The drama special "Totto's Missing Youth" was aired on the Nippon Television Network's "24 Hour TV 48 - Love Saves the Earth" on August 30th and 31st. The story depicts the hilarious youth of Tetsuko Kuroyanagi, and the acting of Mana Ashida, who played Tetsuko, has garnered a lot of attention.
The drama is based on Kuroyanagi Tetsuko's autobiographical essay "Totto's Missing Book" (Shincho Bunko), and depicts Kuroyanagi's life from her time at girls' school, through her time at music school, to her becoming an exclusive actress for NHK.
Tetsuko was restless from a young age, and when she became absorbed in something that interested her, she completely ignored her surroundings. Her reckless and impulsive nature caused many mishaps even as a schoolgirl. Still, she believed in the words of her father, a violinist, and tried her hand at everything from opera singing to cellist, director, and music critic in an attempt to find her own unique talent.
However, although these were all things she wanted to do, they were not the person she wanted to become... Tetsuko's mother and father continued to watch over her patiently. Eventually, Tetsuko discovered one big dream, and it was not to become an actress or a celebrity...
Comments on social media about Ashida's performance as Tetsuko include, "She's an outstanding actress," "She's cute even in this tomboy role," "Ashida Mana has always been so cute," "Amazing. She's just like Tetsuko," and "Her way of speaking is just like Kuroyanagi Tetsuko, and sometimes I think of Tetsuko's Room."
