Commentary:"Anpan" - Profile of Takiuchi Kumi Takiuchi Sensei. From socially conscious works to physical acting, her overwhelming acting ability expresses everything from strength to sadness.

The 35th episode (May 16th) of the NHK morning drama " Anpan " (General Asadora , Monday to Saturday 8:00am and others) was broadcast, and the painful past of Kuroi Yukiko Kuroi , a teacher at a women's normal school played by Kumi Takiuchi , was revealed, causing a stir. Although this was Takiuchi's first appearance in a Asadora, she perfectly embodied Kuroi's strictness, strength, weakness and sadness, and captivated viewers. We would like to introduce her "profile" and what kind of acting she has shown in her previous works.

◇ Sometimes he throws himself into the action

Takiuchi was born in 1989 and began his acting career after graduating from university. He made his film debut in 2012 and played his first leading role in the 2014 film "Grateful Dead" (directed by Eiji Uchida). After that, he appeared in a series of popular films, including "The Worst Guys in Japan" (directed by Kazuya Shiraishi) and "Yamikin Ushijima-kun Part 3" (directed by Masatoshi Yamaguchi), both released in 2016.

In 2017, she starred in the film "Her Life Is Not a Mistake" (directed by Ryuichi Hiroki), in which she played the role of a poor woman who travels from temporary housing in Fukushima to Tokyo on weekends to work part-time at a delivery health service. In 2019's "The Two at the Crater's Edge" (directed by Haruhiko Arai), she took on the difficult role of a woman who, despite being about to get married, repeatedly overlaps with her former lover, played by Tasuku Emoto, and is not afraid to appear nude.

After such bold works, in 2021, she showed a new side of herself by playing the role of a documentary director in the socially-themed film "Yuko no Tenbin" (directed by Yujiro Harumoto). The film won numerous film awards and demonstrated the breadth of her acting.

Since her debut, she has been appearing in TV dramas consistently, but her roles as Minamoto Akiko in last year's NHK historical drama "Dear Radiance (Hikaru Kimi e)" and as prosecutor Anan in the January drama series "Who saw the peacock dance in the jungle?" (TBS) are still fresh in her memory. In "Dear Radiance (Hikaru Kimi e)," she portrayed a sinister woman's passion and jealousy. In "Who saw the peacock dance in the jungle?", she played a strong-willed and cool prosecutor.

◇Looking back on his role as Professor Kuroi

Takiuchi plays the role of Ms. Kuroi in "Anpan," a teacher at the women's normal school attended by the main character, Nobu (played by Imada). She is a militarist, and her dignified tone and attitude are very powerful.

Regarding playing Kuroi, Takiuchi previously commented, "I will be appearing as an obstacle to the main character, Nobu-san, so it's a very challenging role. I intend to put in a lot of energy and determination to play the role."

In the 22nd episode (April 29th), Usako (played by Sara Shida) complains about the strict discipline at the women's normal school, and Kuroi sternly instructs her, saying, "Don't whine! You're too weak. You're weaker than the mosquito larvae in Kagami River. Become strong for the sake of your country." Viewers responded with comments such as, "He's like the final boss," "If I met his gaze, I'd turn to stone," and "He's really scary."

Kuroi, who never lets anything get to her, first showed her humanity in episode 35 when she confessed about her past. In front of Nobu, Kuroi confessed, "I was married once. I got married right after graduating from the women's normal school. I couldn't have children for three years and was kicked out of my husband's house." She perfectly expressed her regret, sadness, and frustration for the past with a momentary change in her facial expression, as her mouth twisted. Viewers also praised her, saying, "Takiuchi's acting ability makes you feel how much pain she went through in just a moment!", "She's someone who leaves an impression," and "I was completely captivated by Kumi Takiuchi in the normal school scene."

Takiuchi has played a wide variety of roles, from bold works to socially conscious themes. In "Anpan," she expressed the weakness and sadness of a woman who appears strong on the surface with her overwhelming acting ability. Takiuchi is steadily building her career in various works and is becoming more and more attractive as an actor, so we can't take our eyes off her in the future.