Here are 19 famous actresses from Japan were born in 1959:
Nagisa Katahira (July 12, 1959 Ōta, Tokyo-) is a Japanese actor.
Nagisa Katahira began her acting career in 1976 when she starred in the movie "Inugami no Tatari". She went on to appear in many films, television dramas, and stage productions. In 1981, she won the award for Best Supporting Actress at the Japanese Academy Awards for her role in the film "Kazoku Gēmu". Katahira is well-known for her versatile acting skills, and has portrayed a wide range of characters over the years. In addition to her acting career, she is also a narrator and voice actress, and has worked on many radio and television programs. Katahira has received numerous awards for her contributions to the entertainment industry, and is considered one of Japan's most respected actors.
Read more about Nagisa Katahira on Wikipedia »
Yuriko Yamamoto (February 13, 1959 Hino-) a.k.a. Yuriko Satou is a Japanese voice actor, actor and singer.
She started her career in voice acting in the late 1970s and has since then lent her voice to a number of notable anime characters. Some of her most well-known roles include Fubuki in "Detective Conan", Tetsuko Kuroyanagi in "Rascal the Raccoon", and Elizabeth Midford in "Black Butler". In addition to her work as a voice actor, Yamamoto has also done live-action acting and has appeared in numerous TV dramas and films. She has released several singles and albums as a singer, with her music often being used as theme songs for anime and TV shows. Yamamoto has won multiple awards for her voice acting work, including the "Best Supporting Actress" category at the 3rd Seiyu Awards in 2009.
Read more about Yuriko Yamamoto on Wikipedia »
Chika Sakamoto (August 17, 1959 Tokyo-) a.k.a. Sakamoto Chika, Chinatsu Sakamoto or Chika Ishihara is a Japanese voice actor and actor.
She is best known for her role as the voice of Agumon in the hit anime series, Digimon Adventure. Sakamoto began her career in acting in 1967 as a child actress, appearing in numerous television dramas and commercials. She made her voice acting debut in 1981 in the anime series, Urusei Yatsura. Since then, she has lent her voice to several beloved anime characters, such as Mei in My Neighbor Totoro and May in Pokémon: Advanced Generation. In addition to her voice acting work, Sakamoto has also acted on stage and in live-action films and television dramas. She has won several awards for her voice acting, including the Best Actress in a Supporting Role award at the 3rd Seiyu Awards.
Read more about Chika Sakamoto on Wikipedia »
Misako Tanaka (November 11, 1959 Nishinoshima-) also known as Fukazawa Misako or Tanaka Misako is a Japanese actor.
Misako Tanaka started her career in acting in 1978 in the TV drama "Nidaime wa Cosplayer." She then appeared in numerous TV dramas, movies, and stage shows including "Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence" (1983), "Anego" (2005), "Oshin" (2013), and "Furyou Shounen: 3-nin no Tantei" (2014). In 2013, she won the Best Actress Award at the 17th Japan Media Arts Festival for her role in the film "The End of Summer." Tanaka is also a prolific voice actor, lending her voice to various anime characters in popular series such as "Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ," "Sailor Moon," and "Fruits Basket." In addition to acting, Tanaka has also published several books, including "Tanaka Misako no Mitsubachi Nikki" (Misako Tanaka's Bee Diary), which chronicles her experience keeping bees.
Read more about Misako Tanaka on Wikipedia »
Momoe Yamaguchi (January 17, 1959 Shibuya-) also known as Yokosuka Kei, Kei Yokosuka, Momoe Miura, Miura Momoe, Yamaguchi Momoe or Momoe is a Japanese singer and actor. She has two children, Yutaro Miura and Takahiro Miura.
Momoe Yamaguchi rose to fame in the 1970s as a singer and actress. She released a string of successful singles and albums throughout the decade, and her popularity was so immense that it was dubbed "Momoe hysteria." In addition to her music career, she also appeared in numerous films and TV dramas, further cementing her status as a superstar in Japan. However, in 1980, she announced her retirement from the entertainment industry at the height of her career, shocking fans and causing a media frenzy. Since then, she has led a private life, focusing on raising her two children and staying out of the public eye. Despite her relatively short career, Momoe Yamaguchi remains a beloved and iconic figure in Japanese pop culture.
Read more about Momoe Yamaguchi on Wikipedia »
Kimie Shingyoji (September 24, 1959-) is a Japanese actor. She has one child, .
Kimie Shingyoji, born on September 24, 1959 in Tokyo, Japan, is a prominent actress best known for her remarkable performances in both television dramas and movies. She began her acting career in the early 80s and quickly gained popularity for her versatile acting skills. Throughout her career, she has received numerous accolades for her outstanding performances, including the prestigious Japan Academy Prize in 2000.
In addition to her successful acting career, Shingyoji is also actively involved in humanitarian causes. She serves as a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations Development Programme and participates in various campaigns to raise awareness on social issues.
Shingyoji has one child, a daughter by the name of Hana Kogure. Despite her busy professional life, Shingyoji has always maintained a strong relationship with her daughter and enjoys spending quality time with her family.
Read more about Kimie Shingyoji on Wikipedia »
Naoko Watanabe (November 21, 1959 Suginami-) is a Japanese voice actor and actor.
She is best known for voicing the character of Anpanman in the popular children's anime series "Soreike! Anpanman" since 1988. Watanabe has also lent her voice to numerous other anime and video game characters over the years, including Chiko in "The Brave of Gold Goldran" and Ritsuko Mukae in "Shirobako". In addition to her voice acting work, Watanabe has appeared on television dramas and in stage productions, showcasing her versatility as an actor.
Read more about Naoko Watanabe on Wikipedia »
Kimiko Ikegami (January 16, 1959 Manhattan-) also known as いけがみ きみこ, Ikegami Kimiko or 池上 季実子 is a Japanese actor.
She is most well-known for her roles in horror films, particularly in the films of acclaimed director, Nobuhiko Obayashi. Ikegami first gained international recognition for her performance as Gorgeous in the 1977 horror-comedy film, "House," which has since become a cult classic. She also starred in Obayashi's 1980 film, "The Drifting Classroom," which is based on a popular manga series.
In addition to her horror film work, Ikegami has also appeared in numerous other films and television shows. She has received critical acclaim for her performances in more dramatic roles, including in the 1981 film "Kamata Koshin-kyoku," for which she won the Best Actress award at the Japan Academy Prize.
Throughout her career, Ikegami has established herself as one of Japan's most respected and versatile actresses. She continues to act in films and television shows, and has also worked as a voice actor for anime and video games.
Read more about Kimiko Ikegami on Wikipedia »
Akari Hibino (July 5, 1959 Hamamatsu-) a.k.a. Youko Takahashi, Yôko Ogai or Yôko Takahashi is a Japanese voice actor and actor.
Akari Hibino is also known for her work as a singer and songwriter. She is best known for performing the opening theme song for the anime series Neon Genesis Evangelion, titled "A Cruel Angel's Thesis." In addition to her work in entertainment, Hibino is an active supporter of various environmental and animal rights causes. She has also published a number of essay collections and memoirs, including "My Life as an Actress in Japan" and "Finding My Voice: A Memoir of Music and Discovery."
Read more about Akari Hibino on Wikipedia »
Ikue Sakakibara (May 8, 1959 Kawasaki-) also known as Sakakibara, Ikue or Ikue Watanabe is a Japanese singer, actor, voice actor and tarento. She has one child, Yuta Watanabe.
Ikue Sakakibara began her career as a singer in 1980, releasing her debut single "Koisuru Neko wa Kujikenai" under the stage name Ikue Watanabe. She later transitioned into voice acting and has since lent her voice to numerous anime and video game characters, including Sailor Venus in the iconic anime series Sailor Moon and Nero Claudius in the popular game Fate/Extra. In addition to her voice acting work, Sakakibara has also made appearances in various television dramas and films, showcasing her skills as an actor. With her charming personality and versatile talents, she has become a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.
Read more about Ikue Sakakibara on Wikipedia »
Hiroko Hayashi (October 16, 1959 Ōta, Tokyo-) otherwise known as Hayashi Hiroko, はやし ひろこ or 林 寛子 is a Japanese singer and actor. Her children are called Moe Kurosawa and Yu Kurosawa.
Hiroko Hayashi began her career as a singer in 1978, with her debut single titled "Koi Wa Heart De". She gained popularity in the 1980s and 1990s with numerous hit singles, including "Aoi Kajitsu", "Pocket no Naka no Cinderella" and "Kiss no Tochū de Namida ga". In addition to her music career, Hayashi has also acted in several Japanese television dramas and films. She made her acting debut in 1979 with the film "Akai Hana". Hayashi is known for her powerful vocals and versatile singing ability, which have earned her numerous awards throughout her career. She continues to release music and perform to this day.
Read more about Hiroko Hayashi on Wikipedia »
Shungiku Uchida (August 7, 1959 Nagasaki-) also known as Uchida Shungicu, Uchida Shigeko, Shungiku Uchida or Harugiku Uchida is a Japanese singer, novelist, actor and mangaka. She has five children, Alpha Uchida, Beta Uchida, Gamma Uchida, Delta Uchida and Arufa Uchida.
Shungiku Uchida was born in Nagasaki, Japan, in 1959. She began her career as a singer and became known for her unique vocal style and stage performances. In the 1980s, Uchida shifted her focus to writing, and she has since published numerous novels and manga series that have gained critical acclaim both in Japan and around the world.
In addition to her successful writing career, Uchida has also appeared in several Japanese films and television shows. She has won several awards for her work in entertainment, including the prestigious Naoki Prize for her novel "Amai Koe" (Sweet Voice).
Uchida is also known for her dedication to social causes, particularly those related to LGBTQ+ rights and HIV/AIDS awareness. She has been an outspoken advocate for these issues for decades, and her activism has earned her widespread respect and admiration both in Japan and abroad.
Despite her many accomplishments, Uchida remains a devoted mother to her five children. She has spoken publicly about the joys and challenges of balancing her creative pursuits with her responsibilities as a parent, and she continues to be an inspiration to aspiring artists and parents alike.
Read more about Shungiku Uchida on Wikipedia »
Kazue Ikura (March 23, 1959 Ueda-) also known as Ikura, Kazue, Kazu Ikura, Ikura Kazu or Ikura Kazue is a Japanese voice actor and actor.
She is affiliated with Office Anemone. Kazue Ikura has had several notable roles in anime, including playing Ryoko from "Tenchi Muyo!", Meryl Strife from "Trigun", and Excel Excel from "Excel Saga". She has also contributed her voice to various video games, such as "Final Fantasy XII" and "Persona 5". In addition to her voice acting work, Ikura has also appeared in live-action dramas, such as "Dare Yorimo Mama wo Ai su" and "Doctor X ~Gekai Daimon Michiko~". She won the award for Best Supporting Actress at the 7th Seiyu Awards in 2013.
Read more about Kazue Ikura on Wikipedia »
Yūko Kotegawa (July 16, 1959 Oita-) otherwise known as Kotegawa Yūko is a Japanese actor.
She graduated from Tokyo Woman's Christian University and began her acting career in 1980 as a member of the Bungakuza theater troupe. She made her film debut in the 1982 film, "The Catch" and has since appeared in numerous films and television dramas. Some of her notable works include "Tora-san's Salad-Day Memorial", "The Gate of Youth", "Asura", and "Lost Paradise in Tokyo". In 2012, she received the Best Supporting Actress award at the 36th Japan Academy Prize award ceremony for her performance in the film "Hanjiro". Outside of acting, she also takes part in activities to promote environmental conservation and social welfare.
Read more about Yūko Kotegawa on Wikipedia »
Noriko Hayami (September 20, 1959 Tokyo-) also known as Hayami Noriko is a Japanese actor.
Noriko Hayami trained as a ballerina and began her career as an actor in the 1980s. She appeared in numerous television dramas and movies, including the popular series "Tokyo Love Story" and "From Five to Nine." Hayami is also known for her voice acting work, having provided the voices for characters in anime series such as "City Hunter" and "Sailor Moon." In addition to her acting work, she has also served as a beauty ambassador and spokesperson for various brands in Japan.
Read more about Noriko Hayami on Wikipedia »
Ritsuko Nemoto (April 19, 1959 Tokyo-) is a Japanese actor.
Nemoto started her career in the 1980s with appearances in various Japanese film and television projects. She gained critical acclaim for her role in the film "Shinran: Path to Purity" (1987) and went on to work with renowned directors like Yasuo Furuhata and Yoji Yamada.
Apart from acting, Nemoto also worked as a voice actor known for her work in the popular anime series "Nintama Rantaro". She has also appeared in stage productions and commercials throughout her career.
In 2020, Nemoto was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer but continued to work on the NHK television drama "Tenchijin" until her passing in June of the same year. Her contributions to the entertainment industry in Japan remain a significant part of her legacy.
Read more about Ritsuko Nemoto on Wikipedia »
Mio Takaki (December 31, 1959 Fukuoka-) also known as Yukari Sadaya, Mio Takagi or Takaki, Mio is a Japanese actor.
Mio Takaki began her career as an actress in 1980, appearing in the popular Japanese TV drama "Monkey". She went on to appear in numerous other TV dramas and movies, and became one of the most recognizable and beloved actresses in Japan. She won the Best Supporting Actress Award at the 17th Japan Academy Prize for her performance in the film "Love Letter". In addition to her acting career, she has also written several books, including an autobiography and a collection of essays. She is known for her elegant and graceful presence both on and off-screen, and has been a role model for many young Japanese actresses.
Read more about Mio Takaki on Wikipedia »
Miyuki Ono (November 17, 1959 Shizuoka Prefecture-) also known as Miyuki Nishino, 小野 みゆき, Ono Miyuki, 西野 美幸, にしの みゆき, おの みゆき or Nishino Miyuki is a Japanese actor and model.
Miyuki Ono started her career in the entertainment industry as a model before transitioning to acting. She has appeared in numerous TV dramas and movies, including the popular drama series "Oshin" and the film "Akira." Along with her acting career, she has also lent her voice to various anime series and video games. Miyuki Ono is known for her versatile acting skills and has won critical acclaim for her performances in both dramatic and comedic roles. In addition to her work as an actor, she has also authored several books on beauty and health, and is a popular public speaker on these topics.
Read more about Miyuki Ono on Wikipedia »
Kaoru Mizuki (June 16, 1959 Yokohama-) a.k.a. Mizuki Kaoru is a Japanese actor.
He began his career as a stage actor in the 1980s and eventually transitioned to television and film. Mizuki is known for his versatility in playing various roles and has appeared in a number of popular dramas, including "Tokyo Love Story" and "Good Luck!!". He has also received critical acclaim for his work in films such as "The Sting of Death" and "Vengeance is Mine". In addition to his acting career, Mizuki has also served as a judge on various talent competitions in Japan. He continues to be a prominent figure in the Japanese entertainment industry.
Read more about Kaoru Mizuki on Wikipedia »