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Meiko Kaji Biography and Full Filmography - MovieWise

Quick Facts

Born:
1947-03-24

Birthplace:
Chiyoda, Tokyo, Japan

Credits:
151 Total Roles

Meiko Kaji

Acting

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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.

Known For

Full Filmography

Year Title Role
2025 Romantics Anonymous TV Self
2023 Yu Yu Hakusho TV Genkai
2022 Modern Love Tokyo TV Mako
2021 What Did You Eat Yesterday? MOVIE Hisae Kakei
2021 Nezunoban MOVIE Kumiko
2021 Under the Open Sky MOVIE Shoji Atsuko
2020 The Voice of Sin MOVIE Mayumi Sone
2020 My Neighbor's Masala MOVIE Self
2019 What Did You Eat Yesterday? TV Hisae Kakei
2018 The Inugami Clan MOVIE 宮川香琴

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