As an otokoyaku (player of male roles), she joined the revue in 1985, became the top star of Snow Troupe in 1997, before transferring to Superior Members (Senka) in 2002.
[5] Todoroki Yu's ability to portray men in a realistic fashion, as opposed to the "ideal man" approach otokoyaku usually take, has been the key to her success.
Michael Kunze and his wife, the dog of a fellow actress, as well as some French men reportedly perceived Todoroki Yu as male.
However, Yachiyo Kasugano, Todoroki's teacher (member of the theater since 1929; with the company until her death in 2012), persuaded her to stay.
Following this, she continued to make special appearances in both the Grand Theater performances and small-theatre productions of other troupes until her resignation in 2021.
Todoroki was a special supporter of the 2019 World Women's Handball Championship and sang Japan's national anthem at the opening ceremony.