Large-Scale Striptease Act on TV: Divorced Star Who Raised Three Sons Passes Away

Japanese actress Mari Nakayama passed away at a hospital in Tokyo on July 12 at the age of 77. She was immensely popular in the 1970s, known as the 'original cold beauty,' and starred in many well-loved movies and TV series. Due to the relatively lax TV standards at the time, she once appeared half-naked in a drama as a striptease dancer, with her stunning figure leaving a deep impression on fans to this day.
 Nakayama’s grandfather was British, blessing her with deep, chiseled features uncommon in the Japanese entertainment industry and a rare, cool beauty. She entered showbiz right after graduating high school, joining the Toho agency. In 1969, she starred in the volleyball-themed drama “Spark of Youth,” which set a record high rating of 39.3%. Her breakout role was as the rival to the female lead, and she also appeared on Hong Kong TVB’s variety show “Enjoy Yourself Tonight.”

With her striking looks and killer body, Nakayama played a striptease dancer in the drama “Wounded Angels.” Japanese TV then was bold with its content, and she once removed her kimono on camera, baring her chest and breasts, reaching peak sensuality. She also had steamy bedroom scenes and nude appearances in the adult film “Almost Transparent Blue,” directed by novelist Ryu Murakami.

While at the peak of her career, Nakayama took part in the film “Almost Transparent Blue” in 1980. She fell in love with co-star Kunihiko Mitamura during filming, and they got married. She retired from showbiz after marriage and went on to have three sons. However, the couple divorced in 1999. She then made a comeback on screen and raised the three children as a single mother. When her youngest son turned 20, she announced she had “graduated from being a mom,” and began balancing acting with planning solo trips, spending much of her life in this way.
According to Japanese media, she was hospitalized last year due to health problems and kept fighting the illness, passing away peacefully with her three sons by her side. Her wake and funeral were held with only close relatives in attendance.