Meiko Kaji

About

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...

Known for

SMAP×SMAPSeries • 1996Onihei HankachōSeries • 1989Yu Yu HakushoSeries • 2023What Did You Eat Yesterday?Series • 2019Modern Love TokyoSeries • 2022Romantics AnonymousSeries • 2025Under the Open SkyMovie • 2021Lady SnowbloodMovie • 1973Female Prisoner #701: ScorpionMovie • 1972Female Prisoner Scorpion: Jailhouse 41Movie • 1972Battles Without Honor and Humanity: Deadly Fight in HiroshimaMovie • 1973Female Prisoner Scorpion: #701's Grudge SongMovie • 1973New Battles Without Honor and Humanity 2: Head of the BossMovie • 1975Female Prisoner Scorpion: Beast StableMovie • 1973Lady Snowblood 2: Love Song of VengeanceMovie • 1974Blind Woman's CurseMovie • 1970Wandering Ginza ButterflyMovie • 1972Yakuza GraveyardMovie • 1976Stray Cat Rock: Machine AnimalMovie • 1970Stray Cat Rock: Sex HunterMovie • 1970Stray Cat Rock: Delinquent Girl BossMovie • 1970Stray Cat Rock: Beat '71Movie • 1971Stray Cat Rock: Wild JumboMovie • 1970