Meiko Kaji
Biography
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.
Personal Details
Also Known As
Movies (35)
Written Down
Music (Sound)
2022
What Did You Eat Yesterday?
as Hisae Kakei
2021
Nezunoban
as Kumiko
2021
Under the Open Sky
as Shoji Atsuko
2021
The Voice of Sin
as Mayumi Sone
2020
My Neighbor's Masala
2020
The Inugami Clan
as 宮川香琴
2018
Onihei Crime Files: The Final Kohen - Unryu Ken
2016
Onihei Crime Files: The Final Zenpen - Gonenme no Kyaku
2016
Bad Girls of Japan
2015
Love or Duty: Samurai Rebellion
as Suga Sasahara
2013
Onihei Crime Files: A Bandit Wedding
2011
Onihei Crime Files: Conscience of a Worm
as Omasa
2011
Onihei Crime Files: Sutegoro Takahagi
as Omasa
2010
Onihei Crime Files: Bungoro Amabiki
as Omasa
2009
The Silent Sword: Loyalty and Honor
2008
Onihei Crime Files: The Inside Woman
as Omasa
2008
The Lawyer of Shimane
as Ishizuka Yoko
2007
Onihei Crime Files: Unibrow
as Omasa
2007
Oh-Oku: The Women Of The Inner Palace
as Narration
2006
Onihei Crime Files Special: Bandits
as Omasa
2006
Samurai Justice: The Female Bodyguard
2006
Samurai Justice: A Duel at Takadanobara
2005
Onihei Crime Files Special: Okatsu from Yamabukiya
as Omasa
2005
Samurai Justice 2: Mother & Daughter
as Omoto
2005
Samurai Justice: Assistance in a Duel
as Omoto
2004
Capone: Roppongi Renkin no Teio
2004
Zeno: Unlimited Love
as Gentarou's mother (voice)
1999
Onihei's Detective Records
1995
Magistrate Toyama: Conspiracy of a Beautiful Woman! Rampage in Kanhashu
1990
Bounty Hunter Muyonosuke
1990
Lone Wolf & Child: Assassin on the Road to Hell
as Okiku
1989
The Blue Mountains '88
as Umetaro
1988
Detective Kyosuke Kozu's Murder Reasoning 8
1988
Tree Without Leaves
1986
TV Shows (15)
Romantics Anonymous
2025
Yu Yu Hakusho
as Genkai
2023
Modern Love Tokyo
as Mako
2022
What Did You Eat Yesterday?
as Hisae Kakei
2019
Seven Ms. Prisoners
as Ryo Ichijo
2017
Wonderful Single Life
as Yoko Kirishima
2012
Kuwayama Jubei travels to eight provinces
2007
Nogaremono Orin
as Kosakatae
2006
Ooku Dai-isho
2004
There's Someone Watching
as Shimako Matsumoto
2003
Kenkaku Shōbai
1998
SMAP×SMAP
as Bistro Guest
1996
Hanayome wa 16-sai!
1995
Onihei Hankachō
as おまさ
1989
秘められた関係
1986