Asako I & II

Asako I & II

Year: 2019

Runtime: 119 min

Language: Japanese

Director: Ryûsuke Hamaguchi

DramaRomance

Asako experiences a devastating heartbreak when her boyfriend, Baku, disappears unexpectedly. Two years pass, and she meets Ryohei, a charismatic businessman who strikingly resembles her lost love. As they build a life together, Asako is forced to confront the unresolved feelings and memories of her past relationship, questioning the foundation of her new happiness and the true nature of love and connection.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Asako I & II yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Asako I & II (2019) – Full Plot Summary & Ending Explained

Read the complete plot breakdown of Asako I & II (2019), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.

Asako, a young woman residing in Osaka, encounters a magical feeling of love at first sight when she meets Baku. Their relationship takes off in a whirlwind, much to the chagrin of Asako’s friend, who warns her that Baku might end up hurting her. After a passionate night spent at Baku’s place, Asako awakens to find him gone. It’s revealed that Baku has a habit of disappearing unexpectedly, a tendency that began after his father passed away. When he reappears, they share a tender moment, with Baku promising Asako that he will always return to her. However, in a poignant voice-over, we learn that he vanishes once more, leaving them out of touch.

Fast forward two years: Asako has relocated to Tokyo and is now working at a coffee shop. Here, she meets Ryohei, a businessman affiliated with a nearby sake company. Strikingly similar in appearance to Baku, Ryohei catches Asako off guard, leading her to mistakenly greet him as Baku. After a few hesitant exchanges, she realizes he is not the same person. Ryohei grows curious about Asako’s peculiar behavior, but it isn’t until one chance encounter—aiding her friend to get into an art show—that he begins to unravel more about her.

As they stop for coffee post-show, Asako abruptly leaves, prompting her friend to suggest Ryohei invite someone along for dinner—a blind date for Asako. Enamored by her, Ryohei finds a friend to bring, discovering along the way that Asako’s pal is involved in a production of Chekhov’s The Sea Gull. Their friends engage in a playful dispute about acting techniques, but eventually, they all sit down for dinner together. Captivated by Asako, Ryohei persists in charming her until he finally succeeds in winning her heart.

Five years later, Asako and Ryohei enjoy a loving cohabitation. But one day, news reaches Asako that Baku has transformed into a famous actor and model. Gathering the strength to confide in Ryohei, she reveals that her initial attraction to him stemmed from his resemblance to Baku. Demonstrating a graceful understanding, Ryohei helps her find closure. Yet, the unexpected happens—Baku suddenly appears at her apartment with plans to return the following day. Later that night, he crashes a celebratory dinner for Asako and Ryohei, requesting that Asako leave Ryohei mid-meal.

Asako realizes her feelings for Baku are entangled and decides to go with him, leaving Ryohei distraught. They embark northward to Baku’s family home, which remains empty during the season. Throughout the journey, Asako comes to terms with the fact that her decision to choose Baku over Ryohei was superficial. Ultimately, Asako returns to Ryohei, only to find that he is unwilling to accept her back. In a bittersweet resolution, both acknowledge the emotional damage inflicted; Asako has hurt Ryohei too deeply, which may forever compromise his ability to trust her again.

Last Updated: November 16, 2024 at 14:48

Unlock the Full Story of Asako I & II

Don't stop at just watching — explore Asako I & II in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Asako I & II is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Asako I & II Timeline

Track the full timeline of Asako I & II with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Asako I & II Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in Asako I & II

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Asako I & II. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Asako I & II

More About Asako I & II

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Asako I & II: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Asako I & II

Similar Movies to Asako I & II

Discover movies like Asako I & II that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.