Japanese movie stars born in 1926
Here are 7 famous actresses from Japan were born in 1926:
Miyoko Asō
Miyoko Asō (April 7, 1926 Kita, Tokyo-) also known as Miyoko Aso, Miyo Sakonjo, Miyoko Asou, Aso Miyoko, Asō, Miyoko or Asō Miyoko is a Japanese voice actor and actor.
She began her career in 1946 as a stage actor and later transitioned to voice acting in the 1960s. Asō has been active in the industry for over 50 years, lending her voice to various anime series, films, and video games. Some of her notable roles include Ratchet in "Kagaku Ninja-tai Gatchaman," Queen Beryl in "Sailor Moon," and Grandma in "My Neighbor Totoro." Asō has also appeared in live-action films such as "Akitsu Springs" and "Bakumatsu Taiyo-den." In 2004, she was awarded the Kei Tomiyama Award at the 8th Seiyu Awards for her contributions to the voice acting industry.
Aside from voice acting and acting, Miyoko Asō is also an accomplished author. She has written several books, including "Chicchai Kappa no Ohanashi" and "Shoujo Manga Nyuumon" under the pen name Miyo Sakonjo. Asō has also been involved in various charitable activities, such as volunteering at the Nippon Foundation's Service Dog Training Center and supporting the Japan Guide Dog Association. She is known for her warm and maternal voice, which has made her a popular choice for playing motherly roles in anime and video games. Despite being in her nineties, Asō continues to be active in the entertainment industry and is highly respected by her peers.
Asō was born on April 7, 1926, in Kita, Tokyo, and grew up during a time of great change in Japan. She was a teenager during World War II, and like many Japanese citizens of her generation, she experienced hardship and loss during the war. After the war ended, Asō started her career as a stage actor, appearing in productions of plays such as "Peer Gynt" and "The Cherry Orchard."
In the 1960s, Asō began to transition into voice acting, starting with roles in anime series such as "Dororo" and "Marvelous Melmo." She quickly gained a reputation for her warm and expressive voice, and her career flourished throughout the 1970s and 1980s. In addition to her voice acting work, Asō also appeared in numerous live-action films and TV dramas, demonstrating her range as a performer.
Asō's contributions to the voice acting industry have been widely recognized over the years. In addition to the Kei Tomiyama Award, she has received accolades such as the Merit Award at the 4th Seiyu Awards and the Achievement Award at the 9th Tokyo Anime Awards. She has also been praised for her ability to connect with her fans, often participating in events and meet-and-greets with her admirers.
Despite her decades-long career, Asō remains humble and dedicated to her craft. In interviews, she has expressed a deep love for acting and voice acting, as well as a desire to continue working as long as she is able. Asō's warmth, talent, and dedication have made her a beloved figure in the entertainment industry, and her legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of performers.
Chieko Nakakita
Chieko Nakakita (May 21, 1926 Tokyo-September 13, 2005 Shibuya) a.k.a. Chieko Tanaka, Nakakita Chieko or Tanaka Chieko was a Japanese actor.
She began her acting career in 1946 and went on to become a prolific performer, appearing in over 100 films and television dramas. Nakakita was known for her versatility and her ability to portray a wide range of characters, from strong-willed heroines to vulnerable, emotional women. She was particularly acclaimed for her roles in films directed by Yasujirō Ozu, including "Early Spring" and "Tokyo Twilight".
Nakakita also made significant contributions to the Japanese stage, starring in productions of both traditional and avant-garde theater. In addition, she was a well-respected author, publishing several books on acting and theater.
Throughout her career, Nakakita received numerous awards and honors, including the prestigious Order of the Rising Sun, which she was awarded in 2002 for her contributions to the arts. She passed away at the age of 79 due to heart failure.
Nakakita was born to a family of entertainers in Tokyo, Japan. Her father was a comedian, and her mother was a geisha. Growing up, Nakakita showed a keen interest in the performing arts, and she began taking dance and acting classes at a young age. After World War II, she joined the Shochiku film studios and made her debut in the film "Shanghai no Yoru" (1946).
Over the next few decades, Nakakita established herself as a leading actress in Japanese cinema. She starred in films by some of the most renowned directors of the era, including Mikio Naruse, Kenji Mizoguchi, and Yasujiro Ozu. Her performances often depicted the struggles of Japanese women in a changing society, and she became known for her empathetic and nuanced portrayals of complex characters.
In addition to her acting career, Nakakita was also an accomplished author and theater performer. She wrote several books on acting and theater technique, and she was a regular performer with the avant-garde troupe the Tenjo Sajiki. She also starred in traditional Japanese plays, including kabuki and noh.
Nakakita's contributions to Japanese cinema and theater were widely recognized during her lifetime. She received numerous awards and honors, including the Japan Academy Prize for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for her performance in "The Makioka Sisters" (1983). In addition to her Order of the Rising Sun award, she was also awarded the Medal of Honor with Purple Ribbon for her contributions to the arts.
Nakakita was a trailblazer for women in Japanese entertainment. Her success was particularly notable given the conservative social norms of the time. Nevertheless, she broke through barriers and forged a path for future generations of female actors and performers. She was also known for her philanthropy and involvement in humanitarian causes. Nakakita was a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and worked to raise awareness for victims of war and natural disasters. Her legacy continues to inspire and impact the entertainment industry in Japan and beyond.
Keiko Tsushima
Keiko Tsushima (February 7, 1926 Tsushima-August 1, 2012 Tokyo) also known as Shizuko Kojima or Mori Naoko was a Japanese actor.
Keiko Tsushima was born in Tsushima, Nagasaki, Japan. She began her acting career in 1949 and became best known for her role as the female lead in the classic 1954 Japanese film, "Seven Samurai," directed by Akira Kurosawa. She went on to appear in various Japanese films and television shows throughout the 1950s and 1960s. In addition to her work as an actor, Tsushima was also a philanthropist and worked for various causes, including children's charities and disaster relief efforts. She passed away in Tokyo on August 1, 2012, at the age of 86.
After starring in "Seven Samurai," Keiko Tsushima continued her acting career in Japan, appearing in more than 40 films including "Crazed Fruit" (1956) and "The Last Gunfight" (1960). She also made guest appearances on popular Japanese television shows, such as "Kojakaride no Jikenbo" and "Kaseifu ha mita!". In the wake of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami, Tsushima was active in the relief effort, visiting affected areas and serving as a spokesperson for disaster victims. She was also involved in promoting nuclear disarmament and peace through her activism with the Japan Congress against A- and H-bombs. Tsushima was posthumously awarded the 2012 Medal with Purple Ribbon for her contributions to the arts and culture in Japan.
Despite her success in the film industry, Keiko Tsushima was known to maintain a low profile. She was a private person, only speaking to the media when necessary. Tsushima was also a supporter of education, and donated money to establish schools in Africa. In addition, she was involved in promoting animal welfare and conservation. In her later years, Tsushima lived a quiet life in Tokyo, spending time with her family and friends. She was remembered for her talent, grace, and humanitarian efforts. Today, she is considered a legend in Japanese cinema and her work in "Seven Samurai" has influenced filmmakers around the world.
Sachiko Meguro
Sachiko Meguro (August 26, 1926 Tokyo-) is a Japanese actor.
She began her acting career in the 1950s and became known for her roles in films such as "Ugetsu" (1953) and "Tokyo Twilight" (1957). Meguro has also acted in television dramas and stage productions. She received the Best Actress award at the Mainichi Film Awards in 1956 for her role in "The Hole". In addition to her acting career, Meguro is also known for her philanthropic work, particularly her efforts to improve the lives of people with disabilities. She has received multiple honors for her charitable endeavors, including the Order of the Sacred Treasure from the Japanese government in 2014.
In her earlier years, Sachiko Meguro was part of an acting troupe called Gekidan Mingei, which was known for performing traditional Japanese folk plays. She was also a member of the Haiyūza theater company in Tokyo.
Throughout her career, Meguro worked with notable directors such as Kenji Mizoguchi and Yasujiro Ozu. Her performances in "Ugetsu" and "Tokyo Twilight" were particularly praised by critics for their emotional depth and nuanced portrayals of complex characters.
Meguro's philanthropic work began after her son was born with cerebral palsy. She became an advocate for people with disabilities and worked to raise awareness and funds for their care and support. She established the Sachiko Meguro Welfare Foundation in 1978, which provides aid and assistance to people with disabilities and their families.
In addition to her Order of the Sacred Treasure honor, Meguro has been recognized for her philanthropy with the Person of Cultural Merit award and the Order of the Rising Sun. She continues to be active in her philanthropic work and is regarded as a beloved figure in Japanese entertainment and charitable circles.
Meguro's dedication to philanthropy earned her the nickname "Mother Teresa of Japan". Her Sachiko Meguro Welfare Foundation has helped many people with disabilities live better lives, providing financial assistance for medical treatment, education, and rehabilitation. In addition to this, Meguro has also been involved in fundraising for disaster relief efforts, such as after the Great Hanshin earthquake in 1995 and the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami in 2011. Meguro's charitable works extend beyond Japan, and she has also supported children in Laos and Cambodia through the Sachiko Meguro Cambodia-Laos Foundation. Despite her numerous accomplishments, Meguro remains humble and down-to-earth, often giving credit to her son for inspiring her philanthropic work. She continues to be an inspiration and role model for many, both in the entertainment industry and in the philanthropic community.
Hisano Yamaoka
Hisano Yamaoka (August 27, 1926 Ōta, Tokyo-February 15, 1999 Kawasaki) also known as Yamaoka Hisano was a Japanese actor and voice actor.
She started her career in the entertainment industry as a stage actor in the 1940s. Later on, she made her debut as a voice actor in the 1970s in Disney's Japanese dubbed version of the film "Bedknobs and Broomsticks". Yamaoka was best known for her roles in popular anime series such as "Doraemon" (Shizuka), "Cowboy Bebop" (Old Woman), and "Dragon Ball Z" (Baba). She also provided the voice for the character Nanny in the Japanese dubbed version of the "Muppet Babies" TV series. In addition to her voice acting work, Yamaoka also appeared in several live-action films and TV dramas throughout her career. She was posthumously awarded the Achievement Award at the Third Seiyu Awards in 2009 for her contributions to the voice acting industry in Japan.
Yamaoka Hisano was considered to be one of the pioneers of the Japanese voice acting industry. Her distinctive voice and versatile acting skills made her a household name among anime fans. Even though she was approaching her seventies, she continued to work and voice roles in widely popular anime series such as "Slam Dunk" (Haruko Akagi) and "One Piece" (Hocker). Yamaoka's warm and motherly voice made her particularly suited to play roles of grandmothers and caretakers which she did exceptionally well. In her personal life, Yamaoka was known for her love of cats and often volunteered at animal shelters. She was survived by her daughter who is also a voice actress.
Yamaoka Hisano was born in Ōta, Tokyo in 1926. She began her acting career in the 1940s, where she performed on stage as part of the Shochiku Revue theater troupe. In the 1950s, Yamaoka transitioned to film acting, appearing in several popular movies such as "Fallen Blossoms" (1954) and "The Elegant Life of Mr. Everyman" (1963).
Although Yamaoka was best known for her voice acting work, she continued to act in live-action productions throughout her career. She appeared in the TV dramas "Tokugawa Ieyasu" (1983) and "Takeda Shingen" (1988), among others.
Yamaoka was a prolific voice actress, playing a wide variety of characters in anime series and films. In addition to her well-known roles in "Doraemon" and "Dragon Ball Z," she also provided voices for "Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro" (1979), "Urusei Yatsura" (1981-1986), and "Nadia: The Secret of Blue Water" (1990).
Despite suffering from a stroke in 1998, Yamaoka continued to work in the voice acting industry until her death in 1999 at the age of 72. She remains one of the most beloved and respected figures in Japanese voice acting, and her contributions to the field are celebrated to this day.
Kin Sugai
Kin Sugai (February 28, 1926 Ushigome, Tokyo-) also known as Kimiko Sato, Sato Kimiko, Sugai Kin or Kimiko Susai is a Japanese actor.
She began her career in the 1940s as a child star in Japanese films. Sugai later became well known for her roles in period dramas and was often cast as a motherly figure in movies and television dramas. She has also appeared in international films such as the French-Japanese film "Kikujiro" (1999) directed by Takeshi Kitano. Sugai has won several awards for her acting, including the Best Supporting Actress Award at the Hochi Film Award for her role in "Being Mitsuko" (2011). In addition to her acting career, she has also written books about her experiences in the entertainment industry.
Kin Sugai was one of the survivors of the 1945 Tokyo air raids and wrote about her experiences in her book "I Saw Tokyo Burning." She was also a witness to the 1946 Nankai earthquake which she also wrote about in her book "Earthquake." Sugai was married to actor Taiji Tonoyama until his death in 1994. They appeared on screen together in the film "Ballad of the Sea," directed by Hiroshi Inagaki. In 2014, Sugai was awarded the Medal with Purple Ribbon by the Japanese government for her contributions to the arts. Today, she is considered one of Japan's most renowned and respected actresses, with a career spanning over 70 years.
Sugai's early career saw her appearing in popular films, including "Shinsetsu Tsuma (Newlywed Wife)" (1942) and "Noriko Goes to Tokyo" (1953). She was particularly acclaimed for her performances in period dramas such as "Chiyari Fuji" (1955), "Rikugun" (1960), and "Horeki-era Tora no Nemuri (Tora's Sleeping in the Horeki Era)" (1972). Sugai also performed on stage and television, making her mark with her portrayal of the historical figure Oda Nobunaga's wife, Nohime, in the 1963 NHK Taiga drama "Takeda Shingen."
In addition to her acting and writing, Sugai has also been actively involved in social issues. She was a supporter of the anti-nuclear movement and actively campaigned against nuclear weapons and energy in Japan. In 2011, following the Fukushima nuclear disaster, she participated in protests against the government's handling of the crisis. Sugai has also been a vocal advocate for the rights of indigenous peoples in Japan and has supported organizations working towards their preservation.
Despite her long and successful career, Sugai has remained humble and dedicated to her craft. She has often said that acting is more than just a job, but a vocation that requires one's utmost devotion. Through her work and activism, Sugai has become a beloved figure in Japan, admired for her talent, integrity, and compassion.
Tokuko Sugiyama
Tokuko Sugiyama (August 16, 1926 Tokyo Prefecture-) is a Japanese actor.
She began her acting career in the 1950s and is best known for her roles in films such as "Hakuchi" (1951) and "Shaso" (1954). Sugiyama was also a regular on television dramas in the 1960s and 1970s, and won a Best Supporting Actress award at the Japan Academy Prize for her role in the 1988 film "A Taxing Woman". Outside of her acting career, she has been active in various charities, including the Japan Association for UNICEF and the Japan Heart Foundation.
Sugiyama was born in Tokyo in 1926 and grew up during World War II. After the war, she began her acting career in the film industry and quickly gained popularity as a talented actress. She appeared in over fifty films throughout her career, and was highly regarded for her ability to convey emotion through her performances.
In addition to her film and television work, Sugiyama was also a highly respected stage actress. She appeared in numerous productions throughout Japan and was known for her ability to bring a unique perspective to each role she played.
Throughout her life, Sugiyama has been dedicated to giving back to her community. She has been an active member of several charitable organizations, including the Japan Association for UNICEF and the Japan Heart Foundation. She has also been a strong advocate for women's rights, and has worked to promote gender equality throughout Japan.
In recognition of her contributions to film and society, Sugiyama has received numerous awards and honors over the years. In addition to her Best Supporting Actress award at the Japan Academy Prize, she has also been awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, one of Japan's highest honors, for her contributions to the arts and philanthropy.
Sugiyama is recognized as one of the trailblazing actresses of her time, as she broke the norms of the patriarchal Japanese society by choosing a career in entertainment. She was often cast in roles that challenged traditional gender roles, and played characters who were strong-willed, independent women. This made her an inspiration for many women in Japan, who looked up to her as a role model.
Aside from her acting career and charitable work, Sugiyama was also a devoted wife and mother. She was married to actor Shigeru Amachi, and the couple had two children together. Sugiyama and Amachi often appeared together in films and television dramas, and their on-screen chemistry was highly acclaimed.
Despite her advancing age, Sugiyama continued to remain active in the entertainment industry, making occasional appearances in television dramas and films. Her legacy as one of Japan's finest actresses and philanthropists continues to inspire people around the world.