Popular Japanese actress, singer, and model Erika Sawajiri, also known by her stage name Erika, is well-known for her parts in the movies Pacchinghi!, Helter Skelter, and Shinobi. Before being chosen as a regular in TV dramas, she began her career as a model for adolescent magazines and went on to participate in some variety shows. She also attempted to become a gravure idol. Since making her film debut in 2002, she has starred in several highly successful films. In addition to winning two Japan Academy Awards, Erika has received other acting honors. She is a talented vocalist as well, having initially signed with Avex before moving on to Sony Music Entertainment. Her first single became number one on the charts and even received a platinum certification. Due to her connection with Tsuyoshi Takashiro and her outspoken criticism of talent agencies that place restrictions on their clients, she has frequently been in the news. Following a backlash from the public, she returned to the spotlight and is currently working on other projects. She is still one of Japan’s most attractive and talented actors.
Infancy and Childhood of Erika Sawajiri
Erika Sawajiri is the youngest of three children born to Yoshikatsu and Lila Sawajiri. She was born on April 8, 1986. She was born in Tokyo’s Nerima-ku neighborhood. Her mother is Algerian, and her father is Japanese.
When Erika was younger, she enjoyed riding horses frequently since her father was a professional racehorse owner. One of her brothers passed away in a car accident after her father passed away from cancer. These regrettable events made sure the family watched out for one another and kept in close contact. The brother of Erika who is still alive is an actor.
Career of Erika Sawajiri
After completing her primary education in 1999, Erika Sawajiri started her career by passing the Stardust audition. She later joined “Angel Eyes” and began modeling for adolescent publications like “Nicola” and “Cutie.” She also did a little stint modeling bikinis.
She eventually started to become well-known through various variety shows, and in 2001 she made her debut as a regular on the news program “Harajuku Launchers.”
She starred in her first motion picture, “Mondai no nai Watashitachi,” in 2002. She continued to work in television in addition to movies, appearing in shows like CBC’s “Bijou Dokyuu,” NTV’s “The Yoru Mo Hit Parade,” CX News’s “Chou VIP Fortune no Tobira,” and Fuji TV’s “Visual Queens.”
When she was chosen for the TBS drama “Hotman” in 2003, she got her first opportunity in a lead role. Her entry into the mainstream of television came from this.
Sawajiri’s career reached a turning point in 2005 when her first successful film, “Pacchigi!” was released. This year’s other noteworthy films are “Ashura-jô no hitomi” and “Shinobi,” both of which won praise from critics.
In the television series “Ichi Rittouru No Namida” (meaning “One Litre of Tears”), she was given the lead role. Erika took on the part of Aya, a teenage girl with a fatal illness. The focus of the story is Aya and her family.
She starred in three films in 2006: Ghost Train, The Angel’s Egg, and Sugar & Spice.
She acted in the film Closed Note in 2007 before taking a protracted break from performing. Her abrupt answer to a reporter’s inquiry, which drew harsh criticism from the media, caused the break.
Later, Erika apologizes in full on the website of her agency. Rumors circulated after a while that Erika’s talent agency, Stardust Promotions, was about to terminate their agreement. Erika’s mother refuted the claims that her daughter’s substance misuse was the reason for her termination.
She began performing as a singer under the alias “Kaoru Amane.” “Free,” her debut single, was made available in 2007. It received a platinum certification and was ranked first. She expressed her wish to return to acting in the interim.
She brought up the 2007 event again in 2010, claiming that her agency had made her apologize and that she had spoken out against the power that talent agencies wield in Japan. Both favorable and unfavorable press was generated by this.
In 2012, she returned with the film “Helter Skelter.” Erika played the major role of Liliko in this Mika Ninagawa action movie. The movie went on to become one of the year’s highest-grossing productions.
She received the Japanese Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role for her role in the film “Helter Skelter.”
She also contributed to several TV dramas between 2012 and 2018, such as “First Class” (2014), “Ōoku” (2016), and “Haha ni Naru” (2017).
“Impossibility Defense,” “The Cat in his Arms,” “Taberu Onna,” and “Million Dollar Man” are her four upcoming releases in 2018. Erika’s successful comeback as a significant actor has allowed her to stay involved in the entertainment business.
Large Works of Erika Sawajiri
Erika’s most well-known role was that of Liliko in the 2012 comeback movie “Helter Skelter.” Mika Ninagawa’s live-action film was an adaptation of Kyoko Okazaki’s psychological horror manga.
Individual Life and Legacy
On January 20, 2009, Erika Sawajiri wed writer-filmmaker Tsuyoshi Takashiro at the Meiji Shrine. Given that she is 20 years younger than Tsuyoshi Takashiro, their marriage made headlines.
Erika and Tsuyoshi declared their formal divorce in 2013 during a news conference. Later, Erika Sawajiri visited Takashiro’s parents to express her regret for their inability to maintain the connection.
Erika has frequently said that she always talks to her mother before making a significant decision and that she views her mother as her greatest influence. The pair stays close to one another and frequently makes appearances together at public gatherings.
Being one of the most vocal actresses, Erika has frequently been the focus of criticism. Still, she continues to gain a lot of admirers thanks to her bold demeanor.
The net worth of Erika Sawajiri
The estimated net worth of Erika Sawajiri is about $1 million.