List of popular Showa-era actresses that bring back memories: introducing iconic stars who evoke nostalgia
When you think of actresses from the Showa era, who comes to mind?
In this article, we’ll introduce some of the most popular actresses who represent the Showa period.
We’ve picked a variety of actresses—those who appeared in classic Showa-era dramas and films that continue to be loved across generations, as well as those who keep captivating many people even as they grow older.
Even if you don’t know their names, you might think, “I’ve seen her in that work!”
If there’s an actress you liked or are curious about, be sure to check out the works she appeared in!
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List of Beloved Showa-Era Popular Actresses: Introducing Unforgettable Leading Ladies (11–20)
Keiko Kishi
Keiko Kishi has continued to captivate many not only as an actress but also as a writer.
She made her film debut in 1951 and appeared in numerous masterpieces that colored the Showa era, including Yasujiro Ozu’s “Early Spring” and “Snow Country.” When she moved to France and entered into an international marriage in 1957, it became a major topic throughout Japan.
She has remained at the forefront for many years, winning the Japan Academy Prize for Best Actress for the 2001 film “Mother.” Her lifestyle shuttling between Paris and Japan, as well as her intellectually rich essays, are also compelling.
Why not take this opportunity to rediscover and enjoy her works, which convey a dignified beauty and inner strength?
Shima Iwashita
When you think of Shima Iwashita, some of you may picture the film series Gokudo no Onna-tachi (Yakuza Wives).
The hugely popular series reportedly has a total of 16 installments.
She has appeared in many other works as well, including NHK’s Taiga dramas Kusa Moeru and Dokuganryu Masamune.
She also featured in long-running commercials for Japan Menard Cosmetics.
It’s even been revealed that, perhaps unexpectedly, she roots for the Hanshin Tigers baseball team.
She continues to be active today, just as she was in the past.
Sayuri Yoshinaga
When people think of actresses who represent the Showa era, many likely picture her.
Loved by many and affectionately called “Sayurists” by her fans, she is Sayuri Yoshinaga.
Though Yoshinaga has appeared in numerous films as an actress, she was strongly associated at the time with a pure, well-bred young lady image, and it is said she struggled to transition from daughter roles to those of a mature woman.
However, she went on to win numerous awards for her later film performances.
She also appeared on television and in commercials, and even performed as a singer on the NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen.
Sayuri Yoshinaga remains an active and widely beloved star actress to this day.
Masako Natsume
Masako Natsume made her debut in 1976 with the drama “Ai ga Miemasu ka…”.
In 1978, she skyrocketed to popularity playing the monk Tripitaka (Sanzo Hoshi) in the TV drama “Journey to the West.” Although Tripitaka is originally a male character, Natsume’s portrayal as a female actor created a noble, almost abstract interpretation of the role, which greatly boosted her fame.
Natsume continued to be active thereafter, but she was diagnosed with leukemia and passed away at the young age of 27, plunging the entire nation into deep sorrow.
Her influence was immense; later, dramas were produced in which actresses such as Yui Natsukawa and Yukie Nakama portrayed Masako Natsume.
Setsuko Hara
Setsuko Hara is one of the actors who best represent the Japanese film scene, known for appearing in director Yasujirō Ozu’s films Late Spring, Early Summer, and Tokyo Story.
She debuted in the 1935 film Don’t Falter, Young Man, and quickly rose to stardom by playing the heroine in the film The New Earth.
Retiring at the young age of 42, she became a legend; due to the combination of her beauty during her career, her reclusive life, and remaining single throughout her life, she was also called the “Japanese Greta Garbo.” In 2015, she passed away at the age of 95.
Keiko Matsuzaka
Keiko Matsuzaka has appeared in many Taiga dramas and NHK morning dramas.
In 2005, she took over from Yoko Matsuyama as the package character for Bon Curry Classic, sold by Otsuka Foods.
Amazingly, it was the first time the character had changed in 37 years.
The packaging is very memorable, so many of you may recognize it.
She has won numerous film awards and continues to appear in many works today, including the film “My Forever Sunshine” (Ano Hana ga Saku Oka de, Kimi to Mata Deaetara).
List of beloved Showa-era popular actresses: Introducing the memorable stars who bring back memories (21–30)
Reiko Ohara
Reiko Ohara, with her sweet, distinctively nasal voice, is truly captivating.
She gained popularity through films and TV dramas, appearing in numerous works.
Among them, she famously played the “Madonna” heroine twice in the film series Otoko wa Tsurai yo (It’s Tough Being a Man).
She also appeared in many TV commercials; the Suntory Whisky ads, where she wore traditional kimono, overflowed with her charm.
Well-connected and widely admired in the entertainment world—with acquaintances such as Ken Takakura and Mitsuko Mori—Ms.
Ohara sadly passed away at the young age of 62.
Even today, the dramas and films she appeared in continue to be loved by many.