Meiko Kaji

Masako Ōta, known professionally as Meiko Kaji, emerged from Yakumo Academy in 1965 to become a fixture of Japanese cinema and enka music. Her career at Nikkatsu Studios in the late 1960s laid the groundwork for her starring roles in the rebellious *Stray Cat Rock* series and the critically acclaimed *Lady Snowblood*, which inspired Quentin Tarantino. Kaji’s portrayal of outlaw characters, particularly in the *Joshuu Sasori* series, cemented her status as an icon. Beyond acting, she recorded numerous albums and singles, performing for her films and establishing a multifaceted legacy in both cinema and music.