Here are 9 famous actresses from Japan were born in 1940:
Ruriko Asaoka (July 2, 1940 Changchun-) also known as Asaoka Ruriko or Nobuko Muto is a Japanese actor.
She began her acting career in the late 1950s and became a popular actress in the 1960s, appearing in more than 100 films and TV dramas. Asaoka was particularly known for her roles in yakuza films and melodramas. She also worked as a singer, releasing several albums and singles throughout her career. In the 1970s, Asaoka took on more challenging roles, showcasing her acting range in films such as "The Ceremony" and "Zigeunerweisen". Although she retired from acting in the early 1990s, Asaoka remains a respected figure in Japanese cinema and continues to be admired by fans of her earlier work.
Minori Matsushima (December 1, 1940 Funabashi-) a.k.a. Matsushima Minori or 松島みのり is a Japanese voice actor and actor.
She started her career in voice acting in 1960s and was affiliated with Aoni Production until 2006. Some of her notable roles include Suneo's mother in Doraemon, Tetsuro Hoshino in Galaxy Express 999, and Moominmamma in Moomin. She has also appeared in live-action films and dramas, including the 1975 film "The Beast Must Die" and the 1997 TV drama "Uchi no Ko ni Kagitte". Matsushima has received recognition for her contributions to the entertainment industry and was awarded the Medal with Purple Ribbon in 2013. She continues to work in voice acting and is admired by fans for her warm, maternal voice.
Mikiko Tsubouchi (April 12, 1940 Tokyo-) also known as Mikiko Tsubuchi is a Japanese actor.
She began her acting career in the 1960s and has since appeared in many television dramas, films, and stage productions in Japan. Tsubouchi is known for her versatile acting skills and has played a wide range of roles, from serious dramas to comedies. She has won numerous awards for her work and is highly respected in the Japanese entertainment industry. In addition to acting, Tsubouchi is also a voice actress and has lent her voice to many animated films and television series. She continues to act to this day and is considered one of Japan's most talented and experienced actors.
Akemi Kita (March 3, 1940 Tokyo-) is a Japanese actor.
She was born in Tokyo, Japan on March 3, 1940, and started her acting career in the 1960s. Akemi Kita is known for her work in both film and television in Japan. She has appeared in over 100 films and TV dramas, including the popular television drama "Oshin" which aired from 1983 to 1984. She has won numerous awards for her performances, including the Best Supporting Actress award at the 23rd Japan Academy Prize for her role in "The Sting of Death". In addition to acting, Kita is also known for her painting and calligraphy work, and has had exhibitions of her artwork in Japan.
Rumiko Sasa (July 10, 1940 Maebashi-) also known as Sasa Rumiko, ささ るみこ or 笹 るみ子 is a Japanese actor. She has one child, Yakan Nabe.
Rumiko Sasa began her acting career in the 1960s and has appeared in numerous films and television dramas over the years. She is perhaps best known for her roles in films such as "Sugata Sanshiro" (1977) and "Tora-san's Sunrise and Sunset" (1976). Sasa has also worked as a voice actor, lending her voice to characters in anime films like "Tale of Genji" (1987) and "Kiki's Delivery Service" (1989). Additionally, she has served as a judge for the Busan International Film Festival and has received several awards for her contributions to Japanese cinema. In addition to her acting career, Sasa has also written several books on cooking and nutrition.
Reiko Katsura (February 8, 1940 Fukuoka-) is a Japanese voice actor and actor.
She has provided the voice for numerous anime characters, including Yūrei Ōkami in the series "Oh My Goddess!", Shiroiko in "Doraemon," and Tsubasa Masuwaka in "Ranma ½". Katsura has also acted in various Japanese films and dramas, such as "The Castle of Sand" and "Goodbye Debussy." In addition to her voice work, she has also done dubbing work for American television shows and films. Katsura has won several awards for her work in voice acting, including the Best Supporting Actress Award at the 5th Seiyu Awards in 2011.
Hiromi Hanazono (September 1, 1940 Tokyo-) is a Japanese actor.
She began her career as a stage actress, performing in various plays in Tokyo. Hanazono made her film debut in "The Human Bullet" (1969) and became known for her roles in movies such as "Stray Cat Rock: Delinquent Girl Boss" (1970) and "Lady Snowblood" (1973). Hanazono appeared in numerous television dramas and variety shows, receiving critical acclaim for her performances. She has won several awards throughout her career, including Best Supporting Actress at the Japan Academy Awards. Hanazono is also an accomplished singer and has released several albums. She continues to act and perform to this day, with over 50 years in the entertainment industry.
Masuyo Iwamoto (March 5, 1940 Arida-) is a Japanese actor.
Masuyo Iwamoto is a Japanese actor who has had an illustrious career spanning several decades. She was born on March 5, 1940 in Arida, a small town located in Wakayama Prefecture, Japan. Iwamoto began her acting career in the early 1960s and quickly gained recognition for her talent and versatility.
Throughout her career, Iwamoto appeared in numerous television dramas and films, becoming a familiar face to audiences in Japan and around the world. Some of her most well-known performances include her role in the film adaptation of the popular manga series "Naniwa Kinyuudo" and her portrayal of a mother in the television drama "Oshin."
In addition to her acting work, Iwamoto has also been recognized for her contributions to Japanese culture. She has published several books on topics such as Japanese cooking and traditional crafts, and has also served as a UNESCO goodwill ambassador.
Despite retiring from acting in 2015, Masuyo Iwamoto remains an iconic figure in Japanese entertainment and is remembered fondly by her fans.
Mayumi Ozora (March 10, 1940 Akasaka-) a.k.a. Sachiko Nakata is a Japanese actor.
Mayumi Ozora began her acting career in the late 1950s and became a popular actress during the 1960s and 1970s in Japan. She appeared in numerous films, TV dramas, and stage productions, showcasing her versatility as an actress. Some of her notable works include "The Human Condition" (1959), "Jirocho Fuji" (1959), "Youth of the Beast" (1963), and "The Green Slime" (1968), an international co-production with Toei Company, Ltd. She also starred in the TV drama "The Shogun's Samurai" (1978), which was based on a novel by Jin Yong. Ozora continues to act in films and TV dramas, and has also appeared on stage in recent years.