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.

Known For

Lost Virgin

Eiko Hase

SMAP×SMAP

Bistro Guest

Romantics Anonymous

Yu Yu Hakusho

Genkai

Onihei Hankachō

おまさ

Lady Snowblood

Yuki Kashima

Female Prisoner #701: Scorpion

Nami Matsushima

Blind Woman's Curse

Akemi Tachibana

Filmography

• Movies
• TV Shows