Erika Sawajiri

2.1. Childhood and Education

Erika Sawajiri was born in Nerima, Tokyo, Japan, on April 8, 1986. Standing at 161 cm with a blood type A, she is the youngest of three children. She engaged in various activities, including horseback riding, dancing, and piano lessons. Her father, a horse owner, owned 16 racehorses, including エドノコバン_Edonokoban^Japanese, which provided her with ample opportunities to engage in horseback riding from a young age. This fostered her talent for equestrianism. She began her entertainment career as a model in 1997, when she was in the sixth grade of elementary school. She later attended Hinode High School (now Meguro Nihon University Junior and Senior High School) but dropped out.

2.2. Family Background

Sawajiri comes from a multicultural background; her father was Japanese, and her mother is Algerian Kabyle who was raised in France. Her name, Erika, was inspired by the Erica genus of the heath family. For a period, her name was transliterated as 繪里香_{Huìlǐxiāng}^Chinese in Chinese-speaking regions, but in 2007, she expressed a desire for a more dignified representation, preferring 英龍華_{Yīnglónghuá}^Chinese, deeming the previous translation "too cute."

Her childhood, though initially affluent due to her father's horse-owning business, was struck by tragedy. Her father disappeared from home when she was nine years old and returned when she was in her third year of junior high school, only to die from cancer that same year. Shortly after, her second eldest brother died in a traffic accident when she was in her first year of high school. Her eldest brother is a former actor. Her mother managed a Mediterranean restaurant, where Sawajiri occasionally helped, though the restaurant has since closed. Sawajiri describes her bond with her family as an unbreakable, strong connection that transcends the word "precious." After filming dramas or movies, she often takes family trips, such as a trip to Okinawa Prefecture after filming Taiyō no Uta.

3.1. Debut and Early Career

Sawajiri began her career in the entertainment industry in 1997, during her sixth year of elementary school, after successfully passing an audition for Stardust Promotion. Her first professional engagement was as a model for the prize page of the shōjo manga magazine Ribon. She quickly gained recognition and became a model for junior fashion magazines like Cutie and Nicola. In 2001, she won the grand prize for the "Seikore" contest and became a regular on the BS news program Harajuku Launchers.

In 2002, Sawajiri was selected as one of Fuji TV's Visual Queens of the Year. That same year, she expanded her modeling career into gravure idolry and made her film debut in Mondai no nai Watashitachi. She also made regular appearances on NTV's variety show The Yoru mo Hit Parade from April to June 2002, and on CX's news program Chou VIP Fortune no Tobira from mid-June to late August. In November, she was featured on CBC's variety show Bijou Dokyuu and TBS's show B-1.

3.2. Acting Career

Sawajiri's acting career began in 2003 with her debut in the TBS television drama Hotman. Her breakthrough came in 2005 with her role as Lee Kyung-ja in the film Break Through! (also known as Pacchigi!), which garnered critical acclaim and earned her numerous awards for Best Newcomer. She described Break Through! as "not just a film, but the best textbook for conveying such facts," emphasizing the personal and professional growth she gained from the experience.

Later in 2005, she took on her first lead role in a television drama, portraying Aya Ikeuchi, a girl battling spinocerebellar degeneration, in Fuji TV's 1 Litre of Tears. Her performance was highly praised, contributing to the drama's immense popularity, with its final episode achieving over 20% viewership ratings. This role further cemented her status as a rising star, earning her the Élan d'Or Awards Newcomer of the Year award and the 43rd Golden Arrow Award for Newcomer in 2006.

In 2012, after a period of hiatus, Sawajiri made a highly anticipated return to acting with the lead role of Ririko in the film Helter Skelter. Her immersive portrayal was lauded by director Mika Ninagawa, who stated that "she was Ririko herself on set." The film was a commercial success, grossing over 2.00 B JPY and releasing in various Asian countries. Her performance also earned her a nomination for Best Leading Actress at the 36th Japan Academy Film Prize.

Sawajiri continued to take on significant roles, including her first lead role in a prime-time television drama in eight years with First Class (Fuji TV) in April 2014, which achieved high ratings despite its late-night slot. A sequel, First Class 2, was broadcast just three months later, marking the fastest sequel in Fuji TV history. In April 2015, she made her debut in a Getsuku drama as the heroine in Yōkoso, Wagaya e. In January 2016, she starred in her first historical drama, Ōoku (Fuji TV), playing dual lead roles. In August of the same year, her performance as the heroine in the 24-Hour Television special drama Moumoku no Yoshinori-sensei: Hikari wo Ushinatte Kokoro ga Mieta achieved a 20.5% viewership rating. From October 2016 to October 2018, she served as the regular MC for the NHK BS Premium documentary Another Stories: Unmei no Bunkiten.

3.3. Music Career

Sawajiri ventured into music in 2006 under the name "Kaoru Amane," her character's name from the TV adaptation of A Song to the Sun (Taiyō no Uta). Her debut single, "Taiyō no Uta," quickly topped the Oricon charts for two consecutive weeks and became a massive hit, selling over 480,000 copies and becoming the first debut single by a female artist to remain in the top 3 for five consecutive weeks.

On July 16, 2007, she released her debut solo single, "Free," under the name "ERIKA." This single also immediately ranked number one on the Oricon Charts on its first day. "Free" was certified Platinum for 250,000 cellphone downloads, while "Taiyō no Uta" achieved Triple Platinum for 750,000 cellphone downloads. Oricon noted that she was the only artist in 39 years to have her first two singles reach number one since Hiroko Yakushimaru in 1983. Her second single under the ERIKA alias, "Destination Nowhere," was released on November 28, 2007, reaching number 7 on the Oricon charts. In May 2010, she released the digital-only single "Treasure" under the name "ERIKA × STUDIO APARTMENT."

3.4. Hiatuses and Returns

Sawajiri's career has been punctuated by significant hiatuses, often following personal issues or controversies. Her first major hiatus began in late 2007 after the "Betsu ni" incident, during which she withdrew from public appearances, including the 12th Busan International Film Festival. Her contract with Stardust Promotion was terminated on September 30, 2009, effectively pausing her entertainment activities until spring 2010.

In March 2010, it was reported that Sawajiri would resume her entertainment career, establishing her own agency, "El Extraterrestre" (Spanish for "alien"), in Spain and planning to base her activities in Madrid. She signed a business partnership agreement with Avex Management Inc. on April 1, 2011, marking her official return to the Japanese entertainment scene. Her acting comeback was with the BeeTV drama L et M: Watashi ga Anata o Ai suru Riyu in February 2012, followed by her lead role in Helter Skelter.

Her career faced another major disruption in November 2019 following her arrest for drug possession. This led to her removal from the 2020 Taiga drama Kirin ga Kuru, where she was replaced by Haruna Kawaguchi. In January 2020, during her trial, Sawajiri stated she had no plans to continue her career, and Avex ended her contract in February 2020. Despite these pronouncements, in November 2023, it was announced that Sawajiri would make her stage debut in a New National Theatre Tokyo production of A Streetcar Named Desire in February 2024, marking her return to entertainment after a four-year hiatus.

4.1. Marriage and Divorce

Erika Sawajiri's relationship with media creator Tsuyoshi Takashiro began as early as October 2007. In March 2008, after nearly three months in London with Takashiro, she returned to Japan. During her time in London, she attended a language school and reportedly became fluent enough in English for ordinary conversation.

On January 7, 2009, Sawajiri and Takashiro registered their marriage. They held their wedding ceremony at Meiji Jingu in Yoyogi on January 20, followed by a wedding reception party on Hawaii Island on January 25. However, their marriage was short-lived. Sawajiri announced her intention to divorce on April 27, 2010, and the divorce was officially finalized on December 26, 2013. A press conference on December 28, 2013, confirmed their divorce, with Sawajiri stating she aimed for "a fresh start" in her career the following year. She is a smoker; although she attempted to quit after her marriage to Tsuyoshi Takashiro in 2009, she reportedly resumed smoking in 2010.

5.1. "Betsu ni" Incident

The "Betsu ni" incident refers to a highly publicized event on September 29, 2007, during the premiere of her starring film, Closed Note, at Toho Cinemas Nichigeki in Yūrakuchō, Tokyo. Sawajiri, appearing sullen and displeased with the film, maintained a defiant posture with her arms crossed throughout the stage greeting. When asked by the host, Miki Tominaga, about memorable scenes from the film, she tersely responded, "Not particularly." When asked about an episode where she baked cookies for the film set, she simply replied, 別に_{Betsu ni}^Japanese ("None, really" or "Whatever").

Her behavior was widely criticized by the Japanese media and public for disrespecting her co-stars and the film's staff. On October 2, she posted an apology on her official website. On October 4, during an exclusive two-hour interview on TV Asahi's Super Morning program, she tearfully apologized, stating, "My actions that day destroyed everything." She also denied rumors of being suspended by her management. However, in a September 2010 interview with CNNGo, Sawajiri expressed regret for apologizing, claiming her management had pressured her to do so against her will.

The incident, coupled with her relationship with Tsuyoshi Takashiro, severely damaged her public image. The phrase 別に_{Betsu ni}^Japanese became a viral phenomenon. This negative reception led to her withdrawal from the Busan International Film Festival and an abrupt hiatus from her acting career. Stardust Promotion eventually terminated her contract in 2009. The phrase's notoriety even led to Sawajiri parodying herself in a Snickers commercial in 2011. In a 2019 interview on Bokura no Jidai, Sawajiri reflected on the period, stating, "I was really busy around 20 years old. Back then, I was faking it. There was this 'Erika Sawajiri image' that I felt I had to maintain, which was a lie, and it eventually crushed me." She acknowledged the intense public backlash she received.

5.2. Drug Arrest and Trial

On November 16, 2019, Erika Sawajiri was arrested by the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department's Organized Crime Control Division 5 on suspicion of possessing synthetic drug MDMA capsules at her home. She reportedly admitted to using MDMA and other illegal drugs, including marijuana, LSD, and cocaine, for the past 10 years, since she was 19 years old.

On December 6, she was indicted on charges of violating the Narcotics and Psychotropics Control Act and was released on bail after paying 5.00 M JPY. Her first public trial was held on January 31, 2020, at the Tokyo District Court, where she pleaded guilty to the charges. The prosecution sought a sentence of 18 months in prison, while the defense requested a suspended sentence. The trial concluded on the same day.

On February 6, 2020, the Tokyo District Court sentenced her to 18 months in prison, suspended for three years. The verdict became final on February 21, as neither the prosecution nor the defense appealed. As a consequence of the arrest and trial, Sawajiri's entertainment activities were effectively halted. She was removed from her role as Kichō (Nōhime) in the 2020 Taiga drama Kirin ga Kuru, with Haruna Kawaguchi replacing her. Although 10 episodes featuring Sawajiri had already been filmed, NHK decided to reshoot her scenes. In February 2020, Avex, her management agency, terminated their contract with her. During her initial court appearance, Sawajiri stated that she had no plans to resume her acting career.

5.3. Public Relations and the 6-Point Pledge

Following her controversies, Sawajiri's personal agency, "El Extraterrestre," issued a "6-point pledge" to the media, outlining conditions for reporting on her. This pledge stipulated that information and statements should be conveyed accurately without distortion or misunderstanding, and that unverified rumors should not be published. It also prohibited unilateral, humiliating, or disparaging language, and required that information concerning her private life or privacy not be disclosed without permission. Furthermore, it demanded corrections for inaccurate or harmful information and forbade the unauthorized publication of images or videos related to her private life.

The pledge garnered significant attention and mixed reactions. Journalist Toshinao Sasaki expressed surprise on Twitter, stating, "This is an extremely honest pledge. Why can't they sign it?" Yoichi Wada, president of Square Enix, also reacted with astonishment, commenting, "It's amazing that they can't sign this."

7.1. Films

7.2. Television Dramas

7.3. Other Appearances

Erika Sawajiri has appeared in a variety of other media, showcasing her versatility beyond film and television.

• Web Dramas & Films
  • Like A Rolling Stone (web-exclusive film for XYLISH campaign)
  • TREEHOUSE (2013) - Film actress role
  • Impossibility Defense (2017-2018, dTV) - Tomoko Tada (Heroine)
  • Stage
    • A Streetcar Named Desire (2024) - Blanche DuBois (Lead)
    • Variety Shows
      • Harajuku Ronchazu (2001, BS Asahi)
      • The Yoru mo Hit Parade (2002, Nippon Television)
      • Chou VIP Fortune no Tobira (2002, Fuji TV)
      • B-1 (2002-2003, TBS)
      • Aidoru wa (2003-2004, Fuji TV TWO)
      • Mecha x2 Ikederu! (Unknown broadcasting company)
      • Another Stories: Unmei no Bunkiten (October 2016 - October 2018, NHK BS Premium) - MC
      • Music Videos
        • Zeebra - "BIG BIG MONEY feat. HIRO" (2003)
        • Kishidan - "Secret Love Story" (2003)
        • Rip Slyme - "Hey! Brother" (2005) (From Mamiya Kyodai film footage)
        • Kaoru Amane - "Taiyō no Uta" (2006) (Theme song of Midnight Sun)
        • Kaoru Amane - "Stay With Me" (2006) (Insert song of Midnight Sun)
        • Miliyah Kato - "I Will" (2006) (Theme song of Otoshimono)
        • SunSet Swish - "Kimi ga Iru kara" (2006) (Theme song of Tenshi no Tamago)
        • Hitomi Takahashi - "Komorebi" (2006) (Theme song of Tegami)
        • Yui - "Love & Truth" (2007) (Theme song of Closed Note)
        • Ohashi Trio - "MAGIC" (2013) (From TREEHOUSE film footage)
        • Radio
          • @llnightnippon.com (September 13, 2002, Nippon Broadcasting System) - Personality
          • Erika Sawajiri REAL ERIKA (January - June 2007, NACK5) - Personality
          • Exhibitions
            • "100 ERIKAS" by Noriyuki Tanaka at SPACE FOR YOUR FUTURE 2007 - Art and Design Gene Recombination (October 27, 2007 - January 20, 2008, Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo)
            • "100 ERIKAS" at Ars Electronica 2009 - HUMAN NATURE permanent exhibition

8.1. Singles

8.2. Soundtrack appearances

8.3. Other Participations

• "Ashita Waratte Irareru You Ni" (明日笑っていられるように^Japanese, "So That I Can Laugh Tomorrow") (April 2014) - with Tokyo Prince and Precious Friends