Meiko Kaji
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.
Filmography (153 titles)
8.2ShowRomantics Anonymous
2025
7.5ShowYu Yu Hakusho
Genkai · 2023
6.8ShowModern Love Tokyo
Mako · 2022
6.1MovieWhat Did You Eat Yesterday?
Hisae Kakei · 2021
MovieNezunoban
Kumiko · 2021
7.6MovieUnder the Open Sky
Shoji Atsuko · 2021
7.2MovieThe Voice of Sin
Mayumi Sone · 2020
MovieMy Neighbor's Masala
2020
7.0ShowWhat Did You Eat Yesterday?
Hisae Kakei · 2019
6.0MovieThe Inugami Clan
宮川香琴 · 2018
6.5ShowSeven Ms. Prisoners
Ryo Ichijo · 2017
8.3MovieOnihei Crime Files: The Final Kohen - Unryu Ken
2016
8.2MovieOnihei Crime Files: The Final Zenpen - Gonenme no Kyaku
2016
MovieBad Girls of Japan
2015
7.2MovieLove or Duty: Samurai Rebellion
Suga Sasahara · 2013
7.2ShowWonderful Single Life
Yoko Kirishima · 2012
MovieOnihei Crime Files: A Bandit Wedding
2011
8.0MovieOnihei Crime Files: Conscience of a Worm
Omasa · 2011
8.0MovieOnihei Crime Files: Sutegoro Takahagi
Omasa · 2010
8.0MovieOnihei Crime Files: Bungoro Amabiki
Omasa · 2009
The Silent Sword: Loyalty and Honor
2008
8.0MovieOnihei Crime Files: The Inside Woman
Omasa · 2008
7.0MovieThe Lawyer of Shimane
Ishizuka Yoko · 2007
ShowKuwayama Jubei travels to eight provinces
2007
8.0MovieOnihei Crime Files: Unibrow
Omasa · 2007
7.0MovieOh-Oku: The Women Of The Inner Palace
Narration · 2006
ShowNogaremono Orin
Kosakatae · 2006
MovieOnihei Crime Files Special: Bandits
Omasa · 2006
MovieSamurai Justice: The Female Bodyguard
2006
MovieSamurai Justice: A Duel at Takadanobara
2005