Meiko Kaji

Meiko Kaji

Born 1947-03-24 (age 79) Chiyoda, Tokyo, Japan
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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.

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Known For

Female Prisoner #701: Scorpion
Female Prisoner #701: Scorpion

1972

as Nami Matsushima

Youth A Go Go!
Youth A Go Go!

1966

as Yuko Muraki

Blood Shed
Blood Shed

1966

as Osakae

Lady Snowblood
Lady Snowblood

1973

as Yuki Kashima

Female Prisoner Scorpion: #701's Grudge Song
Female Prisoner Scorpion: Beast Stable
Yakuza Graveyard
Yakuza Graveyard

1976

as Keiko Matsunaga

Double Suicide of Sonezaki
Stray Cat Rock: Beat '71
Under the Open Sky
Under the Open Sky

2021

as Shoji Atsuko

The Voice of Sin
The Voice of Sin

2020

as Mayumi Sone

Lady Snowblood 2: Love Song of Vengeance
Female Prisoner Scorpion: Jailhouse 41
Lullaby of the Earth
Lullaby of the Earth

1976

as Young Lady

Blind Woman's Curse
Blind Woman's Curse

1970

as Akemi Tachibana