Toda Erika: The 11-month filming period is a new challenge. Appearing in a TV drama series will surely help me grow as a person.

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Erika Toda

Born in 1988 in Hyogo Prefecture. She gained attention in the TV dramas "Engine" and "Nobuta wo Produce," and made her film debut in "Death Note." She has also appeared in "SPEC," "Code Blue: Doctor Heli Emergency Lifesaving," and "Great Love: With You Who Forgets Me." She is currently playing the heroine in the NHK morning drama series "Scarlet."

How did you feel when it was decided that you would be appearing in the TV drama series "Scarlet"?

　I was approached about appearing in the drama around August of last year (2018), and I didn't know what the story or role I would be playing was, but I had just turned 30 in August, and I decided to take that opportunity to declutter and get rid of the things that had been bothering me in my 20s. Although I say "decluttering," I still hold on to the things that are important to me, but when I got rid of the excess "things" and "feelings," I felt a sense of relief and a space within myself. At that time, I received an offer to play the heroine in a morning drama, and it immediately resonated with me.

Weren't you scared about taking on the challenge of appearing in a morning drama?

　I wasn't really scared. Anyway, my interest was the strongest. Up until now, I've been involved in one project, such as a drama or movie, for one to three and a half months, and each project was an intense and intense time. I thought that by gaining experience, my skills and spirit would improve, but when I heard about this role, my thoughts changed. There's no greater luxury than being able to play the same role for 11 months, and I felt that the breadth and quality of my growth would be enormous when I finished, so I decided that I had to do it.

A message to those looking forward to the broadcast.

　Kimiko is a really energetic person who can be relied upon and makes everyone around her smile. She is also very kind and has a deep love for people. She faces many obstacles, but I think the highlight of the story will be how Kimiko finds the answers within herself. I think this is a work that will give everyone energy, so please look forward to it!

From the October 31, 2019 issue of the Student Newspaper (Reon Kitajima, 1st year student at Bunkyo University)