Yoko Shimada

Yoko Shimada, hailing from Kumamoto City, gained international fame for her portrayal of Mariko in the acclaimed 1980 mini-series "Shogun." Her role as the lady-in-waiting not only captivated audiences but also sparked a growing fascination with Japanese culture and history worldwide. For her outstanding performance, Shimada earned a Golden Globe Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a TV Series - Drama in 1981 and received a nomination for a Primetime Emmy Award.

Shimada's artistic journey began at the tender age of three when she started ballet, aspiring to be a ballerina until her high school years. After relocating to Tokyo at eight, she secured an agent and embarked on her acting career in junior high school. Her breakthrough came in 1970 with the television series "Zoku Hyouten," which garnered her significant recognition in Japan.

In 1992, at the age of 39, Shimada released a provocative nude photo book titled "Kir Royal," which became a bestseller, selling over 500,000 copies. Later in her career, she made headlines again at 57 by starring in an adult video titled "Mikkai," celebrating her enduring beauty and confidence. Beyond her artistic endeavors, Shimada has made unique plans for the future, reserving a space for a burial in outer space. Her multifaceted career and achievements continue to resonate in the entertainment industry.