Netflix unveiled the trailer for the upcoming series Asura, directed and written by Palme d'Or winner Hirokazu Kore-eda. The Japanese drama stars Rie Miyazawa, Machiko Ono, Yu Aoi, and Suzu Hirose.
Adapted from Kuniko Mukoda's novel Ashura no Gotoku, the story revolves around four sisters: ikebana teacher Tsunako (Miyazawa), housewife Makiko (Ono), librarian Takiko (Aoi), and waitress Sakiko (Hirose). The sisters reunite on a winter day after a long time apart. Takiko reveals her suspicion that their aging father, Kotaro, has a lover and possibly a child. Though her sisters are skeptical, they agree to keep it a secret from their mother, Fuji. This revelation, however, unearths hidden tensions and secrets among the sisters.
The original novel was previously adapted into an NHK miniseries in 1979 and a film titled Like Asura in 2003. The series draws inspiration from the Buddhist demigods, asura, symbolizing the intense emotions and fierce yet deeply connected relationships among the women.
Produced by Yasuo Yagi in collaboration with Tokyo-based Bunbuku, the series aims to honour Mukoda’s legacy. The series is all set to debut on Netflix, on January 9, 2025.