On April 13, 2025, actress and YouTube sensation Riisa Naka made an appearance on the popular TBS program "Jounetsu Tairiku". Known for her engaging videos that showcase her unfiltered daily life, Naka has amassed a following of 1.79 million subscribers on her YouTube channel. In the program, she discussed her role in the upcoming film "TOKYO MER ~Hashiru Kinkyu Kyumeishitsu~", set to be released on April 28, 2025, where she reprises her character, Dr. Takawashi Chisa, after a two-year hiatus since the original drama aired in 2021.
Naka's character, the wife of Chief Doctor Kida Mitsuki, portrayed by Ryohei Suzuki, finds herself in a harrowing situation as she becomes embroiled in a high-rise building explosion while being in the late stages of her pregnancy. This intense role not only showcases her acting skills but also highlights the challenges faced by pregnant women in demanding situations.
Reflecting on her return to the character of Takawashi Chisa, Naka expressed her excitement about the film's larger scale compared to the drama. "It was a very big production during the drama, and I thought, 'Of course, it would become a movie!'" she shared. In the original series, her character had limited interactions with the cast, primarily communicating with Kida via remote conversations. However, in the film, she actively participates in the action, which Naka found refreshing.
"The filming was really tough..." she admitted with a laugh, pointing out the physical demands of the role. The summer shoot brought its own set of challenges, including extreme heat and the need to navigate the set while wearing silicone to simulate her pregnancy. "We were all drenched in sweat from the morning, and I joked that wearing swimsuits might have been a better option!" she quipped, noting that the silicone belly caused her to break out in heat rash.
In the film's narrative, the dynamics between Takawashi and Kida have evolved significantly. Initially portrayed as a couple who had divorced due to Kida's demanding job, the film depicts them as having remarried, with Takawashi now pregnant. Naka reflected on this shift, saying, "I realized that my character had not always had a good impression of the Medical Emergency Rescue (MER) team, and the reasons for her divorce were tied to Kida's work. But now, facing a fire incident and needing help from the MER team, she seems to have come to a deeper appreciation of her husband's dedication to his job."
As the conversation on "Jounetsu Tairiku" continued, Naka also touched upon her personal life. Hailing from Nagasaki, she shared insights into her fashion sense and how her husband, Akiyoshi Nakao, has been supportive throughout her career. Naka's charm and candidness resonated with the audience, as she opened up about the unexpected aspects of her life that fans might not be aware of.
The film "TOKYO MER ~Hashiru Kinkyu Kyumeishitsu~" promises to be a thrilling addition to the series, combining action with emotional depth as it explores the challenges faced by first responders and their families. With Naka's return to the role of Takawashi, fans are eagerly anticipating the film's release and the continuation of her character's journey.
As the release date approaches, the excitement surrounding the film is palpable, with many fans expressing their enthusiasm on social media. Naka's ability to balance her acting career with her YouTube presence has endeared her to a diverse audience, and her insights into the filming process have only heightened interest in her upcoming projects.
In conclusion, Riisa Naka's appearance on "Jounetsu Tairiku" not only showcased her talent as an actress but also offered a glimpse into her life beyond the screen. As she prepares for the release of "TOKYO MER", her dedication to her craft and her engaging personality continue to captivate fans across multiple platforms.