Japanese movie stars born in 1903
Here are 7 famous actresses from Japan were born in 1903:
Toyo Takahashi
Toyo Takahashi (July 15, 1903 Tokyo-March 14, 1981) a.k.a. Toyoko Takahashi was a Japanese actor.
She began her acting career with the Shochiku film studio in the 1920s, appearing in a number of silent films. However, her breakthrough role would come in 1936 with Yasujiro Ozu's "The Only Son". She would become a regular in Ozu's films, including "Tokyo Twilight" and "Late Autumn". Takahashi's acting style was noted for her naturalism and understated performances, which made her a highly regarded figure in Japanese cinema. Outside of her work with Ozu, she also appeared in films by other notable directors such as Kenji Mizoguchi and Mikio Naruse. After a career spanning over four decades, Takahashi retired from acting in 1970.
Kikue Mori
Kikue Mori (November 3, 1903 Gunma Prefecture-August 20, 2001 Shizuoka) also known as Kikue Môri was a Japanese actor.
She began her career as a stage actress in the 1920s and transitioned into film in the 1930s. Throughout her career, Môri appeared in over 150 films, including Yasujirō Ozu's "That Night's Wife" (1930) and Mikio Naruse's "Wife, Be Like a Rose!" (1935). She was often cast as the lead or the love interest in melodramatic films of the time.
Môri was also known for her beauty and glamour, which she portrayed on and off screen. In addition to acting, she became an active member of the theater community, serving as the president of the Japan Actors Association from 1956 to 1966. She remained active in the industry until her retirement in 1990.
Môri received numerous awards throughout her career, including the Medal of Honor with Purple Ribbon in 1994 and the Order of the Rising Sun in 1998. She passed away at the age of 97 from respiratory failure.
Emiko Yagumo
Emiko Yagumo (August 15, 1903 Osaka-January 13, 1979) also known as Chiyoko Tamano was a Japanese actor.
Emiko Yagumo, born on August 15, 1903 in Osaka, Japan, was an accomplished actor who was widely known for her performances on the stage and screen. In the early stages of her career, she went by the name Chiyoko Tamano. Throughout her career, Yagumo appeared in numerous stage productions, films, and television dramas. Some of her most notable performances include the films "Fool's Love," "Tokyo Twilight," and "The Idiot." She was also renowned for her dynamic stage presence and her ability to captivate audiences with her talent and charm. Despite facing discrimination and gender bias in the entertainment industry, Yagumo remained steadfast in her commitment to her craft and went on to become one of the most celebrated actors of her time. She passed away on January 13, 1979, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire actors and audiences alike.
Ranko Sawa
Ranko Sawa (July 25, 1903 Sendai-January 11, 2003 Kyoto) also known as Izumi Ranko was a Japanese actor.
She began her acting career in 1923 and appeared in over 200 films in her career. Sawa was a highly respected actress and won several awards throughout her career including the Blue Ribbon Award for Best Actress for her role in the film "Actress" in 1947. Sawa also appeared in several television dramas and was a recipient of the Medal of Honor with Purple Ribbon for her contribution to Japanese culture. She continued acting well into her 90s and was known for her longevity in the industry.
Yoshiko Okada
Yoshiko Okada (April 1, 1903 Shibuya-November 5, 1992 Tokyo) was a Japanese actor.
She began her acting career in the early 1920s and went on to become a popular actress in both Japanese and American cinema. Okada was one of the first Japanese actors to work in Hollywood and appeared in several films such as "Mr. Wu" (1927) and "The Bridge of San Luis Rey" (1929). She later returned to Japan and continued her successful career in the Japanese film industry, appearing in over 200 films throughout her career. In addition to her acting, Okada was also known for her philanthropy and was involved in various charitable activities throughout her life. She was awarded the Order of the Sacred Treasure in 1977 in recognition of her contributions to the arts.
Tamae Kiyokawa
Tamae Kiyokawa (May 24, 1903 Shiba, Minato, Tokyo-January 21, 1969 Japan) otherwise known as Kiyokawa Tamae was a Japanese actor.
Tamae Kiyokawa has been a prominent figure in the Japanese entertainment industry from the 1920s until his death in 1969. His acting career spanned over four decades, during which he appeared in more than 200 films and became known for his versatility and range as an actor. Kiyokawa was actively involved in theater as well, where he performed in various plays, including many Kabuki performances. He received several honors for his contributions to the arts, including the People's Honor Award by the Japanese government in 1967. Kiyokawa is often remembered for his iconic role in Akira Kurosawa's "Seven Samurai" (1954) as the farmer Manzo.
Emiko Azuma
Emiko Azuma (March 15, 1903 Ushigome, Tokyo-January 8, 2010) also known as Emiko Minami was a Japanese actor.
She appeared in over 200 films during her career that spanned over four decades. Azuma began her acting career in silent films in the 1920s and continued acting until the 1960s. She played a variety of roles, from femme fatales in crime films to motherly figures in dramas. In addition to film, Azuma also appeared in several stage productions. She was part of the first generation of Japanese film stars and was known for her distinctive beauty and commanding presence on screen. Later in life, Azuma became a popular television personality, hosting a cooking show and appearing in various talk shows. She remained active in the entertainment industry until her death at the age of 106.