Japanese movie stars born in 1917
Here are 5 famous actresses from Japan were born in 1917:
Isuzu Yamada
Isuzu Yamada (February 5, 1917 Chūō-ku, Osaka-July 9, 2012 Inagi) a.k.a. Mitsu Yamada, Bell, Yamada Isuzu, ベルさん, 山田 美津, yamada Mitsu, 山田 五十鈴, 山田五十鈴 Yamada Isuzu or Yamada was a Japanese actor. She had one child, Michiko Saga.
Isuzu Yamada was a renowned Japanese actress who made significant contributions to the country's film industry. Born in Osaka in 1917, she made her acting debut at the age of 16 in the movie 'Naniwa Elegy.' She subsequently landed several prominent roles in the Japanese film industry and became one of the most acclaimed actresses of her time.
Yamada's career spanned several decades, during which she acted in over 100 films, including 'Tokyo Twilight,' 'Yojimbo,' 'Throne of Blood,' and 'The Makioka Sisters.' She also acted in several international films, such as the Soviet-Japanese co-production 'Okaasan' and the Hollywood movie 'The Wind Cannot Read.'
In addition to her acting career, Yamada was a writer and published several books, including her autobiography 'Isuzu Yamada: An Actress from Japan.' She received several awards and accolades for her contributions to the film industry, including the Order of Culture, Japan's second-highest civilian award.
Yamada passed away in 2012 at the age of 95, leaving behind a legacy as one of Japan's most respected and celebrated actresses.
Yamada's exceptional acting skills earned her critical acclaim from audiences and critics alike. She was known for her ability to convey a wide range of emotions, from intense drama to subtle comedy, and for her naturalistic acting style. Her performances in movies like 'Throne of Blood' and 'Tokyo Twilight' are considered to be some of the best in Japanese cinema. Yamada also acted in several plays and was a member of the prestigious Haiyuza Theatre Company. She was known for her dedication and professionalism, often practicing and rehearsing for hours to perfect her roles. Yamada's impact on the Japanese film industry was immense, and she inspired several generations of actors and actresses. Her contributions to Japanese cinema were recognized posthumously in 2018 when she was inducted into the 'Japan Academy Prize Hall of Fame.'
Yûko Mochizuki
Yûko Mochizuki (January 28, 1917 Kanagawa Prefecture-December 1, 1977 Japan) also known as Mieko Suzuki, Mieko Mochizuki or Yuuko Mochizuki was a Japanese actor.
She began her career in films as a child actress and gained popularity in the 1930s for her roles in romantic dramas. In the 1940s, she starred in several wartime propaganda films for the Japanese government. After the war, Mochizuki continued to act in films, but also began to appear on television. She was known for her versatility as an actress and appeared in a variety of genres, including jidaigeki (period dramas), comedy, and crime thrillers. In addition to her work as an actress, Mochizuki was also a successful singer and recorded several popular songs. She died in 1977 at the age of 60.
Mochizuki was born into a family of actors, and her father was a popular kabuki actor. She made her acting debut at the age of three in a silent film, and by the age of 14, she had appeared in over 50 films. In the 1950s, Mochizuki's popularity declined as younger actresses emerged, but she continued to work steadily in film and television throughout the decade. Despite her success, Mochizuki struggled with personal demons, battle with drug addiction, and depression. She was also known for her love life, as she had several high-profile relationships with famous actors and musicians. Today, Mochizuki is remembered as one of Japan's most talented actresses and singers of her generation.
Yukiko Todoroki
Yukiko Todoroki (September 11, 1917 Azabu, Tokyo-May 11, 1967 Komae) also known as Tsuruko Nishiyama, Nishiyama Tsuruko, Todoroki Yukiko or Toruko was a Japanese actor. She had one child, Masayuki Makino.
Yukiko Todoroki was a versatile actor who appeared in more than 150 films in her career spanning two decades. She started her acting career in the early 1930s as a teenager, working for a number of film studios before making her name with the film "Kenji Mizoguchi's My Love Has Been Burning" in 1949. She was known for her beauty and her range, playing roles that ranged from tragic heroines to comedic characters. In addition to her film work, Todoroki was also popular on stage, where she performed in a variety of productions. Todoroki's life was cut short when she died at the age of 49 from cancer. Despite her relatively short career, she made a lasting impact on Japanese cinema and remains a beloved figure in the country's film history.
Some of Yukiko Todoroki's most notable film roles include "The Dancing Girl of Izu" (1933), "The Life of Oharu" (1952), "Ugetsu" (1953), and "The Crucified Lovers" (1954). She worked with some of the most prominent directors of the Japanese New Wave, including Yasujirō Ozu, Mikio Naruse, and Kenji Mizoguchi. Todoroki was particularly admired for her performances in tragic roles, such as the titular character in Mizoguchi's "Sansho the Bailiff" (1954).
Todoroki was also an accomplished singer and recorded several songs, including "What is Love?" and "Spring Night's Dream." She continued performing on stage throughout her career, appearing in plays such as "Wuthering Heights" and "The Cherry Orchard."
Despite facing gender discrimination in the film industry, Todoroki maintained a successful career and was recognized with numerous awards, including the Blue Ribbon Award for Best Actress in 1958. She was also a founding member of the Japanese Actors' Association, which advocated for better working conditions for actors.
Todoroki's legacy continues to be celebrated in Japan, where she is remembered as one of the most talented actors of her generation. In 2011, a retrospective of her work was held at the National Film Center in Tokyo, showcasing her contributions to Japanese cinema.
Tomiko Hattori
Tomiko Hattori (April 6, 1917 Osaka-May 17, 1981) was a Japanese actor.
Tomiko Hattori was renowned for her performances in jidaigeki dramas and period pieces. She started acting in the 1930s in Tokyo before moving to Daiei Studios, where she became a contract actor. Hattori appeared in more than 50 films throughout her career, including Kenji Mizoguchi's "The Life of Oharu" (1952) and Yasuzo Masumura's "A Wife Confesses" (1961). She was recognized for her talent and awarded the Kinuyo Tanaka Award in 1979. Hattori passed away on May 17, 1981, at the age of 64.
Tomiko Hattori came from a family of performers. Her father was a stage actor and her mother was a famous geisha. Hattori began her career in the entertainment industry as a singer and dancer in Tokyo before shifting towards acting. Hattori's versatility as an actor and her ability to convey a range of emotions on screen made her a sought-after performer. Her work in "The Life of Oharu" is considered to be one of her most memorable performances. Hattori retired from acting in the mid-1960s, but continued to appear in cameo roles and on television. She was also a vocal advocate for the rights of actors and helped establish unions to protect their interests.
Michiko Araki
Michiko Araki (March 6, 1917-March 24, 1989) also known as Araki Michiko was a Japanese actor. She had one child, Ichiro Araki.
Araki Michiko was born in Kyoto, Japan, and began her acting career in the 1930s. She gained popularity for her roles in samurai films and went on to become one of Japan's most respected actors. Araki starred in over 200 movies throughout her career and worked with many well-known directors. She was known for her captivating performances, portraying a range of characters from strong-willed heroines to vulnerable women. In addition to her acting career, Araki was also a skilled calligrapher and translator. She died in Tokyo at age 72, leaving behind a legacy as one of Japan's most iconic actors.
Araki Michiko was born into a family of actors and was trained in traditional Japanese theater from a young age. She made her stage debut at the age of six and went on to appear in numerous plays and productions throughout her career. Araki's talent for acting allowed her to seamlessly transition into the film industry, where she quickly established herself as a leading lady of Japanese cinema.
Araki's performances in films such as "Sanshiro Sugata" and "The Men Who Tread on the Tiger's Tail" garnered critical acclaim and helped her rise to fame in the 1940s. She continued to act in films throughout the 1950s and 1960s, collaborating with legendary directors such as Akira Kurosawa and Yasujirō Ozu.
Aside from her acting career, Araki was also a dedicated translator and calligrapher. She translated works from English to Japanese and was renowned for her elegant calligraphy, which she often employed in her film performances.
Araki's impact on Japanese cinema is still felt today, with her performances revered as timeless classics. Her dedication to her craft and her influence on Japanese culture have cemented Araki Michiko's place as one of the most influential actors of her time.