Here are 3 famous actresses from Japan died in 1980:
Chieko Higashiyama (September 30, 1890 Chiba-May 8, 1980) a.k.a. Sen Watanabe was a Japanese actor.
She began her career in the silent film era and starred in over 200 films, including many classics of Japanese cinema such as Yasujirō Ozu's "Tokyo Story." Higashiyama was known for her powerful performances portraying women facing various hardships, often drawing on her own life experiences. She received numerous awards for her work, including the prestigious Order of Culture from the Japanese government. Higashiyama continued to act well into her 80s, becoming a beloved figure in Japanese culture. Today, she is remembered as one of the greatest actors in Japanese cinema history.
Higashiyama was born to a family of actors and began performing at a young age. She married fellow actor Tokihiko Okada in 1917 and they had three children together. Despite her success in film, Higashiyama also had a passion for theater and was a member of the Shingeki theater movement, which sought to bring a more realistic form of acting to Japan. In addition to her acting career, Higashiyama was also a teacher and trained many young actors. She was known for her dedication to her craft and for her kindness and generosity towards her colleagues. Higashiyama's legacy continues to be celebrated in Japan, where she is remembered as a pioneer of Japanese cinema and a role model for actors and actresses.
Fumie Kitahara (May 28, 1920 Tokyo-October 6, 1980 Surugadai) a.k.a. Fumi'e Kitahara was a Japanese actor and voice actor.
She began her acting career in the 1940s and became known for her roles in popular films such as "A Tale of Genji" (1951) and "Gate of Hell" (1953). She also starred in numerous television dramas and was a prolific voice actor, lending her voice to many anime characters such as Lady Oyuu in "Shonen Sarutobi Sasuke" and Hanae in "My Neighbor Totoro." Kitahara was known for her nuanced performances and her ability to convey emotion through her voice. She was a popular figure in the Japanese entertainment industry and was recognized for her contributions to the arts with numerous awards including the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette in 1980. Kitahara passed away in 1980 at the age of 60.
In addition to her successful acting career, Fumie Kitahara was also an accomplished singer. She recorded several albums and performed live concerts throughout Japan. Outside of her artistic pursuits, Kitahara was also known for her humanitarian work. She was a dedicated philanthropist, and founded the Kitahara Fumie Oral Rehabilitation Center which provided dental care for those in need. Her generosity and kindness left a lasting impact on the people whose lives she touched. Today, Kitahara is remembered as a talented performer and a beloved figure in Japanese entertainment history. Her legacy continues to inspire aspiring actors and voice actors alike.
Yôko Fuji (March 18, 1912 Hiroshima-May 10, 1980) a.k.a. Yoko Fuji or Shizuko Ikeda was a Japanese actor.
She was born in Hiroshima and began her acting career in the early 1930s. Yôko Fuji became a popular actress in Japan during the 1930s and 1940s and appeared in more than 220 films throughout her career. Some of her most notable movies include Naniwa Elegy (1936), Osaka Elegy (1936), Sisters of the Gion (1936), and Late Spring (1949). She was a versatile actress who was equally adept in both dramatic and comedic roles. In addition to her work in film, Yôko Fuji also appeared in several stage productions in Tokyo. She died in 1980 at the age of 68.
Yôko Fuji was known for her strong screen presence and captivating performances. She worked with many renowned directors, including Kenji Mizoguchi, Yasujirō Ozu, and Mikio Naruse, and was considered one of the leading actresses of her time. In 1953, she won the Blue Ribbon Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the film Genji Monogatari. Despite her success in the entertainment industry, Yôko Fuji lived a very private life and little is known about her personal relationships or interests outside of acting. She remains a celebrated figure in Japanese cinema and is remembered for her contribution to the art form.