story, celebrated photographer and cinematographer Mikiya Takimoto—who collaborated with Kore-eda on Like Father, Like Son—released special art capturing the essence of the four sisters. The stunning visuals reflect both the intimacy and emotional complexity that define Asura.

Asura Poster

A Heartfelt Celebration of the Series

At a recent press conference marking the series’ completion, producer Yasuo Yagi joined the lead cast in celebrating their work and sharing insights into the filming process. The chemistry between the actors was evident, with their candid reflections shedding light on the bond they formed while portraying this complex family.

Rie Miyazawa, who plays Tsunako, described the experience as deeply personal, saying, “I felt like I had found true younger sisters.” Yu Aoi, who plays the third sister Takiko, expressed how meaningful the project was: “I wished it could have gone on forever, like a dream you don’t want to wake up from.” Suzu Hirose, the youngest sister Sakiko, added a touch of humor, saying, “This is such a precious work. I laughed so much that it felt like quite a workout!” Machiko Ono, playing the second sister Makiko, confidently declared, “This is one of the best works ever, if I do say so myself.”

Anticipation Builds for Asura

Asura promises to be a standout addition to Netflix’s slate of international dramas, combining Kore-eda’s masterful storytelling with a compelling exploration of modern family dynamics. The series not only highlights the struggles and secrets we keep but also the enduring love that holds families together despite their imperfections.

Audiences worldwide can look forward to an emotionally resonant drama when Asura premieres on January 9, streaming exclusively on Netflix.