Noriko Watanabe

**Noriko Watanabe: A Life in Film and Television**

Noriko Watanabe, born on July 22, 1965, in Yahata Nishi Ward, Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture, emerged as one of Japan's leading actresses in the 1980s alongside Hiroko Yakushimaru and Tomoyo Harada, collectively known as the "Kadokawa Three Princesses." At just 15, she gained recognition as the Kyushu representative, winning the Jury Prize at the 6th Horipro Talent Scout Caravan in 1981.

Her career took off when she was selected as the heroine in the 1982 film "Ninja Wars," directed by Kosei Saito, out of an astounding 57,480 applicants. The following year, she starred in Saito's "Tsumiki kuzushi," reprising her role from the TV drama, which earned her the prestigious Newcomer of the Year award at the 7th Japanese Academy Awards. In 1983, at just 18, she also made her mark as a singer with the hit theme song for her debut starring film, "Fine, With Occasional Murders."

Noriko's talent continued to shine as she received the Supporting Actress Award at the Yokohama Film Festival in 1987 for her performance in "His Motorcycle, Her Island" directed by Nobuhiko Obayashi. Although she declined a major role in "Times for Lovers" due to concerns over a nude scene, she maintained a prolific career, appearing in numerous TV dramas including "Kyo Ichirin," NHK's Taiga drama "Shobu ga Gotoku," and TBS's "Very Mother and Daughter." Her extensive body of work solidifies her status as a cherished figure in Japanese entertainment.