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.

Most Known For

SMAP×SMAP

as Bistro Guest

Onihei Hankachō

as おまさ

Yu Yu Hakusho

as Genkai

Modern Love Tokyo

as Mako

What Did You Eat Yesterday?

as Hisae Kakei

Wonderful Single Life

as Yoko Kirishima

Ponytail Won't Look Back

as Akiko

Romantics Anonymous

Ronin of the Wastelands

as Ofumi

Ooku Dai-isho

Seven Ms. Prisoners

as Ryo Ichijo

Sengoku Rock Hagure Kiba

as Sae

Lady Snowblood

as Yuki Kashima

Dazzling Cops

as Misugi Rie

Under the Open Sky

as Shoji Atsuko

There's Someone Watching

as Shimako Matsumoto

The Voice of Sin

as Mayumi Sone

Female Prisoner Scorpion: #701's Grudge Song

as Nami Matsushima

Female Prisoner #701: Scorpion

as Nami Matsushima

Nezunoban

as Kumiko