Asleep 2015
In the moody 2015 Japanese drama *Asleep*, director Shingo Wakagi crafts a haunting meditation on loneliness, forbidden desire, and emotional paralysis.
Director: Shingo Wakagi
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Asleep (2015) about?
*Asleep* follows Terako, a young woman stuck in emotional limbo after losing her job and entering a secret affair with a married man, Iwanaga. When her close friend dies by suicide, Terako withdraws into a near-permanent slumber, waking only when Iwanaga reaches out, forcing her to confront the hollow comfort of their relationship and her own fractured psyche.
Who directed Asleep?
Asleep was directed by Shingo Wakagi, known for his atmospheric storytelling and focus on human fragility.
Who stars in Asleep?
The film stars Sakura Ando as Terako, Arata Iura as Iwanaga, with Mitsuki Tanimura, Guama, and Yoshiaki Takahashi rounding out the key cast.
Is Asleep (2015) worth watching?
If you appreciate slow-burn dramas with emotional depth and a somber tone, *Asleep* is worth your time. While IMDb lacks a rating, its themes of isolation and forbidden love make it a compelling pick for fans of introspective cinema, though its bleak mood may not suit all viewers.
How long is Asleep?
The runtime of Asleep is 91 minutes.
🎥 Trailer
About Asleep (2015) — A Quiet Japanese Drama of Love and Isolation
In the moody 2015 Japanese drama *Asleep*, director Shingo Wakagi crafts a haunting meditation on loneliness, forbidden desire, and emotional paralysis. The story follows Terako, a drifting young woman adrift after losing her job, who finds herself drawn into a clandestine affair with Iwanaga—a married man whose wife lies unconscious in a coma. When a close friend's tragic suicide shatters her equilibrium, Terako retreats into a dreamless sleep, waking only when Iwanaga's calls pierce the silence. Wakagi's atmospheric direction leans into the film's melancholic core, weaving themes of isolation and moral ambiguity into a quiet yet piercing narrative.
With a minimalist runtime of just 91 minutes, *Asleep* relies on powerful performances from Sakura Ando and Arata Iura to carry its emotional weight. The film's restrained visuals and understated score amplify the sense of emotional stasis, making it a compelling watch for fans of slow-burn dramas that linger long after the credits roll.