Chikage Awashima was a Japanese actress best known for her roles in early Japanese cinema, including films by directors Yasujiro Ozu and Minoru Shibuya. Born as Keiko Nakagawa in Tokyo on February 24, 1924, she began her acting career with the Takarazuka Revue before transitioning to film in 1950.
Personal and Family Life
Chikage Awashima was born in Tokyo to parents who owned a store. She started acting at a young age and adopted her stage name from a Japanese poem. Despite her fame and achievements, she never married and was dedicated to her craft throughout her life.
Career Highlights
Awashima’s film career took off in the 1950s when she starred in several notable films, gaining recognition for her acting talent. She frequently collaborated with acclaimed directors like Shiro Toyoda and Yasujiro Ozu. Over her extensive career, she received numerous accolades, including the Medal with Purple Ribbon in 1988 and the Order of the Precious Crown in 1995, highlighting her contributions to the arts.
Death and Legacy
Chikage Awashima passed away on February 16, 2012, from pancreatic cancer at the age of 87. Many figures from the acting community attended her funeral, commemorating her influence and legacy in Japanese cinema. Although she faced reports about debts at her death, these were believed to be incurred by others rather than herself.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| 早春 | 1956-01-29 | Masako Sugiyama |
| 人間の條件 第１部純愛篇／第２部激怒篇 | 1959-01-15 | Tôfuku Kin |
| カルメン純情す | 1952-11-13 | Chidori |
| お茶漬の味 | 1952-10-01 | Aya Amamiya |
| 春との旅 | 2010-05-22 | Shigeko Ichikawa |
| 生きてはみたけれど・小津安二郎伝 | 1983-10-29 | Self |
| 夏の庭 The Friends | 1994-04-09 | Yayoi Koko |
| 鰯雲 | 1958-09-02 | Yae |
| この子を残して | 1983-09-16 | |
| 善魔 | 1951-02-17 | Itsuko |