Press conference to announce the completion of the "Yamada Todoroki Law Office" spin-off to "Tora ni Tsubasa".

The Tora ni Tsubasa spin-off, "Yamada Todoroki Law Office," is scheduled to air on NHK General on Friday, March 20th (holiday) at 9:30 PM.
The Yamada Todoroki Law Office, run by Yone Yamada and Taichi Todoroki and located in a corner of Ueno, has an untold story behind its establishment.
This book incorporates plenty of backstories about Yone and Todoroki that weren't depicted in the TV drama series "Tora ni Tsubasa," and portrays the world of "Tora ni Tsubasa" from a lawyer's perspective.
I had the opportunity to attend the completion press conference held on February 27th, where I asked Shiori Doi, who plays the main character Yone Yamada, and Junki Totsuka, who plays Taichi Todoroki, about the highlights of the film.

■What were your initial impressions of the content?

Doi: I was really happy when the spin-off was decided. At first, I imagined it would be something like "the daily life at Yamada Todoroki Law Office," solving small problems. But in reality, it was much deeper and more serious than I had imagined. Even after filming was over, I kept asking myself for a while, "Was it okay?" But because of that, I gained a deeper understanding of the character Yone, and it became a powerful work that made me realize once again how cool he is.

■Did you two discuss things like character development beforehand?

Doi: When the spin-off was decided, I sent stamps on LINE saying "Yay!" and "Let's do our best!" (laughs).

Totsuka: In a good way, there's a certain "unchangingness" between the two of us.

■There was a gap in time between the end of filming and the end of the main story. What were your feelings about returning to your role?

Doi: It had been quite a while since the last shoot, so I was worried about whether I could get back into the swing of things, but what I had built over the past year was significant, and I was able to get back into the swing of things as soon as I got back on set.

Totsuka: We had been talking about how great it would be if we could make a spin-off while we were filming the main series, so when that actually happened, it really made me realize once again how much this work is loved by everyone.
I was moved to learn about the background that wasn't depicted in the main story, and I was happy that we finally got to see Todoroki working as a lawyer, since we hadn't really seen him working before (laughs).

■ Are there any positive aspects you've noticed because some time has passed since the broadcast?

Doi: We received many comments from people who watched the film saying that "this work was a source of support for them." People who are raising children, people who are fighting their daily battles... Hearing these voices strengthened my belief that "every word I say might be a source of comfort for someone," and I was able to perform with even greater care.

Totsuka: Hearing everyone's reactions directly allowed me to calmly feel my responsibility towards the work. I feel that there is great significance in delivering this spin-off at this time, and I'm truly glad we did it.

■What do you think was the reason why Yamada and Todoroki decided to set up a law firm and work together?

Doi: Yone is a person with a strong desire to help those who are oppressed. I used to wonder why she felt so strongly about helping the weak. But in this spin-off, I realized that Yone made a firm decision to act for the sake of others and swore an oath to God. I think it was fate that she reunited with Todoroki at the very moment she made that decision. I think she understood everything at that moment—that she would live her life with this person.

Totsuka: I think Todoroki was unconsciously hiding his true self as he lived. After returning from the war and losing a friend, he was at a point where he could no longer maintain the mask he was wearing, and that's when he met Yone, who had made up his mind. Yone was someone who guided him through life, and she gave him the courage to say things to her that he couldn't say to anyone else, and that they could continue to be together as lifelong partners. I think their reunion was fate.

■Please tell us about the highlights of the work and your message to the viewers.

Doi: This is a story of rising again. I want people to be inspired and encouraged by seeing people climb out of despair. No matter how painful life is, no matter how difficult it is, people can always bounce back. It's filled with that simple message.

Totsuka: Although it is set against the backdrop of a turbulent era, the emotional turmoil depicted should be relatable to everyone living in the present day. I hope this work will be something that gently encourages someone.

Student Newspaper Online, February 27, 2026 Interview with Ayami Matsuyama, 1st year student at Aoyama Gakuin University / Satsuki Sakakura, 3rd year student at Tokyo Metropolitan University

Sakura Yamashita (3rd year, Tsuda University) / Ayami Matsuyama (1st year, Aoyama Gakuin University) / Satsuki Sakakura (3rd year, Tokyo Metropolitan University) / Fuka Ota (4th year, Toyo University)