Takako Irie, a celebrated Japanese film actress, entered the world on February 7, 1911, in Tokyo, with her origins rooted in the esteemed Higashibōjō family, her birth name being Hideko Higashibōjō. With a strong educational foundation, she graduated from the prestigious Bunka Gakuin institution, and subsequently, she embarked on a remarkable acting career with Nikkatsu in 1927, gradually ascending to the pinnacle of stardom within the Japanese film industry.
Irie's illustrious career trajectory was marked by a series of remarkable achievements, with a pivotal milestone being the founding of her own production company, Irie Productions, in the year 1932. This venture, which was to become a significant driving force in the film industry, went on to produce a plethora of notable cinematic masterpieces, including the renowned silent film, The Water Magician, in which Irie herself took on a starring role. Her widespread popularity and fame, however, extended far beyond the confines of the silver screen, as she also made appearances in a multitude of advertisements, on fans, and other commercial products, thereby cementing her status as a true Hollywood icon.
Person Biography:
Irie was born on October 12, 1908, in Tokyo, Japan. She began her acting career at a young age, initially performing on stage and in various film productions. Her breakthrough role came in 1932 when she founded her own production company, Irie Productions, which went on to produce numerous notable films, including The Water Magician. Throughout her career, Irie appeared in over 100 films, earning her the title of "Queen of Japanese Cinema." She was also a talented businesswoman, using her production company to promote Japanese culture and talent. Irie passed away on July 28, 1984, at the age of 75, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and influence filmmakers to this day.
Beyond her remarkable acting abilities, Irie was also the inspiration for a breathtakingly beautiful folding screen painting crafted by the renowned Nihonga artist Nakamura Daizaburō. This exquisite piece of art was prominently displayed at the prestigious 1930 Teiten (Imperial Exhibition),a highly respected and coveted event in the Japanese art world. Today, this stunning work of art can be admired and appreciated at the Honolulu Museum of Art, where it has become a treasured part of their permanent collection. Furthermore, the iconic image of Irie, as depicted in this painting, was also used as the basis for the creation of toy dolls, a testament to her enduring popularity and the lasting impact of her artistic legacy.
After the conclusion of the war, Irie's exceptional talent and versatility as a thespian earned her a distinctive moniker, often referred to as a "ghost cat actress" (bakeneko joyū),due to her captivating portrayals in a succession of kaidan (ghost story) films. One of her most iconic and enduring performances was in the renowned director Akira Kurosawa's epic masterpiece, Sanjuro, where she brought to life the character of Mutsuta's wife, a wise and discerning lady who offers sage counsel to the enigmatic Sanjuro (Toshirō Mifune),urging him to "keep the best sword in its scabbard," a memorable moment that has become an integral part of cinematic history.
