Kokoro Terada:Currently 17 years old, she will appear in the drama "Tatsuki-sensei is Too Sweet!" as a volunteer staff member at university.

It was announced on March 19th that actor Kokoro Terada will appear in the NTV Saturday drama "Tatsuki-sensei is Too Sweet!" (Saturdays at 9 PM), which will start on April 11th and stars Keita Machida. Terada, currently 17 years old, will play Soya Kaido, a 19-year-old university student volunteer staff member.

The drama tells the story of Tatsuki Ukita (Machida), the overly sweet head of the free school "Yukanai," who connects with children through art and play, helping them discover the feelings they have kept hidden deep inside.

Terada plays Soya, a volunteer staff member at "Yukanai." As the closest in age to the children, he's like an older brother figure who blends in with them on an equal footing.

◇Comment from Kokoro Terada

After reading the script, I felt that Soya has many similarities to me, such as his love for children, his cheerful personality, and the way he speaks. I feel that there is a trend among children today where they are told "you can't be yourself" and are easily influenced by those around them, but I thought this work was a story that affirms and accepts oneself, saying "everyone is different, and that's okay."

My impression of free schools is that they are places where everyone can grow individually while enjoying their own interests and where they can accept and appreciate one another. On-site, I want to be like a big brother to everyone and play a lot with the younger kids. I've also been doing strength training recently, so I'd love to be able to give everyone a hug.

I want to convey to viewers of all generations who watch this drama that they should not deny who they are, but accept themselves. It's not about everyone looking left and feeling like you have to do the same, but about realizing that you're not alone, and that looking in a different direction isn't wrong. I hope this message reaches people that it's okay to live life the way you want.