In the Showa era, numerous actresses and singers were active, and many of them have continued to shine and be loved across the Heisei and Reiwa eras as well.
In this article, we’ll introduce a selection of women who were especially popular at the time for their beauty.
Whether you remember those days or belong to a younger generation unfamiliar with how they looked back then, we hope you take this opportunity to have a look.
If someone catches your interest, try searching for their works or concert footage from that time.
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Compilation of beautiful actresses and singers from the Showa era: beauties who captivated many fans (1–10)
Kaoru Yachigusa
Kaoru Yachigusa, who debuted as a musumeyaku (ingenue) at the Takarazuka Music School, was reportedly first known for her comedic roles after joining the troupe, but later found success in pure, innocent roles and began appearing in films produced by Toho and others.
Even her name is lovely, isn’t it? She was also among the first inductees into the Takarazuka Hall of Fame, underscoring her importance to Takarazuka.
Later, she frequently appeared in works by Sugako Hashida and Fukuko Ishii.
She passed away in 2019, sadly mourned, due to pancreatic cancer.
Masako Natsume
Masako Natsume, a Japanese actress loved by many, rose to fame rapidly in the 1980s.
In her private life, she battled a chronic illness, yet she remained cheerful and gave hope to those around her.
Though her life was short, the way she lived moved countless people.
In particular, the path she walked and the words she left behind teach us the importance of continuing to pursue our dreams.
In her signature drama, Journey to the West, she portrayed the enigmatic monk Tripitaka, and her beauty and acting ability became a major topic of conversation.
With her bright and warm personality, Masako Natsume was reportedly cherished by her co-stars and staff at the time.
Even now, Masako Natsume’s presence continues to live on in the hearts of many.
Yoko Yamamoto
Yoko Yamamoto is an actress from Tokyo who is sometimes noted for her interesting background of entering the entertainment industry from a securities company.
She passed the Nikkatsu New Face audition in 1963 and, although she wasn’t immediately blessed with many roles, she gradually gained attention after appearing in TV dramas.
Her representative works include the drama The Black Leather Notebook and the film The Grand Family, and her performances on stage—such as in A Wanderer’s Notebook—are also a major part of her appeal.
She also became widely popular for her approachable image, having served for many years as the image model for Yamamoto Nori-ten.
Keiko Takahashi
Keiko Takahashi is an actress from Kawakami District in Hokkaido who has been active across a wide range of genres, including film, TV dramas, and stage productions.
It is said that she had a mature appearance even in junior high school, which caught the eye of a talent scout; as a result, she entered the entertainment industry immediately after graduating from junior high.
She made her leading debut in the 1970 film “High School Student Blues,” earning the Newcomer Award at the Golden Arrow Awards—a brilliant start to her career.
She has continued to showcase her acting in various fields, including appearances in the drama “Taiyo ni Hoero!” and on stage in productions such as “The Love Suicides at Amijima.”
Mariko Kaga
Speaking of Mariko Kaga, her father was a famous producer, and she was also known for her free-spirited remarks and sharp tongue.
Dubbed the “Japanese Brigitte Bardot,” her looks and fiery personality kept the weeklies buzzing, and fed up with it all, she would abruptly pause her acting career and then make comebacks.
Even so, many people probably felt a sense of envy or admiration for the way she stayed true to herself.
Her cool style remains unchanged and unwavering to this day.
Nana Okada
Nana Okada is from Gifu City in Gifu Prefecture and became popular not only as an actress but also as a singer and idol.
After winning the audition show “Anata o Star ni!” (Make You a Star!), she made her debut as a singer.
While releasing hit songs such as “Seishun no Sakamichi” (The Slope of Youth), she also built a career as an actress in dramas like “Oretachi no Asa,” achieving results across a wide range of fields.
She has appeared not only in films and TV dramas but also on stage, and is recognized as a leading actress noted for her acting ability that goes beyond the pure, ingénue image.
Ryoko Sakaguchi
Ryoko Sakaguchi, born in 1955 in Hokkaido, is a figure who transitioned from singer to actress.
She entered the entertainment industry in 1971 after winning the Miss Seventeen contest, debuting as a singer with Akogare, and later making her acting debut in the drama Ai-chan ga Iku! In the drama Sign wa V, she both starred and performed the theme song, establishing a strong presence as both an idol and an actress.
From there, she appeared in numerous popular dramas, gaining popularity thanks in part to her approachable personality.
From the 2000s onward, she took on a wide range of roles, including motherly characters, solidifying her status as an actress renowned for her supporting roles.