Hiroko Yakushimaru

Biography

After passing the audition for the film produced by Haruki Kadokawa, she began her acting career. Along with teen idols Tomoyo Harada and Noriko Watanabe who debuted from Kadokawa Haruki Corporation, she was often dubbed as one of "Kadokawa Sannin-musume" in her early career. Yakushimaru made her acting debut in the 1978 movie Never Give Up. In 1981, she came into prominence with Sailor Suit and Machine Gun, the film where she played the leading role. She also recorded the same-titled theme song for the film, which hit No. 1 on Oricon in late 1981, and stayed there until January 18, 1982. Since rising to fame, Yakushimaru has gained success as both an actress and a pop singer, mainly during the 1980s. She had also worked as a prolific recording artist until her marriage with Kōji Tamaki, the leader of the band Anzen Chitai.

Known For

1 Litre of Tears

as Shioka Ikeuchi

Unnatural

as Misumi Natsuyo

The 8-Year Engagement

as Hatsumi Nakahara

Sailor Suit and Machine Gun

as Izumi Hoshi

Cafe Funiculi Funicula

as Kayo Takatake

Hanamizuki

as Ryoko

Always - Sunset on Third Street

as Tomoe Suzuki

Glasses

as Morishita

Destiny: The Tale of Kamakura

as Female owner

G.I. Samurai

as Young Takeda Samurai