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.
- List of popular Showa-era actresses that bring back memories: introducing iconic stars who evoke nostalgia
- A hugely popular star who colored the Showa era, known by everyone.
- Songs that get women in their 80s excited: A roundup of tracks also great for karaoke
- Songs to Enjoy with Women in Their 90s: A Collection of Karaoke Crowd-Pleasers
- [2026] Recommended karaoke songs for women in their 70s: from enka to Showa-era pop
- A directory of popular women’s pro wrestlers from the Showa era: the star players who energized the times.
- Recommended love songs for people in their 90s: A collection of classic Shōwa-era romance songs
- For seniors: Recommended youthful songs for people in their 90s. A collection of classic Showa-era hits.
- Recommended love songs for women in their 70s: A collection of nostalgic love songs
- Tear-Jerking Songs Recommended for Women in Their 80s: A Collection of Heart-Stirring Masterpieces
- Introducing handsome Showa-era actors and singers: legendary stars still remembered today
- List of Showa-era variety idols: idols who were active in singing and variety shows
- Who is your favorite idol? Popular idols from the Showa era.
Compilation of beautiful actresses and singers from the Showa era: beauties who captivated many fans (1–10)
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.
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.”
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.
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.
Sayuri Yoshinaga
Speaking of Sayuri Yoshinaga, she’s an actress with a large fan base known as “Sayurists,” who has been active in film and entertainment since the 1960s.
Alongside her acting career, she graduated from Waseda University, showing her keen intellect; she also plays the piano well, and the beauty that radiates from both her appearance and character has captivated even celebrities.
She’s also said to be an unexpectedly heavy drinker, making her a very charming actress.
We may not see many actresses like her in the future.
Reiko Ohara
The Suntory Old Whisky commercial featuring Reiko Ohara is known for her memorable lines: “Welcome home.
Darling! I’m off.
Darling!” In the video, her gentle expression creates a warm, at-home atmosphere and presents an adult lifestyle of enjoying whisky.
Reiko Ohara’s graceful presence and heartfelt message made this one of the most memorable works in Japanese advertising culture, likely lingering in the hearts of many people.
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.