Actress Erika Sawajiri is making a remarkable return to the entertainment industry after approximately four years. She is set to take on the lead role in the stage play "A Streetcar Named Desire," scheduled to run from February 10 to 18, 2024, at venues including the Tokyo New National Theater.

Sawajiri had withdrawn from her role in the 2020 Taiga drama "Kirin ga Kuru" in 2019 due to personal issues, notably a drug-related arrest. This marks her first comeback since her appearance in the movie "Ningen shikkaku: Dazai Osamu to 3-nin no onna-tachin." During her three-and-a-half-year hiatus, she underwent significant self-reflection, addressing the repercussions of her actions. It is reported that she reached this decision to return to the stage in consultation with her agency regarding her future career path.

What's unique about her return is that it's not through a drama or movie but on the stage. "A Streetcar Named Desire" is a timeless masterpiece that originally premiered in the United States in 1947, set in post-war New Orleans, portraying the decline of an upper-class woman. In Japan, prominent actors such as Haruko Sugimura and Shinobu Otake have taken on the lead role of Blanche. Sawajiri, in her stage debut and first leading role, has displayed extraordinary motivation and dedication. Preparations for her comeback are actively underway.

Erika Sawajiri's return is eagerly awaited, and her presence in the entertainment world is bound to attract even more attention as she gears up for her stage debut in February.