Asura – Season 1 Episode 5 Recap & Review

Takiko weds Katsumata

 Episode 5 of Asura starts with Katsumata moving into Kotaro’s house. Makiko and Takao were worried about Kotaro staying alone and suggested that Katsumata move in. Takiko makes it clear to Takaro that he should not take Katsumata as a son-in-law since she has not made a firm decision about him. Kotaro thinks that Takiko is just uptight. Katsumata tries getting closer to Takiko as she helps him settle into his new room and ends up getting hit on the head with a hammer.

Sakiko arrives just as the sushi delivery man delivers the Sushi she had earlier ordered. Takiko picks an issue with everything, including Sakiko referring to Katsumata as her brother. Takiko kicks Sakiko out of the house and she heads to Makiko’s place with the sushi. Yoko and Hiroo are happy to enjoy the sushi while Makiko and Sakiko have girl talk. Sakiko blames Takiko’s attitude toward sexual frustration. Sakiko says she can easily tell if a woman is satisfied by just a look. When Makiko asks about what she thinks of her situation, Sakiko fails to answer, saying she does not want to anger two sisters in one day.

Tsunako’s son, Masaki, visits with his girlfriend, Satoko. Tsunako does not seem very thrilled about either the visitor or the girlfriend and looks uncomfortable during dinner. Back at Kataro’s house, Katsumata is uncomfortable with having to move in with Katoro, and Takiko’s indifference does not help the situation. During dinner, Katsumata is so anxious that she chocks on noodles. Kotaro tries to give Takiko and Katsumata some time alone, but it only makes Takiko uncomfortable. That night, Takiko chooses to sleep in her father’s room while Katsumata sleeps alone in his new room.

Elsewhere, Makiko calls the hospital for an update on Takao’s medical test. She is informed that Takao is currently hospitalised, and she rushes over. Upon entering Takao’s room, she finds Akagi taking care of Takao. Even though she finds her presence unpleasant, Makiko keeps her cool and tries to have a conversation with Akagi. Akagi and Makiko have the same jacket and Makiko knows that Takao had bought it for her too. Akagi shrugs it off, saying that she got it as part of a performance bonus at the company. After Akagi leaves, Takao tells Makiko that Akagi has a boyfriend. 

Tomoko’s son calls Kotaro’s home phone, wanting to talk to him, but Katsumata is the one who answers. Katsumata tells the boy he might have called the wrong number, and he disconnects. The boy calls again later, and this time, Kotaro answers. He says he misses Kotaro and wants to see him, but Kotaro thinks it is not a good idea. Since Katsumata knows about the boy, he feels guilty and confesses to Kotaro. He tells him about the investigation into his affair, which is how he met Takiko. Kotaro finds his confession and promises never to cheat on Takiko hilarious, so he just laughs it off.

Meanwhile, Makiko tries to distract herself by pushing Tsunako to get married. However, the one who gets engaged is Takiko. Takiko visits Makiko and discusses not inviting Sakiko to their wedding. She thinks that since Sakiko likes flaunting her wealth, it might affect Katsumata’s confidence. Makiko and Takao insist that no sibling should be left out. Sakiko and Jinnai might feel resent all their lives. Katsumata feels the same and does not want Takiko to exclude her sister for his sake. He is only human and might feel jealous, but that would not justify not inviting Sakiko to the wedding.

During the wedding, Sakiko and Jinnai ignore the dress code and decide to wear flashy clothes. Their arrival gets their fans in an uproar. They take the attention away from Takiko’s big day, and the sisters do not like it. They pull Sakiko aside, and she says that Jinnai refused to wear the dark suit she had prepared and went for the bright suit. Jinnai loses his balance while talking to Katsumata and knocks his drinks, soiling his clothes. Takiko thinks they are making a scene and kicks them out. However, Kotaro steps in, and Sakiko does not leave the event.

The wedding begins, so everyone heads into the church. Jinnai is left outside signing some autographs. While Takiko and Katsumata say their vows, an attendant whispers something to Sakiko, and she rushes outside, seemingly worried.

The Episode Review

In this episode, we see Sakiko and Takiko getting further estranged as sisters. Takiko feels that Sakiko flaunts her wealth and luxury too much, while Sakiko thinks that Takiko is just uptight. The situation can be confusing since, as a viewer, it is difficult to lean towards any side. It is understandable that Sakiko flaunts her success since she started from the bottom and now gets to enjoy a life of luxury. Also, given Takiko’s struggle with not only her appearance, it is relatable how Sakiko’s good looks might make her feel little. Regardless, hopefully, the sisters will make up in the next episodes and support each other despite their differences.

We get one happy ending in this episode. Takiko and Katsumata’s relationship started because of Kotaro’s affair, so we can look at it as one positive thing to come out of the premise of this story. Kotaro still keeps contact with his mistress’s young son, which probably might become a problem for the sisters in the next episodes.

The episode ends on a cliffhanger. However, the writers had sent subtle signs that Jinnai might be having a medical issue, as he has been getting small but noticeable incidents now and then. Did he faint during the wedding? Why did Sakiko leave in the middle of the wedding?