Meiko Kaji

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 19701971 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