Here are 16 famous actresses from Japan were born in 1942:
Junko Hori (February 2, 1942 Tokyo-) also known as 堀 絢子 or Hori Junko is a Japanese actor and voice actor.
She began her career as an actor in the 1960s and went on to appear in a number of popular TV dramas and films. Her notable roles as a voice actor include providing the voice for Setsuko in the Japanese version of the animated film "Grave of the Fireflies" and Granny Chiyo in the anime series "Naruto". Hori has also served as a narrator for documentaries and commercials. In addition to her acting career, she has been actively involved in social activism and has been an advocate for supporting people with disabilities.
In the 2000s, Hori's work in social activism was recognized when she was appointed as one of 15 "goodwill ambassadors" for the Japanese government's campaign to promote understanding of people with disabilities. She has also been a spokesperson for organizations that provide services and support to people with disabilities. Hori's commitment to this cause stems from her own experiences as a person with a hearing impairment. In 2008, she received recognition for her contributions to society when she was awarded the Medal of Honor with Purple Ribbon by the Japanese government.
Yukiyo Toake (November 23, 1942 Tokyo City-) otherwise known as Toake Yukiyo, Yukiko Ogura, Ogura Yukiko or Yukiko Toake is a Japanese actor.
She made her acting debut in 1962 in the film adaptation of the manga "Kyojin no Hoshi". Toake has appeared in numerous Japanese television dramas, films and stage productions throughout her career spanning over five decades. She gained popularity for her roles in "Hissatsu" and "Kita no Kuni Kara". She has also appeared in films directed by renowned Japanese filmmakers such as Akira Kurosawa, Nagisa Oshima, Shohei Imamura, and Takeshi Kitano. In addition to her acting career, Toake is also a voice actress and has provided several voice overs for anime and video games.
Toake Yukiyo has won numerous awards throughout her career for her contributions to the entertainment industry in Japan. She won the Best Actress award at the 23rd Blue Ribbon Awards for her role in the film "Ososhiki" and the Best Supporting Actress award at the 1st Japan Academy Prize for her performance in "Bungakusho Satsujin Jiken: Oinaru Jyoso". Toake was also awarded the Medal with Purple Ribbon in 2003 for her contributions to the arts. In addition to her acting and voice acting work, Toake is also an ambassador for UNICEF and has been active in promoting children's welfare and rights.
Narumi Kayashima (September 14, 1942 Tokyo Prefecture-) also known as かわかみ しずえ, はるみ ようこ, 川上静江, Shizue Kawakami, 春海 洋子, かやしま なるみ, 茅島 成美, Kawakami Shizue, Harumi Yoko, Yoko Harumi or Kayashima Narumi is a Japanese actor. Her child is called Manabu Nakao.
Narumi Kayashima began her acting career in 1963 and has since appeared in several movies, television dramas, and stage productions. She is known for her versatility as an actress and has played a wide range of roles from dramatic to comedic. Some of her notable works include the TV series "Tantei Monogatari" and the movies "Hibotan Bakuto" and "Shura Yukihime". In addition to her acting career, Kayashima is also an accomplished singer and has released several albums throughout her career. She has won numerous awards for her work in the entertainment industry, including the Best Actress award at the Japan Academy Prize ceremony. Off-screen, she is known for her philanthropic work, particularly for her support of children's charities.
Kayashima Narumi was born and raised in Tokyo, Japan. She began training as a theater actress at the Haiyuza Theatre Company, a prestigious acting school in Japan, before making her debut on screen in 1963. Over the years, she has achieved great success in both television and film industries, and has become a beloved figure in Japan's entertainment world. She has starred in more than 150 films and television dramas and has won a number of prestigious awards for her acting work. She has also lent her voice to animated films, including "Doraemon" and "The Tale of the Princess Kaguya". Kayashima Narumi has been involved in a number of philanthropic activities over the years, focusing mainly on children's issues. She has been involved with various organizations that provide support for children, including the Save the Children Japan organization. She has also donated proceeds from her music albums and concerts to charity. In recognition of her charity work, Kayashima was awarded the Medal of Honor with Purple Ribbon by the Japanese government in 2010. Despite her busy schedule, Kayashima continues to work tirelessly for the betterment of society and is an inspiration to many people in Japan and around the world.
Miyuki Kuwano (July 17, 1942 Yokohama-) is a Japanese actor.
Who began her career in the late 1950s. She has appeared in over 90 films and television shows. Some of her notable films include "The Human Condition," "Woman in the Dunes," and "Tokyo Sonata." Kuwano also ventured into voice acting and lent her voice to several Japanese anime series and films. She has received numerous awards for her contributions to the entertainment industry, including the Blue Ribbon Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in the 1983 film "Kanashimi wa itsumo aimen ni." In addition to her acting career, Kuwano is known for her philanthropic work in promoting education and disaster relief efforts. She serves as the chairperson of the Student Aid Foundation and the Japan Red Cross.
Kuwano was born in Yokohama, Japan, and grew up in a family of actors. Her parents were both renowned actors in the Japanese film industry, and Kuwano was exposed to the entertainment world from a very young age. She made her acting debut at the age of 16 in the film "Futari no aki," which was released in 1958.
Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Kuwano cemented her place as one of Japan's leading actresses, earning critical acclaim for her performances in a wide range of films and television dramas. In addition to her work in mainstream Japanese cinema, she also appeared in several art-house films directed by Japanese masters such as Hiroshi Teshigahara and Masaki Kobayashi.
Kuwano's voice acting work includes providing the voice for characters in the popular anime series "Sazae-san," which has been on the air since 1969 and is one of the longest-running animated television shows in the world.
Kuwano's humanitarian work has also been widely recognized. In the wake of the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami, she organized a charity concert to raise funds for disaster relief efforts. She has also been active in promoting education and youth development in Japan, serving as the chairperson of the Student Aid Foundation, which provides scholarships to students in need.
Despite retiring from acting in 2010, Kuwano remains a beloved figure in Japan and is remembered for her contributions to the country's film and entertainment industry.
Yoko Yamamoto (March 17, 1942 Nakano, Tokyo-) also known as Yôko Yamamoto, やまもと ようこ, Yamamoto Yoko or 山本 陽子 is a Japanese actor.
She started her career in the entertainment industry in the 1960s as a model and actress in commercials. She appeared in numerous films and TV dramas and became a well-known face in Japan. Her notable works include the films "Trust the Japanese People: The Twenty-Year War" (1967), "Prophecies of Nostradamus" (1974), and "Tokyo: The Last War" (1985).
In addition to her acting career, Yamamoto is also known for her advocacy work. She has been a vocal supporter of animal rights and environmentalism in Japan, and has been involved in various campaigns and organizations that promote these causes.
Yamamoto has received several awards for her contributions to the entertainment industry and her humanitarian efforts, including the Japanese Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in 1979. Despite being in her late 70s, Yamamoto continues to work in the industry and remains a respected figure in Japanese cinema and society.
In addition to her successful career in the entertainment industry and her involvement in various social causes, Yamamoto is also a writer. She has authored several books, including "The Yoko Yamamoto Collection" (2002), a collection of essays and photographs about her travels and experiences around the world.
Throughout her career, Yamamoto has been known for her elegance and charm both on and off-screen. She has also been a fashion icon and has often been featured in magazines and advertisements for her stylish clothing choices.
Yamamoto has been married twice and has two children. She is also a grandmother. Despite her busy schedule, she enjoys spending time with her family and is an avid traveler, often taking trips abroad to explore new cultures and cuisines. Her positive outlook on life and dedication to her passions have made her a beloved figure in Japan and beyond.
Toshie Kobayashi (November 27, 1942 Tokyo-) also known as 小林利江, 小林トシエ, 小林 トシ江 or Kobayashi Toshie is a Japanese actor.
Kobayashi Toshie began her acting career in the mid-1960s and has appeared in numerous Japanese films and television dramas. Some of her notable roles include the film "Man-Trap" (1969) directed by Noboru Nakamura, the television series "Red Handkerchief" (1972-1973) and the film "The Family Game" (1983) directed by Yoshimitsu Morita. Kobayashi received the Japan Academy Prize for Best Supporting Actress for her role in "The Sting of Death" (1990) directed by Kōhei Oguri. She has also been honored with awards from the Yokohama Film Festival and the Japanese Academy Awards. In addition to her acting work, Kobayashi has also served as a judge for various film festivals and has been involved in charitable initiatives including working with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
Kobayashi Toshie was born in Tokyo and graduated from Tsurumi University, where she studied English literature. Her first acting role was in the film "False Youth" (1965), directed by Koreyoshi Kurahara. She went on to work with many renowned directors including Akira Kurosawa, Yasuo Furuhata, and Kon Ichikawa. In addition to her film and television work, Kobayashi has also appeared in stage productions and voice acting roles, including the Japanese dub of the animated film "Beauty and the Beast" (1991).
As an advocate for human rights, Kobayashi has worked with organizations supporting refugees and those affected by natural disasters. She has also promoted environmental causes and served as a goodwill ambassador for the Japan Committee for UNICEF. In recognition of her philanthropic work, Kobayashi was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette in 2008. She continues to be an active presence in the entertainment industry and a respected figure in Japanese society.
Nishiki Kô (July 8, 1942 Kobe-) also known as Ido Katsuko, Kô Nishiki, 井戸 甲子, Katsuko Ido, いど かつこ, Ogawa Katsuko, 甲 にしき, 小川 甲子, こう にしき, おがわ かつこ or Katsuko Ogawa is a Japanese actor.
Kô Nishiki began her acting career in 1961, and has since appeared in numerous films, TV dramas, and stage productions. She gained widespread recognition for her performances in NHK's historical dramas, including "Miyamoto Musashi" and "Taira no Kiyomori." In addition to her acting work, Kô has also lent her voice to a variety of animated films and TV shows, and has published several books on cooking and health. With a career spanning over five decades, Kô Nishiki is a beloved figure in Japanese entertainment and a trailblazer for women in the industry.
Throughout her career, Kô Nishiki has won many awards for her acting, including the Best Actress Award at the Asian Film Festival for her role in "The Scandalous Adventures of Buraikan". She was also awarded the Medal with Purple Ribbon in 2004, one of Japan's highest honors for artists and academics. In the 2010s, Kô largely retired from acting, but has continued to make occasional appearances in TV dramas, including the series "Ohisama" and "Frankenstein no Koi". She has also been actively involved in charitable work, particularly in support of children's health and education initiatives. In recognition of her contributions as an actress and humanitarian, Kô Nishiki was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays, another prestigious honor in Japan, in 2018.
Michie Terada (November 27, 1942 Tokyo-) also known as Terada Michie is a Japanese actor and voice actor.
She began her acting career in the early 1960s and has since appeared in numerous films, television dramas, and stage productions. Some of her notable film credits include "Tsugaru Folksong" (1973) and "Aijin" (1969), and her television work includes the popular dramas "Tokyo Love Story" (1991) and "Kaseifu no Mita" (2011).
As a voice actor, Terada has lent her voice to many anime series and films, including "Mobile Suit Gundam" (1979), "Macross" (1982), and "The Wind Rises" (2013). She has also been a regular voice actor for the popular children's show "Soreike! Anpanman" (1988-Present), where she voices the character Dokin-chan.
In addition to her acting and voice work, Terada is also a writer and has published several books including "Chikyu no Koe" (2003) and "Sekai no Owari to Tomo ni" (2009). She has also been recognized for her contributions to the entertainment industry, receiving the Purple Ribbon Medal of Honor in 2009.
Terada Michie is a graduate of Meiji University, where she majored in French literature. In addition to her acting career, she is known for her proficiency in languages, speaking English, French, and German fluently. She has also served as a goodwill ambassador for the Japan Foundation, promoting cultural exchange between Japan and other countries. Terada Michie remains an active presence in the entertainment industry, with recent voice acting credits including "One Piece" (2019), "Case File nº221: Kabukicho" (2019), and "Fruits Basket" (2019).
Kyoko Enami (October 15, 1942 Sendagaya-) a.k.a. Enami Kyoko, Kasumi Nohira or Nohira Kasumi is a Japanese actor.
Enami started her acting career in 1964 and has since then appeared in a wide range of films, television dramas and stage productions. She is particularly known for her roles in jidaigeki (historical drama) films and TV series. Enami has won several awards for her performances, including the Japan Academy Prize for Best Actress in a Supporting Role in 2004 for her role in the film "When the Last Sword is Drawn". In addition to acting, Enami is also a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and has been involved in various humanitarian efforts throughout her career. She has also authored several books, including a collection of essays titled "In the Garden of Kyoko Enami".
Enami was born in Sendagaya, Tokyo, and grew up in a family of actors. Her father Norihei Miki was a well-known actor in Japan. Additionally, her sister, brother and husband are also active in the entertainment industry. Enami made her film debut in 1964 in the film "Sanchu Tenshin," and went on to appear in many jidaigeki films and TV series. She is considered a leading actress in the genre, and has appeared in popular films such as "Lone Wolf and Cub: Baby Cart in Peril," "Lady Snowblood" and "The Yagyu Conspiracy".
Enami has also ventured into other genres, such as comedy and drama, and has worked with notable directors including Akira Kurosawa and Takeshi Kitano. In addition to acting, Enami has been actively involved in humanitarian work. She has been a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador since 1988 and has traveled to various countries to promote children's rights and raise awareness about issues such as child trafficking and HIV/AIDS. Enami has also been involved in disaster relief efforts, including after the 2011 Great East Japan earthquake and tsunami.
Akiko Takeguchi (November 6, 1942 Hiroshima Prefecture-) is a Japanese actor and voice actor.
She was inspired to become an actor after watching a performance by a traveling theater troupe when she was just 5 years old. She began her career in the 1960s and has since appeared in over 100 films and TV dramas. She is best known for her work as a voice actor, having lent her voice to numerous anime and video game characters, including Junpei Iori in the Persona series and Fubuki in One Punch Man. In addition to her acting work, she has also served as a judge for the Miss Universe Japan pageant. Takeguchi is highly regarded in the industry for her versatility and ability to play a wide range of roles.
She has won several accolades for her performances, including the Best Supporting Actress award at the Japan Academy Prize ceremony in 1994 for her role in the film "Yanina". Takeguchi is also known for her charity work, particularly for her involvement in supporting victims of the Fukushima disaster, which she has been actively involved with since 2011. In addition, she has also been a vocal advocate for women's rights and gender equality in Japan. Despite her success and fame, Takeguchi remains humble and dedicated to her craft, often stating that her greatest joy comes from the ability to bring characters to life and entertain audiences.
Tomoko Munakata (January 2, 1942 Tokyo-) is a Japanese voice actor and actor.
She is best known for her work in Japanese anime, where she has provided the voice for a wide range of characters including Tsuru-sen'nin in "Naruto", Oyaji in "Osomatsu-san", and Sakura's grandmother in "Cardcaptor Sakura". Munakata has also appeared in various Japanese TV dramas and films. In addition to her acting work, she has lent her voice to numerous commercials and video games. Munakata has been active in the entertainment industry since the 1960s and has received several awards for her contributions to Japanese pop culture.
Munakata began her acting career in the 1960s, initially working in theatre before transitioning to television and film. She gained critical acclaim for her roles in several dramas, including "Mother", "Sweet Home", and "Ten Made Todoke". In addition to her work in anime, Munakata has also provided voices for characters in popular video games such as "Final Fantasy XIII" and "Kingdom Hearts".
Outside of her acting work, Munakata has been a vocal advocate for women's rights and social issues in Japan. She has been involved in various non-profit organizations and has spoken publicly about issues such as domestic violence and gender equality. In recognition of her contributions to Japanese society, Munakata has been awarded the Medal with Purple Ribbon and the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette.
Despite her decades-long career, Munakata has no plans of retiring and continues to actively work in the entertainment industry. She remains a beloved figure in Japanese pop culture and a respected voice actor in the anime industry.
Yoshie Hinoki (December 1, 1942 Tokyo-) is a Japanese actor.
Yoshie Hinoki began his career in the entertainment industry as a theater actor. In the 1960s and 1970s, he appeared in numerous stage plays and gained a reputation as a versatile and talented performer. He later transitioned to film and television, becoming a popular character actor in Japan. Hinoki is known for his versatility and range, with a career spanning over five decades. He has appeared in both comedic and dramatic roles, and is highly regarded for his nuanced and compelling performances. In addition to his acting career, Hinoki has also worked as a director and producer, and has made significant contributions to the Japanese film industry.
Hinoki has received numerous awards and accolades for his work, including the Best Supporting Actor award at the Japanese Academy Awards for his role in the film "Shall We Dance?" in 1997. He has also won awards for his work in theater, including a prestigious award in 1993 for his performance in the play "Hakone Hachiri." In addition to his acting and directing career, Hinoki is also a respected voice actor, having lent his voice to numerous animated films and television series. Despite his success, Hinoki remains humble and committed to his craft, and continues to work in the entertainment industry to this day.
Minako Ide (March 18, 1942 Tokyo-) is a Japanese actor.
She rose to fame in the 1960s as one of the leading actresses of the Japanese film industry. Some of her notable performances include "Women Are Born Twice" (1961), "The Elegant Life of Mr. Everyman" (1963), and "Red Beard" (1965), which was directed by the renowned filmmaker Akira Kurosawa. In addition to her film work, she has also appeared in various television dramas and stage productions throughout her career. Despite officially retiring from show business in the 1970s, she has made occasional appearances in films in the following decades.
After her retirement from the entertainment industry, Ide became an art expert and curator. She has written several books on art and has curated various exhibitions in Japan and other countries. In 2001, she received the Medal of Honor from the Japanese government for her contributions to the arts. Ide also actively promotes international cultural exchange and has been involved in organizing cultural events and exchanges between Japan and other countries. She is known for her elegant and understated acting style and her contribution to the Japanese film industry is widely recognized by critics and audiences alike.
Nami Tamura (March 4, 1942 Tokyo-) otherwise known as Mayumi Tamura is a Japanese actor.
She began her career in the early 1960s appearing in several films, including "Kigeki yôkiatsu" (1960) and "Kuroi gashu: Kusa" (1962). Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, she continued to grow her career, working with famous Japanese directors such as Yasujirō Ozu and Kon Ichikawa. Tamura is also known for her theater work, particularly in the production of "Tartuffe" by Molière. In addition to her acting career, Tamura is also an accomplished author, having published several books on acting and theater. She has won several awards for her work, including the Japan Academy Prize for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for her performance in the film "Kokoro" (1973). Tamura continues to act to this day, with her most recent film role being in "Oh Lucy!" in 2017.
Tamura's success as an actor and author led her to become a highly respected figure in Japan's entertainment industry. She has also been recognized for her humanitarian work, volunteering in disaster relief efforts after the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami that devastated many areas in Japan. Tamura has been a dedicated advocate for the preservation of traditional Japanese performing arts, and has served as the honorary director of the Japan Authentic Theatre Society. In 2007, she was recognized with the Order of the Rising Sun, one of Japan's highest honors, for her contributions to the arts and society. Despite her many achievements, Tamura remains known for her humility and kindness towards her fans and fellow performers.
Hiromi Sakaki (February 12, 1942 Kyoto-) also known as Sakaki Hiromi, Yoko Nakagami or Nakagami Hiroko is a Japanese actor.
She made her acting debut in 1961, appearing in the film "Kujaku jyodo." Throughout her career, Hiromi Sakaki has appeared in numerous films, television dramas, and stage productions, and has become a well-known figure in the entertainment industry of Japan. Some of her notable performances on the big screen include roles in films such as "Hula Girls," "Kazuo Umezu's Horror Theater" and "The Unbroken," while her TV drama credits include appearances in "Aibou," "Kaseifu no Mita," and "Kodoku no Gurume." In addition to acting, Sakaki has also lent her voice to various animated and live-action TV series and films, and has won praise for her work in voice acting. Over the years, she has received several awards for her contributions to the entertainment industry, including the Best Supporting Actress award at the Japan Academy Prize ceremony in 2007. Today, she continues to be active in the field of acting, and remains a respected and cherished member of the Japanese entertainment community.
Sakaki Hiromi is also known for her work on stage. She has appeared in numerous theater productions, including the Japan production of "Cats," where she played the character of Grizabella. She is also known for her work as a narrator, and has lent her voice to various documentaries and educational programs. Outside of her professional work, Sakaki is known for her philanthropic endeavors. She has been a longtime supporter of various charity organizations, particularly those that focus on children's education and welfare. In recognition of her contributions, she has been awarded the Medal with Purple Ribbon by the Japanese government. In her personal life, Sakaki is known for her love of travel and enjoys exploring new places around the world whenever she has the opportunity.
Reisen Ri (March 25, 1942 Tokyo-) a.k.a. 이여선, 李 麗仙, 이초자, 李初子, Lee Reisen, Hatsuko Hoshiyama, Hoshiyama Hatsuko, 이예선, 李礼仙, Otsuru Hatsuko, Hatsuko Otsuru or Reisen Lee is a Japanese actor. She has one child, Gitan Otsuru.
Reisen Ri is known for her prolific acting career in both Japan and South Korea, having starred in over 200 films and TV shows. She began her career in Japanese cinema in the early 1960s, appearing in films like "The Last Gunfight" and "Manji." In the 1970s, she became popular in South Korea after appearing in a number of films there, including "Homeless Angel" and "The One-Armed Swordsman."
Ri is also a talented singer and has released several albums throughout her career. In the 1980s, she starred in a Japanese TV drama called "Oshin", which was a massive hit and gained widespread popularity throughout Asia. She later returned to South Korea to star in several TV dramas there, including "Dae Jang Geum" and "Hong Gil-dong."
In addition to her acting and singing career, Reisen Ri has been active in various humanitarian causes throughout her life. She has been a vocal advocate for the rights of comfort women, who were forced into sexual slavery by the Japanese army during World War II. She has also been a supporter of animal welfare and environmental causes, and has been involved in several campaigns to promote these issues.
Reisen Ri was born in Tokyo, Japan as Hatsuko Hoshiyama. Her father was a Japanese military officer and her mother was a Korean nurse. Her family moved to Korea when she was a child, and Ri grew up in Seoul. She attended Ewha Womans University, where she studied French literature.
Ri got her start in acting while she was a student at Ewha. She appeared in a play put on by the school's drama club and was noticed by a Japanese film producer who was in the audience. The producer offered her a small role in a film he was making, and Ri decided to take the opportunity.
Ri's career took off in the 1960s, and she became a popular actress in both Japan and South Korea. She was known for her beauty and versatility, and was able to play a wide range of characters in both dramas and comedies.
Outside of acting, Ri has been a strong advocate for women's rights and was a founding member of the Korean Women's Association United. She has also been involved in efforts to promote peace and reconciliation between Japan and Korea, and has worked to raise awareness of the suffering endured by comfort women.
Ri has received numerous awards throughout her career, including the Japanese Academy Award for Best Actress and the Korean Grand Bell Award for Best Supporting Actress. She remains active in the entertainment industry and continues to be a respected figure in both Japan and Korea.