Shiori Doi and Junki Tozuka in “Tora ni Tsubasa” Ignite Rivalry Among Networks for Supporting Roles

Among fans, ‘Tora Tsuba’ has become the standard.

The serialized TV drama “Tora ni Tsubasa” has become such a huge hit that it can be called a social phenomenon, and it will conclude at the end of September.

Among fans, it’s commonly referred to as “Tora Tsuba,” and social media is filled with posts like “the strongest morning drama ever” and “already experiencing withdrawal.” It has consistently topped the weekly viewership ratings.

On September 6, Ito Sairi (30), who plays Sada Torako, modeled after the first Japanese female lawyer, judge, and court president Yoshiko Mibu, appeared as a guest on NHK’s “Asaichi” premium talk segment.

Many cast members from “Tora Tsuba” have been guests on the show, and Ito, as the heroine, was the final guest. Numerous co-stars sent her video messages.

“One of them was Taiga Nakano, who played her husband. When his heartfelt message to Ito was shared, she became teary-eyed but joked, ‘I’m glad you didn’t forget me even while in the hospital. Everyone ends up in the hospital,’ referring to Nakano’s recent role in the July drama ‘Shinjuku Yasen Byoin’ alongside Eiko Koike.” (said a TV magazine writer)

It’s not just Nakano; “Shinjuku Yasen Byoin” also features Takashi Okabe, who played Ito’s father in “Tora Tsuba,” as well as Kami Hiraiwa, who portrayed her college classmate. The regular cast includes Muga Tsukaji from “Drunk Dragon,” Kimiko Yo, and guest appearances from former “Choshinsei” member Seongmo, Yoshihiro Nozoe, and Junki Tozuuka.

“When Tozuka, who gained popularity in ‘Tora Tsuba’ and frequently trended on X with ‘#Oretachi no Todoroki,appeared as a guest, there were even comments wondering if he was collaborating with ‘Tora Tsuba.’ It’s not just ‘Shinjuku Yasen Byoin’ in ‘Black Pean Season 2’ (TBS), Naruki Matsukawa, who co-starred with Ito during her child acting days in ‘Joō no Kyōshitsu’ and played a fellow lawyer in ‘Tora Tsuba,’ appears as a doctor. It’s believed that Ito was referring to both ‘hospitals.'” (the writer noted)

Goodbye, 100 years from now! We, who have come this far!

Not only in “the hospital,” but in July, Junki Totsuka and Ryoko Kobayashi, who played a senior lawyer, co-starred in “Aoshima-kun wa Ijiwaru” (TV Asahi). They shared a two-shot on social media, delighting their followers. Totsuka noted, “#It’s not Kubota-senpai, it’s Takako-san,” referencing Kobayashi’s character names in both works. Kobayashi commented, “Goodbye in 100 years! We made it!” inspired by the lyrics from Kenshi Yonezu’s song “Sayōnara Mata Itsuka!” from “Tora ni Tsubasa.” 

One of the most talked-about actors in “Tora ni Tsubasa” is Shiori Doi, who played the lawyer Yamada Yone, a同期 of Torako.

 

“At the end of August, ‘Aibou Season 15’ (TV Asahi), in which she guest-starred in 2016, was re-broadcast. Recently, an episode featuring Takashi Okabe was also re-aired. Although he played a nameless police officer, both works clearly seemed timed to coincide with ‘Tora ni Tsubasa.’

 

In the October season, Doi will star as a main cast member in ‘Munou no Taka,’ a Friday night drama led by Nanao. Having previously guest-starred in ‘Kinkyu Torishirabeshitsu,’ it feels as if TV Asahi has ‘won the battle for Doi.’ There’s a strong possibility they will continue to keep her under their wing.” (Drama Producer)

 

Conversely, it’s fair to say that NHK has kept a hold on Yuki Inoue, who plays the son of Torako’s remarried partner, Masaki Okada. He made his drama debut in 2019 with “Oshii Keiji,” aired on BS Premium. In 2022, he starred in the late-night drama “Sotsugyou Time Limit.” He has also appeared in “Ooku” and “Dousuru Ieyasu.”

The “Tora ni Tsubasa” Supporting Cast Battle

It’s indeed rare for a morning drama to have supporting cast members continuously gain attention and grow in popularity like this.

On September 18, a special event titled “Tora ni Tsubasa × Kenshi Yonezu Special” will bring together key members like Ito, Doi, Hiraide, Yuki Sakurai, and Ha Younse, along with their classmates from Meiji University. A special talk between Yonezu and Ito will also take place. NHK is eager to keep the “Tora ni Tsubasa” cast from being poached by private broadcasters, leading to an anticipated competition for these supporting actors. It will be interesting to see which networks’ dramas they appear in next—definitely something to keep an eye on.