Chieko Baisho

Chieko Baisho (倍賞 千恵子, Baishō Chieko, born June 29, 1941) is an acclaimed Japanese actress, singer, and voice actress. She is highly recognized in Japan for her iconic performance as Sakura in the 'Otoko wa Tsurai yo' series which aired from 1969 until 1995. She has an enduring professional relationship with director Yōji Yamada and has starred in numerous films of his since the 1960s. Her stellar acting capabilities earned her the accolade of Best Actress at the 5th Hochi Film Award for the movie 'A Distant Cry from Spring'. In addition to her thriving acting career, Baisho has also lent her voice to significant projects, her most notable voice acting venture being the character 'Sophie' in the 2004 film 'Howl's Moving Castle'. Interesting to note that she voiced both the young and old Sophie and sang the film's theme song. Beyond the film set, Baisho has a singing career that took off in 1962 with the song 'Shitamachi no Taiyō' winning her the 'newcomer award' of the Japan Record Award. The track 'Sayonara wa dance atoni' from 1965 inspired the iconic tune 'Moonlight Densetsu', the theme song of Sailor Moon's first four seasons.