Tao Tsuchiya's sparkling eyes, wide grin and radiant smile are perfect for the lead role in the TV drama "Chia Dan," a title that refers to cheerleading dance. Tsuchiya's character in the drama, called "We Are Rockets" in English, is a dedicated member of a high-school cheerleading team.
"I hope I can give viewers encouragement and move their hearts," the actress said.
The drama airs on the TBS network from 10 p.m. on Fridays.
Tsuchiya plays Wakaba Fujitani, who fails the entrance exam for a high school famed for its cheerleading team. Even after entering a high school in a neighboring town, she cannot give up her dream of becoming a cheerleader. She then meets a transfer student, Shiori Kiryu (played by Anna Ishii), and forms a cheer dancing group to pursue her dream.
"One by one, she gets more companions who share the same goal. It's like [Japanese folk tale] 'Momotaro' [Peach boy]," Tsuchiya said.
In all, about 20 members join the group. They vary in their dance experience and reasons for joining the team. Yet together they will try to win a cheerleading championship in the United States, the home of cheerleading.
The actresses who play the members also differ in their dance and acting experiences. "[That's why] we try to be honest with each other when we have discussions," she said.
Tsuchiya, a Tokyo native, was born in 1995 and made her name when she played the eponymous heroine of the NHK morning serial drama "Mare." Having also appeared in many films and commercials, she won the Japan Academy Film Prize for best actress for her role in "Hachinengoshi no Hanayome" (The 8-year Engagement).
Having been in showbiz for about 10 years, Tsuchiya now stars in many films. But she said Wakaba's struggles remind her of the time when she failed in many auditions.
"I had no confidence. I was always worried about what the judges would think of me," she recalled.
One day, she changed the way she looked at the situation.
"I hoped they would at least think, 'She came to the audition and made us happy,'" she said.
With this mind-set, she successfully auditioned for the lead role of "Mare."
"Everyone has overcome setbacks and failures. If we share those experiences, we should be able to hang together even more," she said of herself and her costars in "Chia Dan."
The cast started hard cheer dancing training six months ago, which is fostering a sense of unity among them.
Tsuchiya is likely to have a busy summer with even more practice and shooting sessions for the drama.
Asked what she would like to do this summer, she said: "I want to do a barbecue with all the cast members. We are on location in Fukui Prefecture as well, so I'm looking forward to eating some regional delicacies," she said.
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