Atsuko Asano

Name in Japanese: 浅野温子
Born: March 4, 1961
Birthplace: Ota Ward, Tokyo, Japan
Profession: Actress
Affiliation: FIRST AGENT

Atsuko Asano is a celebrated Japanese actress known for her dynamic presence across film, television, and stage. Rising to fame in the 1980s through acclaimed performances in Kadokawa films and hit dramas like Abunai Deka and The 101st Proposal, she quickly became a household name. Renowned for her versatility, Asano has portrayed a wide range of roles—from comedic to deeply dramatic—earning her prestigious accolades, including the Japan Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. Beyond acting, she is also known for her cultural storytelling performances and contributions to Japanese classical arts, making her a respected figure both on and off screen.

Early Life and Education

Atsuko Asano was born in Kamata, Ota Ward, Tokyo, as the eldest daughter in a family that ran a soba (buckwheat noodle) shop. She attended Omori Dairoku Junior High School, then Jonan High School (now Roppongi High School), followed by Yoyogi High School (now Setagaya Izumi High School), and finally graduated from Ueno High School.

She made her film debut at the age of 15 when she passed the audition for a classmate role in the Yamaguchi Momoe film Eden no Umi (Eden's Sea). In 1977, she passed another audition for the TBS TV drama Fumiko to Hatsu, marking her television debut. The following year, she appeared in the film High School Big Panic.

Career Highlights

In the 1980s, Asano starred in numerous Kadokawa films such as Slow na Boogie ni Shite Kure and Dirty Hero, gaining widespread attention. Her performance in the 1983 film Yokiro earned her the Japan Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.

She became widely recognized in the latter half of the 1980s through popular dramas like Abunai Deka and Papa wa News Caster. In 1988, her appearance in the trendy drama Dakishimetai! (Fuji TV), alongside Yuko Asano, led to the duo being dubbed “Double Asano” — a major pop culture moment.

In 1991, her co-starring role with Tetsuya Takeda in the drama The 101st Proposal recorded a peak viewership rating of 36.7%. From the following year until 1996, she portrayed Sazae in the drama adaptation of Sazae-san, showcasing her talent as a comedic actress.

In 1995, she shifted gears by playing a cool and composed character in Saisho no Jiken (The Last Case). From her stage debut in 1998’s Romantic Comedy, she took on various theatrical roles annually, becoming known for her versatility across film, television, and theater.

Other Endeavors

Since 2003, Asano has performed storytelling ("yomigatari") based on Kojiki (Japan's oldest historical record), Japanese classics, and local legends at shrines and historical landmarks across Japan. In 2008, she joined the committee celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Emperor’s enthronement and delivered a congratulatory address.

She also served as a visiting professor at Kokugakuin University.

Personal Life

She married lyricist Tsutomu Uozumi in 1983. Their son, Yu Uozumi, is a former NHK announcer.

Although her name is pronounced “Atsuko,” her co-star Hiroshi Tachi from Abunai Deka affectionately called her “Onko.”

In recent years, she has developed hobbies in photography (especially flowers on the roadside) and collecting Doraemon merchandise. Her love for Doraemon led her to audition for the character’s voice after the original voice actor, Nobuyo Oyama, retired in 2005. She reached the final selection but was not chosen.

Her blog frequently features her photography, including close-ups of flowers and even makeup-free selfies.

Health and Comeback

In March 2019, she withdrew from the stage production Galaxy Express 999: Farewell Maetel ~ My Eternity due to health issues (replaced by Yukie Matsushita) and took time off. After recuperating at home, she returned to work in August by filming the movie Miwotsukushi Ryouri Chou.

Selected Filmography

Films

Eden no Umi (1976) – Debut role
Slow na Boogie ni Shite Kure (1981) – Lead role
Dirty Hero (1982)
Yokiro (1983) – Award-winning performance
Abunai Deka film series (1987–2016, 2024) – Kaoru Mayama
Miwotsukushi Ryouri Chou (2020)
Salaryman Kintaro (2025) – Kayo Nakamura

Television

Abunai Deka (1986–1987)
Papa wa News Caster (1987)
Dakishimetai! series (1988–2013) – Asako Ikeuchi
The 101st Proposal (1991) – Kaoru Yabuki
Sazae-san drama (1992–1996) – Sazae
Saisho no Jiken (1995) – Taeko Sashou
Freeter, Ie o Kau (2010–2011) – Sumiko Take
育休刑事 (Ikukyu Keiji) (2023) – Yukie Yoshino

Awards

1984: Japan Academy Prize – Best Supporting Actress
1988: Best Dresser Award
1989: Golden Arrow Award, Japan Academy Popularity Award, Best Jeanist
1994: Best Actress, The Television Drama Academy Awards (Good Morning)
2014: Japan Jewelry Best Dresser Award

Publications

My Kojiki: The Thoughts Behind Atsuko Asano’s Storytelling (2013, PHP Institute)