Meiko Kaji
Born Mar 24, 1947 · Chiyoda, Tokyo, Japan
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.
Known for
Romantics Anonymous
2025
Yu Yu Hakusho
2023
Modern Love Tokyo
2022
Under the Open Sky
2021
Nezunoban
2021
What Did You Eat Yesterday?
2021
The Voice of Sin
2020
What Did You Eat Yesterday?
2019
Seven Ms. Prisoners
2017
Love or Duty: Samurai Rebellion
2013
Wonderful Single Life
2012
The Lawyer of Shimane
2007
Nogaremono Orin
2006
Oh-Oku: The Women Of The Inner Palace
2006
Onihei Crime Files Special: Okatsu from Yamabukiya
2005
Samurai Justice: Assistance in a Duel
2004
There's Someone Watching
2003
Zeno: Unlimited Love
1999
Bounty Hunter Muyonosuke
1990
Onihei Hankachō
1989
Lone Wolf & Child: Assassin on the Road to Hell
1989
The Blue Mountains '88
1988
Tree Without Leaves
1986
Ponytail Won't Look Back
1985
Life of St. Blue Eyes
1984
The Man of Five Rings
1981
There Was a War When I Was a Child
1981
The Wicked
1980
Battles Without Honor and Humanity: The Complete Saga
1980
Double Suicide of Sonezaki
1978
Flickering Flames
1977
Yakuza Graveyard
1976
Lullaby of the Earth
1976
Between Women and Wives
1976
New Battles Without Honor and Humanity 2: Head of the Boss
1975
Main Line to Terror
1975
Takehisa Yumeji monogatari: koi suru
1975
Lady Snowblood 2: Love Song of Vengeance
1974
Jeans Blues: No Future
1974
Lady Snowblood
1973
Sengoku Rock Hagure Kiba
1973
Female Prisoner Scorpion: #701's Grudge Song
1973
Female Prisoner Scorpion: Beast Stable
1973
Battles Without Honor and Humanity: Deadly Fight in Hiroshima
1973
Yakuza of the Present
1973
Female Prisoner #701: Scorpion
1972
Ronin of the Wastelands
1972
Female Prisoner Scorpion: Jailhouse 41
1972
Wandering Ginza Butterfly
1972
Wandering Ginza Butterfly: She-Cat Gambler
1972
Secret Zone of Tokyo
1971
Stray Cat Rock: Beat '71
1971
Blood for Blood
1971
Night Butterflies
1971
Onna no Iji
1971
The Killer
1971
Ōedo Sōsamō
1970
Blind Woman's Curse
1970
Stray Cat Rock: Sex Hunter
1970
Stray Cat Rock: Delinquent Girl Boss
1970
Stray Cat Rock: Machine Animal
1970
Stray Cat Rock: Wild Jumbo
1970
Melody of Rebellion
1970
Cherry Blossoms in the Air - The Suicide Raiders - Oh, Buddies!
1970
Gambling Den Desire
1970
Step on the Gas!
1970
Greatest Boss of Japan
1970
A Young Man's Stronghold
1970
Gambler's Dilemma
1969
Women's Police
1969
Mini-Skirt Lynchers
1969
The Cleanup
1969
Whirlwind Of Love
1969
Tale of the Last Japanese Yakuza
1969
Chivalrous Pride
1969
Gokudô Petenshi
1969
The SAKURA Code
1969
Women of the Night - Butterfly Flower
1969
Women of the Night - Woman of Seniority
1969
Lost Virgin
1968
Retaliation
1968
Monument to the Girl's Corps
1968
Outlaw: Gangster VIP 2
1968
The Blazing Continent
1968
Confession of a girl: The Forbidden Fruit
1968
I Shall Not Forget
1968
The Man of Victory
1967
A Warm Misty Night
1967
Burning Nature
1967
Youth A Go Go!
1966
Blood Shed
1966
Goodbye Mr. Tears
1966
No Greater Love
1966
Love and Desire in the Night Mist
1966
The Stormy Man
1966
Your Life
1966
I Love The Sun
1966
I'll Never Cry!
1966
Seishun zenki: Aoi kajitsu
1965
In Tears
1965
Adventure With Him
1965
The Rule for a Vagabond
1965
Gambling is My Destiny
1965
Showdown in the Red Valley
1965