Mieko Takamine

Mieko Takamine was born the eldest daughter of famous chikuzen biwa player and teacher Chikufu Takamine. She gave her acting debut in the 1936 film Kimi yo takarakani utae, produced by the Shochiku studios, to which she would remain affiliated throughout her career, although she would also occasionally appear in productions of other companies after the war. Her first released record as a singer was the theme song for the film Hotaru no hikari (1938), and she soon established herself as a "singing movie star".

Takamine starred in films of Japan's most notable directors, including Hiroshi Shimizu, Yasujirō Ozu, Mikio Naruse and Keisuke Kinoshita.

In 1976, Takamine won the Best Supporting Actress award at the 19th Blue Ribbon Awards for her role in The Inugamis (1976). In 1985, she was awarded the Medal of Purple Ribbon and a special Mainichi Film Award for her longtime achievements as a performer