Erika Sawajiri is a Japanese actress, singer, and model. She was born on **April 8, 1986**, in Tokyo, Japan. Her father was Japanese, and her mother is of Algerian Kabyle origin who was raised in France. She began her career as a model before becoming an actress in the early 2000s.

Erika became famous for her role as Aya Ikeuchi in the television drama **1 Litre of Tears** (2005), which earned her great praise for her emotional performance. She also starred in films such as **Shinobi: Heart Under Blade**, **Helter Skelter**, and the drama **Taiyō no Uta**. Through *Taiyō no Uta*, she started a music career and released several successful songs under the names **Kaoru Amane** and **Erika**.