Kanna Hashimoto Appears Downtown in Pink Tracksuit During Filming of Yandoku

“I was curious about the menu.”

A woman emerged alone from an izakaya in a downtown neighborhood. Wearing an oversized outer layer with printed lettering and pink track pants, a smartphone hanging from her, walking with her arms folded—she looked exactly like a local delinquent. That woman was actress Kanna Hashimoto (26).

On this day in mid-January, filming was underway in a busy district of Koto Ward, Tokyo, for the Monday 9 p.m. drama Yandoku! (Fuji TV).

“It’s a medical entertainment drama written by Nonji Nemoto, based on the life of a real female doctor. Hashimoto plays the protagonist, Kotoha Tagami—a former delinquent who quits a motorcycle gang after her best friend dies in an accident and, through intense study, becomes a neurosurgeon.

In the first episode, which aired on January 12, it opens with her suddenly kicking over a trash can and shouting lines like, ‘That’s enough already! You idiot!’ Along with scenes showcasing her exceptional surgical skills, Hashimoto’s wide-ranging performance is a must-see,” says a TV magazine writer.

In the NHK morning drama Omusubi (September 2024 season), her portrayal of a blonde Heisei-era gyaru transforming into a nutritionist was well received, and this new role is also generating buzz on social media, with comments such as, “Kanna-chan’s gap is the best!” and “Her serious acting feels so fresh.”

Filming that day took place inside the izakaya, and Hashimoto appeared only after the shoot had wrapped. As she left the set surrounded by a large number of staff, she glanced around restlessly. She seemed particularly interested in a Japanese restaurant right next door, peering curiously at the menu posted out front.

Regarding her role in this project, Hashimoto commented:

“This is my first time playing a protagonist modeled after a real person. I was able to meet the doctor herself and hear many stories, and through that I truly felt what a wonderful person she is. I want to cherish and carefully portray the role of Kotoha.” (From the official Yandoku! website)

The first episode’s free catch-up streaming surpassed 2.46 million views (figures calculated by TVer DATA MARKETING; combined total for TVer and FOD as of January 18). The number of favorites registered on TVer has also exceeded 560,000.

Hashimoto’s momentum shows no sign of slowing down this year either.

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