On May 9, 2025, the popular television program 'The Common Tent!' aired on Fuji Television, featuring a special segment dedicated to animal lovers. Among the guests was Kokoro Terada, a 16-year-old actor known for his deep affection for animals. During the show, Terada shared his aspirations of becoming a veterinarian, a dream he has been diligently pursuing.
Terada, who made his debut in the entertainment industry at the tender age of three, has garnered attention for his mature insights and love for animals. Currently a second-year high school student, he lives with five dogs, including several rescue dogs, which he cares for with great dedication. "Everyone has some health issues, and some have had their vocal cords removed," he explained about his pets, highlighting the challenges faced by animals in need.
During the episode, themed 'People Whose Lives Changed Because of Animals,' Terada recounted a pivotal moment from his childhood that inspired his passion for animal welfare. He recalled reading a picture book about the fates of rescue dogs, which ignited his desire to engage in activities to help them. "After reading that, I wanted to understand and help those dogs," he shared.
In addition to his acting career, Terada has been actively volunteering at a nursing home for elderly dogs since last year. He takes on various responsibilities, including helping with their bathroom needs. "No matter how cute they are, they will eventually reach that point, so I think it's important to consider that before getting a pet," he advised, expressing concerns about the impulsive decisions people make regarding pet ownership.
Two years ago, Terada faced a significant loss when his beloved miniature dachshund, Nonno-kun, passed away. This experience profoundly affected him and deepened his commitment to animal care. "It was sudden, and I wasn’t there for him because I was working. Nonno was at my grandmother's house, and I told him, 'I’ll come back soon,' but that was the last time I saw him," he reflected, sharing his regrets about not being by his pet's side during his final moments.
Motivated by this loss, Terada has set a lofty goal for himself: to study hard and become a veterinarian. He expressed a heartfelt wish to help animals, stating, "Because of Nonno's death, I want to be able to help them myself. I hope to become a veterinarian or a veterinary nurse, and I want to call out to my future patients, 'I’ll come to help you as soon as I can, so please wait for me.'" His determination to advocate for animal welfare is evident as he uses his platform as an actor to raise awareness about these issues.
In the same episode, fellow guest Sayaka Nebu, a 38-year-old talent, also shared her experiences and connection with animals. She announced her participation in the show via her Instagram, where she expressed excitement about discussing her shared love for animals with other performers. Nebu highlighted her involvement with NASU FARM VILLAGE, where she introduced a new rescue dog named Lion and discussed her commitment to animal rescue activities.
Nebu reminisced about her reunion with Terada, whom she last worked with 15 years ago on the drama '5 → 9.' She expressed her surprise at how much Terada has grown since their last encounter, noting, "I was so happy to see Kokoro-kun again after all these years. He has grown so much and turned into a wonderful young man with muscles!" This nostalgic moment resonated with fans, who flooded her Instagram with compliments and excitement about the show.
As the episode progressed, both Terada and Nebu emphasized the importance of animal welfare and the need for greater public awareness. Terada lamented the low recognition of rescue animals in society, stating, "I feel like people’s understanding of rescue activities and dogs in need is still quite low. I hope to use my visibility as an actor to help spread awareness quickly." His perspective reflects a growing movement among young celebrities to leverage their influence for social good.
With both Terada and Nebu's heartfelt stories, the episode of 'The Common Tent!' not only entertained viewers but also educated them about the significance of caring for animals and the responsibilities that come with pet ownership. The program's focus on animal welfare resonated deeply with audiences, prompting discussions about how individuals can contribute to the cause.
As the show concluded, it was clear that both Terada and Nebu are committed to their respective missions in animal welfare. Their stories serve as a reminder of the profound impact animals can have on our lives and the importance of compassion and responsibility in caring for them. The episode has inspired many to consider how they can support animal rescue efforts and advocate for those who cannot speak for themselves.
In a world where animal welfare is often overlooked, the voices of young advocates like Terada and Nebu shine a light on the need for change. Their commitment to making a difference demonstrates that even in the entertainment industry, there is room for compassion and advocacy, encouraging viewers to join in the effort to protect and care for animals in need.
