27 Facts About Erika Sawajiri

Erika Sawajiri is a Japanese actress, singer, and model.

Erika Sawajiri launched a singing career through the 2006 television drama Taiyo no Uta, where her first commercially-released song of the same name was certified Million by the Recording Industry Association of Japan.

Erika Sawajiri later released solo music under the name Erika.

In 2007, Erika Sawajiri went on hiatus after her public image was affected by her controversial statements and personal relationships.

Erika Sawajiri later returned to acting in 2010 and starred in Helter Skelter, for which she received a Best Leading Actress nomination at the 36th Japan Academy Film Prize.

Erika Sawajiri was born in Nerima, Tokyo to a Japanese father and an Algerian Kabyle mother who was raised in France, and is the youngest of three children.

Erika Sawajiri's father owned 16 racehorses, including Edonokoban, giving her ample opportunities to engage in horseback riding as a child.

Erika Sawajiri's father disappeared from home when she was nine years old and returned when she was in her third year at junior high school, only to die from cancer that year.

Erika Sawajiri's mother managed a Mediterranean restaurant where she occasionally helped.

In 1999, Erika Sawajiri passed the Stardust audition after graduating from elementary school.

Erika Sawajiri became part of the idol girl group Angel Eyes and began modeling for junior fashion magazines such as Cutie and Nicola.

Erika Sawajiri later won the grand prize for the 2001 Seikore and became a regular on the BS news program Harajuku Launchers.

In 2002, Erika Sawajiri started her career in film as well as extending her modeling career as a gravure idol.

Erika Sawajiri became one of Fuji TV's Visual Queens in 2002.

Erika Sawajiri was cast in the TBS TV drama Hotman.

Erika Sawajiri first started her music career under the name "Kaoru Amane", the name of her character in her last drama, the TV adaptation of A Song to the Sun.

On July 16,2007, Erika Sawajiri released her debut single "Free", under the name "Erika Sawajiri".

Erika Sawajiri had planned to attend the 12th Busan International Film Festival on October 6,2007, but she cancelled.

In 2012, Erika Sawajiri was scheduled to star in the live-action film version of Space Battleship Yamato but was replaced by Meisa Kuroki.

In 2013, Erika Sawajiri was nominated for Best Actress in a Leading Role at the 36th Japan Academy Awards for her performance in Helter Skelter.

Erika Sawajiri later stated in January 2020 that she had no plans on continuing her career.

Erika Sawajiri returned to Japan on March 29,2008 after nearly three months in London with Takashiro.

On January 20,2009, Erika Sawajiri married Takashiro at Meiji Shrine in Yoyogi and had registered their marriage on January 7.

On November 16,2019, Erika Sawajiri was arrested on suspicion of possessing MDMA at her home.

Erika Sawajiri reportedly admitted to using drugs for the past 10 years, including marijuana, LSD and cocaine.

Erika Sawajiri issued an apology on her website and during her interview on Super Morning, where she denied the rumors that she was being suspended by her management.

On September 1,2010, in an interview with CNN Go, Erika Sawajiri regretted apologizing and claimed that her management had pressured her to do so.