Asymmetric total synthesis of (-)-javaberine A and its epimer was achieved by utilizing two methods for isoquinoline synthesis, asymmetric hydroamination of N-methyl-2-(2-styrylaryl)ethylamine and Bischler-Napieralski cyclization. Intramolecular asymmetric hydroamination of N-methyl aminoalkene 4 was catalyzed by lithium amide-chiral bisoxazoline to give tetrahydroisoquinoline (S)-laudanosine with good enantioselectivity in excellent yield. N-Demethylation of (S)-laudanosine was accomplished by Polonovski-type reaction to give (S)-norlaudanosine. Condensation of (S)-norlaudanosine with homoveratric acid, and subsequent Bischler-Napieralski cyclization, LiAlH4 reduction, and O-demethylation furnished (8R,14S)-(-)-javaberine A, corresponding to antipode of natural javaberine A. (8S,14S)-(-)-Javaberine A, which corresponds to C14-epimer of natural javaberine A, was also successfully synthesized. (C) 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.