Asuka (1999)

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.

Cast

Yuko Takeuchi

速田（宮本）あすか

Tomio Umezawa

藤吉玉治郎

Naohito Fujiki

速田俊作

Hitomi Sato

藤吉（綾瀬）舞

Yūko Natori

藤吉（綾瀬）ひろこ

Ineko Arima

藤吉志乃

Gannosuke Ashiya

藤吉巌治郎

Mr. Okure

Kuwata