Japanese actress Sawajiri Erika, who faced affairs and drug controversies, is dating an idol seven years her junior.
Japanese outlet News Post SE7EN reported on the 9th that Sawajiri Erika enjoyed a tryst with Hashimoto Ryosuke, a member of Johnny & Associates boy group A.B.C-Z.
According to the report, Sawajiri Erika formed a connection with Hashimoto Ryosuke after co-starring in the play "Pygmalion" in January. At that time, Hashimoto praised Sawajiri, saying, "Her willingness to give 120% during rehearsal is admirable."
The two reportedly grew close rapidly while performing together. Despite busy schedules, they made time to have dinner together at a restaurant in Tokyo's Shibuya, and after about two hours of dining, they walked through the city together late at night.
While keeping a measured distance as they walked, Sawajiri's face naturally lit with a smile. The two stopped by a bar for drinks afterward and then headed to their respective homes.
Sawajiri Erika gained popularity as Japan's national little sister through the dramas "1 Litre of Tears" and "Song of the Sun." She has since continued acting in works such as "First Class", "Becoming a Mother", "Shiroi Kyotō", the films "Punch!", "Lost Property", "The Letter", "The Mamiya Brothers", "Shinobi", "Closed Note", "Helter Skelter", "Shinjuku Swan", "Cats Don't Hug", "The Eating Woman" and "Lost".
However, she has also faced multiple controversies over her private life. Although Sawajiri Erika was loved for her innocent image, she later became embroiled in controversies over her behavior; she married an artist 22 years her senior in 2009 but later divorced amid an affair scandal.
In November 2019 she was arrested at her home on suspicion of possessing synthetic drugs (MDMA, ecstasy), sparking controversy. According to investigators at the time, Sawajiri Erika was suspected of possessing MDMA powder at her Meguro, Tokyo, residence, and during police questioning she reportedly confessed to using illegal drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, ecstasy and LSD for more than 10 years, causing further uproar. Ultimately, in February 2020 she was sentenced to one year and six months in prison with a three-year suspended sentence.
[Photo] OSEN DB, official website.
[OSEN]