Another superstar has fallen in the Japanese film world! Legendary Japanese actress and writer Keiko Kishi has been confirmed to have passed away due to old age on the 7th of this month, at the age of 93. She entered the industry at 19 and was active for over 70 years. In the 1950s, she became a household name after starring in the hit movie "What Is Your Name?", and her shawl and bun hairstyle in the film made women across Japan rush to imitate her look. Notable director Yôji Yamada, who directed the "It's Tough Being a Man" series, and actress Sayuri Yoshinaga among others, have posted messages of mourning.
Throughout her life, she appeared in numerous famous works, including "Snow Country," "Kwaidan," the "The Destiny of Man" series and more. She worked with renowned directors such as Yasujirō Ozu and Kon Ichikawa, and also made cameo appearances in the "Red Suspicion" series starring Momoe Yamaguchi. In 1955, she won Best Actress at the 2nd Southeast Asian Film Festival for "The Garden of Women," gaining international attention. Acclaimed Western directors, including Britain’s David Lean, offered her film roles, making her one of the few Japanese actresses to take the international stage after World War II.
In her personal life, Keiko Kishi met French film director Yves Ciampi while filming "Love in Nagasaki" in 1957. The two later married, with Japanese literary master Yasunari Kawabata serving as the witness at their wedding. After marriage, Kishi moved to Paris where she gave birth to her daughter. After divorcing in 1975, she continued to live in Paris for many years and only shifted her main activities back to Japan around 2000. She was also a writer and published several essay collections.
Source: on.cc