Asa ga Kita (2015)
A beloved NHK asadora drama following the spirited Imai Asa through love, ambition, and transformation in Meiji-era Japan.
Asa ga Kita - Series Information
- Original Title: あさが来た
- First Air Year: 2015
- Last Air Year: 2016
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 15 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 156
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- Networks: NHK
- Production Companies: NHK
- Production Countries: Japan
Asa ga Kita - Plot
Towards the end of the Edo era, in the town of Kyoto, there lived a wealthy merchant by the name of Imai Tadamasa. He was blessed with 3 children, Hatsu, Asa and Kyutaro. His eldest, Hatsu, was a traditional girl who loved to play the koto and sew. Whilst his second daughter, Asa, was an impish hoyden who loved sumo wrestling. Asa was engaged to be married to the second son of a distinguished family who ran a money changer business in Osaka, Shirooka Shinjiro. Although Asa was furious when she had first heard about the betrothal, when she met up with Shinjiro for the first time, his charisma greatly attracted her and she fell in love with him in no time.
Asa ga Kita - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Haru
- Hiroshi Tamaki
- Aoi Miyazaki
- Dean Fujioka
- Tomochika
- Takeshi Masu
- Shinobu Terajima
- Yoichi Hayashi
- Kaya Kiyohara
- Masaomi Kondo
Writers
- Mika Ohmori
Asa ga Kita - FAQs
What is Asa ga Kita about?
Asa ga Kita follows Imai Asa, a spirited young woman from a wealthy Kyoto merchant family in the late Edo era. After an arranged marriage to Osaka money-changer Shirooka Shinjiro, she unexpectedly falls for him and embarks on a journey of personal growth, ambition, and resilience across Japan's Meiji transformation.
Is Asa ga Kita based on a true story?
Yes, Asa ga Kita is loosely inspired by the life of Hirooka Asako, a pioneering Meiji-era businesswoman who co-founded one of Japan's first modern life insurance companies and established a women's school. The series fictionalizes her story while capturing the spirit of her trailblazing achievements.
Who are the main actors in Asa ga Kita?
The principal cast includes Haru as Imai Asa, Hiroshi Tamaki as Shinjiro, Aoi Miyazaki as Imai Hatsu, Dean Fujioka as Saisuke Godai, Tomochika as Ume, Takeshi Masu as Imai Tadaoki, Shinobu Terajima as Imai Rie, Yoichi Hayashi as Imai Tadamasa, Kaya Kiyohara, and Masaomi Kondo.
When did Asa ga Kita first air?
Asa ga Kita premiered on NHK in Japan in September 2015. The series ran through 2016, broadcasting as part of NHK's long-running asadora morning drama slot, which traditionally airs short daily episodes across a single continuous season.
How many episodes does Asa ga Kita have?
Asa ga Kita consists of 156 episodes across its single season, plus one special episode. Each episode runs approximately 15 minutes, consistent with NHK's asadora format, which delivers short, daily installments broadcast on weekday mornings.
What is the asadora format used in Asa ga Kita?
Asadora is NHK's iconic morning drama format, featuring short daily episodes of roughly 15 minutes broadcast on weekdays. Each series typically runs for six months and follows a female protagonist through a sweeping life story. Asa ga Kita is one of the most acclaimed entries in this long-running tradition.
What are similar shows to Asa ga Kita?
Viewers who enjoyed Asa ga Kita may also appreciate Amachan (2013), Massan (2014), Ryōmaden (2010), Shinsengumi! (2004), and Clouds Over the Hill (2009). These series share similar historical Japanese settings, NHK production values, and compelling character-driven storytelling rooted in the Meiji and Bakumatsu eras.
Did Asa ga Kita win any awards?
Asa ga Kita was a major ratings success for NHK and received widespread critical acclaim in Japan. The series earned strong viewership throughout its run and helped boost the profile of lead actress Haru, while Dean Fujioka's role as Saisuke Godai became a cultural phenomenon, generating significant fan attention.
More About Asa ga Kita
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