Asuka (1999): cast, story & where to watch
1999 · Series · ★ 8
Released in 1999, Asuka is a drama series.
What it’s about. The 61st NHK Asadora Drama is Asuka. Set in Kyoto in the home of a traditional Japanese candy-maker, Asuka is the story of one young girl's dream to one day walk in her father's shoes and become a top candy-maker in the male-dominated world of wagashi (Japanese confectionery). Asuka grows to be a healthy, adventurous young girl with a deep curiosity and, a desire to become a candy-maker like her father. This NHK drama is one of the best in years with an excellent cast, a well-developed story based on extensive research into the traditional worlds of candy making and the tea ceremony in Kyoto, and beautiful scenery and settings in Kyoto and the surrounding areas.
Who’s in it. Asuka stars Yuko Takeuchi as 速田(宮本)あすか, Tomio Umezawa as 藤吉玉治郎, Naohito Fujiki as 速田俊作 and Hitomi Sato as 藤吉(綾瀬)舞, among others.
How it landed. With an audience score of 8.0/10, Asuka sits among the best-reviewed titles in the catalogue.
Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Asuka page.
If you liked it. Fans of Asuka tend to enjoy Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba and Attack on Titan.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch Asuka (1999)?
- Streaming, rental and purchase options for Asuka change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
- Is Asuka worth watching?
- Asuka holds an audience score of 8.0 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy drama. Most viewers rate it highly.
- Who stars in Asuka?
- Asuka stars Yuko Takeuchi, Tomio Umezawa, Naohito Fujiki, Hitomi Sato and Yūko Natori.
- When was Asuka released?
- Asuka was released in 1999.