Suzu Hirose’s Evolution: From Adorable “Suzu-chan” to Versatile Actress

Hirose also takes on an intense love scene

The Netflix drama “Ashura no Gotoku”, which began streaming in January, has been well received.

The drama is a remake of the 1979 NHK production based on Kuniko Mukoda’s work of the same name, which has previously been adapted into films and stage plays with different casts. This time, Hirokazu Kore-eda (62) directed the remake. The star-studded cast includes Rie Miyazawa (51) as the eldest daughter Tsunako, Machiko Ono (43) as the second daughter Makiko, Yu Aoi (39) as the third daughter Takiko, and Suzu Hirose (26) as the youngest daughter Sakiko. Among them, Hirose’s performance has drawn particular attention.

“The three actresses—Miyazawa, Ono, and Aoi—are all renowned for their ability to portray the dark, complex depths of human nature. The fact that Hirose is joining them speaks volumes about her recognition as a skilled actress,” said a TV magazine writer.

According to NHK’s official website, Ashura no Gotoku is described as follows:

“A strict father had a mistress. When the four sisters gather to discuss the matter, their candid exchanges as women reveal their true feelings. As the story unfolds, each sister’s hidden struggles come to light—jealousy, ego, obsession. The facade of an ordinary family gathering crumbles, exposing the darkness within their hearts, and they reveal their ‘Ashura’ faces.”

The drama is a family story told with a comedic touch, depicting the entanglements and secrets that surface among the four sisters after discovering their aging father has a mistress.

Hirose plays the youngest sister, Sakiko, a café waitress who secretly lives with an aspiring boxer. Although her scenes appear only briefly in the drama’s commercial, glimpses of Sakiko’s rebellious nature and an intense love scene suggest a different side of Hirose—one that contrasts with her usual cute image.

Now 26 years old, Hirose is still often associated with the image of a cute girl. She debuted in the entertainment industry at 14 as a magazine model before venturing into acting. Her performance in the 2015 film “Our Little Sister” earned her widespread acclaim, sweeping multiple newcomer awards, including the 39th Japan Academy Prize.