1972Nominee
Best Performance
Female Prisoner #701: Scorpion
Meiko Kaji
Actor
Chiyoda, Tokyo, Japan
March 24, 1947
Biography
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.
Photo
Representative Works
Awards and Honors
Critical Favorites
1973Winner
Best Performance
Lady Snowblood
1973Nominee
Best Performance
Female Prisoner Scorpion: #701's Grudge Song
Career Highlights
1972Highlight
Best Performance
Female Prisoner Scorpion: Jailhouse 41
1973Highlight
Best Performance
Battles Without Honor and Humanity: Deadly Fight in Hiroshima
Video
Female Prisoner #701: Scorpion
Lady Snowblood
Female Prisoner Scorpion: #701's Grudge Song