Kazuko Shirakawa

Kazuko Shirakawa (Japanese: 白川和子) is a veteran Japanese actress born on September 30, 1947, in Nagasaki, Japan. Known for her extensive work across Japanese cinema and television, she has maintained a prolific acting career spanning multiple decades, appearing in notable films and drama series.

Biography and Career

Born in Nagasaki, Shirakawa stands 158 cm tall. Over her long-standing career, she has transitioned through various eras of Japanese filmmaking and television production. Her film credits range from early 1970s productions such as Ichijo's Wet Lust (1972) and Jitsuroku Kazuko Shirakawa: hadaka no rirekisho (1973), in which she portrayed a character bearing her name, to contemporary releases like Shunga Sensei (2023) and Mr Shota's Last Business Trip (2026).

In addition to her cinematic contributions, Shirakawa has been active in Japanese television dramas, taking on guest and supporting roles in programs across major networks such as TV Asahi, Fuji TV, and NHK.

Selected Filmography

Konzen kojoki (1968)
Ichijo's Wet Lust (1972) - Mari
Jitsuroku Kazuko Shirakawa: hadaka no rirekisho (1973) - Kazuko Shirakawa
The Youth Killer (1976) - Keiko's mother
Vengeance Is Mine (1979) - Sachiko Yoshizato
The Family Game (1983) - Mieko's mother
Black Rain (1989) - Old Woman with white flag
After Life (1998) - Nobuko Amano
Lily Festival (2001) - Renako Yokota
Osaka Hamlet (2009) - Yae
Dendera (2011) - Hono Ishizuka
The Devil's Path (2013) - Yurie Ushiba
Shunga Sensei (2023) - Kinuyo Hongo

Selected Television Drama Credits

Shiroi Kage (TBS / 2001) - Mitsu Iwasaki
Dr. Koto Shinryojo (Fuji TV / 2003)
Tokusou Nine: Season 2 (TV Asahi / 2019) - Sachi Murakami
Aibou: Season 20 (TV Asahi / 2021-2022) - Misuzu Tanaka
War of Traps (Fuji TV-KTV / 2023) - Kayo Wanibuchi
Daitsuiseki (TV Asahi / 2025) - Shizu Maeda