Japanese movie stars born in 1949
Here are 14 famous actresses from Japan were born in 1949:
Junko Miyashita
Junko Miyashita (January 29, 1949 Setagaya-) also known as 金沢 英子, みやした じゅんこ, 宮下 順子 or Miyashita Junko is a Japanese actor and pornographic film actor.
Despite her controversial work in the adult film industry, Junko Miyashita is considered to be one of Japan's most talented actresses. She began her career in theatre and made her film debut in 1972 with "The Warped Ones". Her breakthrough role came in 1974 with the film "In the Realm of the Senses", where she played the lead female role. Along with her successful career in mainstream cinema, Miyashita also starred in numerous adult films, becoming a sex symbol in Japan. After retiring from acting in 1988, she became a writer and has published several novels and memoirs.
Terumi Niki
Terumi Niki (May 11, 1949 Setagaya-) also known as Terumi Iwasaki is a Japanese actor.
Terumi Niki started her career as a child actor, and made her film debut in 1962 at the age of 13. She appeared in various films throughout the 1960s and 70s, including the acclaimed movie "Pigs and Battleships" in 1961. In the early 80s, she transitioned to television, where she became a popular actress and appeared in numerous TV dramas and variety shows.
Aside from her acting career, Niki has also been active as a writer, penning several books on various topics including cooking and personal essays. She has also been a regular guest on various talk shows, where she talks about her experiences and offers advice to viewers.
In 2000, Niki was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent treatment. She has since become an advocate for cancer awareness and has spoken publicly about her experience in hopes of encouraging others to seek early detection and treatment.
Despite her health struggles, Niki has continued to work as an actress and remains a beloved figure in Japanese entertainment. In 2017, she was awarded the Medal with Purple Ribbon by the Japanese government for her contributions to the arts.
Machiko Washio
Machiko Washio (June 2, 1949 Kanagawa Prefecture-) a.k.a. わしお まちこ, 鷲尾 真知子 or Washio Machiko is a Japanese actor and voice actor.
She made her debut in the entertainment world in 1964 as a member of the singing group The Coconuts. After the group disbanded, she began her career as a voice actor in the early 1970s, voicing notable characters such as Jun in Science Ninja Team Gatchaman and Moomin in the Moomin series. She has also acted in a number of live-action films and dramas, including her role as Saki Asamiya's mentor in the Sukeban Deka series. In addition to her acting work, Washio has also been an advocate for disability rights and has written several books on the topic.
Sayoko Yamaguchi
Sayoko Yamaguchi (September 19, 1949 Yokohama-August 14, 2007 Tokyo) was a Japanese model, actor and costume designer.
She started her career as a model at the age of 22, after being discovered by fashion designer Kansai Yamamoto. She quickly rose to fame, becoming the first Asian woman to appear on the cover of American Vogue in 1977. She also modeled for other renowned designers such as Issey Miyake and Yohji Yamamoto, and was known for her androgynous, avant-garde style.
In addition to her modeling work, Yamaguchi also acted in films such as "The Trial of the Moke" and "Winter Kills". She also worked as a costume designer for the film "Mishima: A Life in Four Chapters", which was directed by Paul Schrader.
Yamaguchi was known for pushing boundaries both in fashion and in her personal life. She was open about her bisexuality and had relationships with both men and women. She passed away in 2007 from acute pneumonia at the age of 57.
Tomoko Ogawa
Tomoko Ogawa (January 26, 1949 Hiroshima-) is a Japanese actor.
Tomoko Ogawa started her acting career in the 1970s and has since appeared in numerous TV dramas, films, and stage productions. She is best known for her roles in the TV series "Oshin" and "Kita no Kuni Kara". In addition to her acting career, she has also lent her voice to various anime series and films, including "Mobile Suit Gundam" and "Grave of the Fireflies". Ogawa has won several awards for her acting, including the Best Actress award at the 14th Japan Academy Prize for her role in the film "A Lost Paradise". Away from the spotlight, she is an animal lover and an advocate for animal rights.
Junko Natsu
Junko Natsu (March 21, 1949 Itsukaichi, Tokyo-) also known as Sakamoto Michiko, Natsu Junko, 坂本 道子, Michiko Sakamoto or 夏 純子 is a Japanese actor.
She graduated from the Japan Women's College of Physical Education and made her acting debut in the film "The War and Youth" in 1968. She then appeared in various films and TV dramas, winning the Best Supporting Actress Award at the Japan Academy Prize for her role in the film "Tora-san's Dream of Spring" in 1979. She is known for her versatile acting skills, portraying both comedic and dramatic roles throughout her career. In addition to acting, Natsu has also written essays and books on exercise and health. She continues to work in the entertainment industry to this day.
Wakako Sakai
Wakako Sakai (April 15, 1949 Tokyo-) also known as 酒井 和歌子 is a Japanese actor.
She began her acting career in 1970 with a role in the film "Kagero-za". Over the years, she has appeared in numerous films and TV dramas, including "Aogeba Totoshi", "Oshin", and "Shinzanmono". In addition to her acting career, Sakai is also a voice actress, having provided the voice of Sazae-san in the popular anime series of the same name. She has received several awards for her work, including the Best Supporting Actress Award at the Japan Academy Prize for her role in the film "Always: Sunset on Third Street". Sakai is also a practicing Buddhist, and has served as a spokesperson for the Soka Gakkai organization.
Reiko Tajima
Reiko Tajima (February 17, 1949 Yokosuka-) also known as Tajima Reiko is a Japanese voice actor and actor.
One of her most well-known roles is providing the voice for the character Onpu Segawa in the popular anime series "Ojamajo Doremi." She has also appeared in live-action television dramas such as "Tokujo Kabachi!!" and "Ashita no Kita Yoshio." In addition to her acting work, Tajima is known for her voiceover work in commercials and as a narrator for documentaries. She has won several awards for her performances as a voice actor, including the Best Supporting Actress Award at the 7th Seiyu Awards. Tajima is represented by the talent agency Aoni Production.
Megumi Ito
Megumi Ito (June 28, 1949 Saitama Prefecture-) a.k.a. いとう めぐみ, Ito Megumi, 伊藤 めぐみ, Taura Megumi, Megumi Taura, たうら めぐみ or 田浦 めぐみ is a Japanese actor. Her child is called Chisaki Aihana.
Megumi Ito began her acting career in the late 1960s and went on to become a prominent actress in Japan. She has appeared in numerous films, TV dramas, and stage productions, and has won several awards for her performances. Some of her notable roles include Masako in "Rashomon" (1972), Rieko in "Shogun's Samurai" (1978), and Mitsuko in "Candle Flowers" (1982). Ito has also been a regular cast member on the TV show "Wonderful Sunday" (1990-2002) and has made guest appearances on various other shows. In addition to her work as an actress, she has also written and directed several productions.
Emi Shindo
Emi Shindo (March 20, 1949 Tokyo-) also known as Shindo Emi is a Japanese actor.
She made her debut in 1970 as a voice actress in the anime series "Ningen Kakumei." Throughout her career, she has appeared in various theater productions, TV dramas, and movies. Some of her notable roles include the TV drama "Tokugawa Ieyasu" and the movie "Tsuribaka Nisshi." In addition to acting, Shindo has also served as a narrator for various documentaries and TV shows. She has received multiple awards for her work, including the Best Supporting Actress Award at the 8th Hochi Film Awards for her role in the movie "Bakumatsu."
Yoneko Matsukane
Yoneko Matsukane (October 22, 1949 Tokyo-) is a Japanese actor and voice actor.
She began her career in the entertainment industry in the 1970s and has since then appeared in various Japanese television dramas and films. Matsukane is best known for her work as a voice actor, having lent her voice to several popular Japanese anime series, including "Sailor Moon" and "Dragon Ball Z". She has also contributed her voice to video games such as "Final Fantasy XII" and "Yakuza 3". In recognition of her contributions to the voice acting industry, Matsukane was awarded the Best Supporting Actress Award at the 3rd Seiyu Awards in 2009.
Mikiko Otonashi
Mikiko Otonashi (December 26, 1949 Tokyo-) is a Japanese actor.
She is best known for her performances in Japanese television dramas and films. Otonashi started her acting career in the late 1970s and appeared in numerous TV shows and movies throughout the 1980s and 1990s. She has received critical acclaim for her performances in dramas such as "Shiroi Kyotō" and "Fūrin Kazan." Otonashi has also acted in international films, including the Chinese film "Summer Palace" directed by Lou Ye. In addition to her work in film and television, Otonashi has also performed in theater productions. She has won several awards for her acting, including the Japan Academy Prize for Best Supporting Actress in 1994. Outside of her acting career, Otonashi is also a musician and has released several albums.
Tokuko Watanabe
Tokuko Watanabe (December 19, 1949 Osaka-) is a Japanese actor.
She began her acting career in the late 1960s and has since appeared in over 50 films and television shows. Watanabe is perhaps best known for her role in the popular Japanese television drama series, "Oshin," which aired from 1983 to 1984. In addition to her acting career, Watanabe has also worked as a voice actor, providing the voice for characters in several animated television shows and films. She has been honored with several awards for her contributions to Japanese cinema, including the Best Actress award at the Japan Academy Prize ceremony in 1981.
Keiko Aikawa
Keiko Aikawa (May 18, 1949 Nagoya-) is a Japanese actor.
Keiko Aikawa began her career as a child actor, making her debut in 1955 on a children's radio program. She later transitioned to television dramas and films, becoming a well-known actress in Japan. Some of her notable works include "Tragedy of W," "Tora-san's Sunrise and Sunset," and "The Gate of Youth." Aikawa has also received recognition for her work in theater, winning the Best Actress Award at the Kinokuniya Theater Awards in 2000. In addition to her acting career, Aikawa is also a writer and has published several books on topics such as film, theater, and poetry. She remains an active figure in the entertainment industry in Japan.