Meiko Kaji
Acting
Born 1947-03-24 · Chiyoda, Tokyo, Japan
Masako Ōta, known as Meiko Kaji, is a Japanese actress and enka singer born on 24 March 1947 in Chiyoda, Tokyo Prefecture. After graduating from Yakumo Academy in Meguro in 1965, she made her debut at Nikkatsu Studios under her real name, playing supporting roles in the late 1960s. Her first notable role came in 1969 in *Nihon Zankyoden*. She gained visibility with the 1970-1971 series *Stray Cat Rock* (Noraneko Rokku), playing young rebels in five films. In the 1970s, she excelled in roles as outlaws, notably in the *Joshuu Sasori* (Prisonnière Scorpion) series at Toei, with four films, the first of which was released in 1972. She became an icon with *Lady Snowblood* (1973), which greatly inspired Quentin Tarantino in *Kill Bill*. Her other notable films include *Double Suicide at Sonezaki* (1978). She also sang for her films and released several albums and singles. She has appeared in over 100 films and series since the 1960s.
Filmography
What Did You Eat Yesterday?
Nov 3, 2021
Nezunoban
Aug 18, 2021
Under the Open Sky
Feb 11, 2021
The Voice of Sin
Oct 30, 2020
My Neighbor's Masala
Feb 28, 2020
The Inugami Clan
Dec 24, 2018
Onihei Crime Files: The Final Kohen - Unryu Ken
Dec 3, 2016
Onihei Crime Files: The Final Zenpen - Gonenme no Kyaku
Dec 2, 2016
Bad Girls of Japan
Aug 20, 2015
Love or Duty: Samurai Rebellion
Feb 9, 2013
Onihei Crime Files: A Bandit Wedding
Sep 30, 2011
Onihei Crime Files: Conscience of a Worm
Apr 15, 2011
Onihei Crime Files: Sutegoro Takahagi
Jun 18, 2010
Onihei Crime Files: Bungoro Amabiki
Jul 17, 2009
Onihei Crime Files: The Inside Woman
Oct 17, 2008
The Lawyer of Shimane
Jul 14, 2007
Onihei Crime Files: Unibrow
Apr 6, 2007
Oh-Oku: The Women Of The Inner Palace
Dec 23, 2006
Onihei Crime Files Special: Bandits
Feb 17, 2006
Samurai Justice: The Female Bodyguard
Jan 30, 2006
Samurai Justice: A Duel at Takadanobara
May 26, 2005
Onihei Crime Files Special: Okatsu from Yamabukiya
Feb 8, 2005
Samurai Justice 2: Mother & Daughter
Jan 11, 2005
Samurai Justice: Assistance in a Duel
Dec 14, 2004
Capone: Roppongi Renkin no Teio
Feb 14, 2004
Zeno: Unlimited Love
May 15, 1999
Onihei's Detective Records
Nov 18, 1995
Bounty Hunter Muyonosuke
Oct 8, 1990
Lone Wolf & Child: Assassin on the Road to Hell
Apr 22, 1989
The Blue Mountains '88
Oct 15, 1988