Manabu Aso

Manabu Aso (Japanese: 麻生学) is a Japanese television and film director. Born on July 21, 1964, in Japan, he has directed numerous television dramas, TV movies, and feature films across several major Japanese networks.

Directing Career

Manabu Aso's career spans multiple genres, including suspense, mystery, and drama. In feature films, his directorial credits include Senrigan (2000), One Missed Call Final (2006), and Nagai Nagai Satsujin (2007).

In television, he has contributed extensively to Japanese serial dramas and TV movies. His credits include works for broadcasters such as NHK, TV Asahi, WOWOW, TBS, and TV Tokyo. Notable projects include Fune wo Amu (NHK, 2024), Reborn (TV Asahi, 2026), M: Beloved One (TV Asahi, 2020), and The Best Skilled Surgeon series.

Selected Filmography

Movies

Senrigan (2000)
One Missed Call Final (2006)
Nagai Nagai Satsujin (2007)

Drama Series

Middle-aged Detective (TV Asahi, 2001)
Sky High (TV Asahi, 2003)
One Missed Call (TV Asahi, 2005)
Time Limit Investigator, Season 2 (TV Asahi, 2007)
Bloody Monday Season 2 (TBS, 2010)
The Best Skilled Surgeon (TV Tokyo, 2011)
Heaven's Ark (WOWOW, 2012-2013)
Kakuregiku (NHK, 2016)
M: Beloved One (TV Asahi, 2020)
Fune wo Amu (NHK, 2024)
Reborn (TV Asahi, 2026)

Screenwriting

In addition to directing, Manabu Aso has contributed as a screenwriter, notably for television productions such as Time Limit Investigator, Season 2 (TV Asahi, 2007).