Known for Acting
Birthday
March 24, 1947
Place of Birth
Chiyoda, Tokyo, Japan
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.

SMAP×SMAP

Onihei Hankachō

Yu Yu Hakusho

Romantics Anonymous

Modern Love Tokyo

Wonderful Single Life

Ponytail Won't Look Back

What Did You Eat Yesterday?

Ooku Dai-isho

Ronin of the Wastelands

Seven Ms. Prisoners

Sengoku Rock Hagure Kiba

Life of St. Blue Eyes

Ōedo Sōsamō
Hanayome wa 16-sai!

The Man of Five Rings

There's Someone Watching

Fushoku no kōzō

Kenkaku Shōbai

Kuwayama Jubei travels to eight provinces