The Asakusa Kid cast features Yûya Yagira, Yô Ôizumi and Mugi Kadowaki. This info article contains minor spoilers and character details for Gekidan Hitori’s 2021 Netflix movie. Check out more streaming guides in Vague Visages’ Know the Cast section.

Asakusa Kid chronicles the comedy career of Japanese entertainer Takeshi Kitano aka Beat Takeshi. The storyline explores his apprenticeship under Senzaburo Fukami during the early 70s, and how he formed a comedic double act known as Two Beat with Kiyoshi Kaneko. Kitano would ultimately make his feature directorial debut with the 1989 film Violent Cop, but the Netflix tale primarily explores his early years as a comedian. Here’s every main player in Asakusa Kid.

Read More at VV — Know the Cast: ‘Don’t Kill Me’

Asakusa Kid Cast: Yûya Yagira as Takeshi Kitano

Character Profile: A college dropout who moves to Asakusa to “break free.” He works as an elevator boy at the France-za strip club, and receives a big career opportunity upon befriending a comedian named Senzaburo Fukami. Takeshi begins a new career as “Beat Takeshi” and reflects about his former colleagues at France-za.

Yagira’s Resume: Akira Fukushima in Nobody Knows (2004), Taira Ashihara in Destruction Babies (2016), Toshiro Hijikata in Gintama (2017), Osamu Ishimura in Gift of Fire (2020), Takeshi in Under the Turquoise Sky (2021)

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Asakusa Kid Cast: Yô Ôizumi as Senzaburo Fukami

Character Profile: Takeshi’s mentor. As a comedian, he values the motto “Don’t be laughed at — make them laugh.” Fukami supports Takeshi and struggles after the death of his wife.

Ôizumi’s Resume: Bandai-gaeru in Spirited Away (2001), Kakashi no Kabu in Howl’s Moving Castle (2004), Dr. Yamashita in When Marnie Was There (2014), Shou Tucker in Fullmetal Alchemist (2017), Liu Dei in New Interpretation Records of the Three Kingdoms (2020)

Read More at VV — Know the Cast: ‘Inventing Anna’

Asakusa Kid Cast: Mugi Kadowaki as Chiharu

Character Profile: A dancer at France-za. She receives a chance to sing but gets interrupted by male patrons. Chiharu befriends Takeshi and supports his decision to pursue bigger opportunities.

Kadowaki’s Resume: Satomi Suzuki in Love’s Whirlpool (2014), Megumi Yoshizumi in Dare to Stop Us (2018), Chitose in Hanagatami (2017), Masami Konuma in Her Sketchbook (2017), Hanako Haibara in Aristocrats (2020)

Read More at VV — Know the Cast: ‘Bigbug’

Asakusa Kid Cast: Nobuyuki Tsuchiya as Kiyoshi

Character Profile: A former France-za comedian. He approaches Takeshi about creating a manzai act. Kiyoshi eventually becomes one half of Two Beat.

Tsuchiya’s Resume: Kensaku Yaho in Tokyo MPD – From ZERO to HERO (2020)

Read More at VV — Know the Cast: ‘The Privilege’

Asakusa Kid Cast: Honami Suzuki as Mari

Character Profile: Fukami’s wife. She befriends Takeshi while working at France-za. Mari’s illness affects the mental health of her husband.

Suzuki’s Resume: Ruriko Nagashima in 24 Hour Playboy (1989), Kyoko in The First Timers (2000), Chika Yukimura in Suits: Sûtsu (2018-20), Aiko Isozaki in Hikikomori Sensei (2021), Kawamura Yoshiko in Detective Chinatown 3 (2021)

Read More at VV — Know the Cast: ‘Through My Window’

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The Asakusa Kid cast also includes Morio Kazama (Fall Guy, The Wind Rises), Hiroyuki Onoue (Love Exposure, Why Don’t You Play in Hell?) and Feodor Chin (League of Legends, Overwatch).

Q.V. Hough (@QVHough) is Vague Visages’ founding editor.