Chikage Awashima

Biography

Chikage Awashima (淡島 千景, Awashima Chikage, born Keiko Nakagawa, 24 February 1924 – 16 February 2012) was a Japanese film and stage actress. Her stage name drew inspiration from Japanese poetry, and her legacy continues to resonate within the world of entertainment. A graduate from Takarazuka Music and Dance School and member of the Takarazuka Revue, Chikage Awashima entered the Shochiku film studios and made her film debut in 1950. She appeared in films of numerous prominent directors like Yasujirō Ozu, Mikio Naruse, Keisuke Kinoshita, Tadashi Imai and Heinosuke Gosho. She received the Blue Ribbon Award twice and the Mainichi Film Award twice for her performances. Awashima retired from stage in 2009. She died on 16 February 2012, aged 87, from cancer.

Known For

The Human Condition I: No Greater Love

as Tôfuku Kin

Early Summer

as Aya Tamura

The Flavor of Green Tea Over Rice

as Aya Amamiya

Early Spring

as Masako Sugiyama

Secret of Naruto

Summer Clouds

as Yae

Girls of the Night

as Nogami

Carmen's Innocent Love

as Chidori

Haru's Journey

as Shigeko Ichikawa

The Loyal 47 Ronin

as Riku Ôishi