
Acting
Yoko Shimada
Born 1953-05-17 · Kumamoto, Japan
Kumamoto City-born Shimada Yoko is best known in the west as Mariko from the 1980 mini-series Shogun. The lady-in-waiting role created an interest in Japan and its culture overseas and introduced Japanese history to foreign audiences. She won the Golden Globe For Best Performance by an Actress in a TV-Series - Drama category and was nominated for a Prime-time Emmy Award for her work on the serial in 1981. Shimada, who spoke some English for the serial, had been acting for years prior to Shogun however. She began learning ballet since age three and wanted to become a ballerina until her high high school days. Her family had moved to Tokyo when she was eight. She obtained an agent and began acting while in junior high school. The TV serial Zoku Hyouten made her famous beginning 1970. She released a nude photo book, called Kir Royal, in 1992. She was 39 and the photo book became a bestseller shifting half a million copies. At 57 she starred in an 'AV' pornography video called Mikkai in 2011. This was a tribute to her body even at that age. Shimada has a reservation for a space burial.
Acting credits
6.4A lethal assassin for a secret Chinese organisation, who sheds tears of regret each time he kills, is seen swiftly and mercilessly executing three Yakuza gangsters by a beautiful artist. She is captivated by the grace of his kill and later falls in love with him. An intense power struggle for the leadership of the Yakuza Clans ensues as they seek vengeance for the death of their leader.
Crying Freeman
1995
5.7Paul Racine, a high-powered American business executive in Japan, is catapulted into a maze of danger and intrigue after he and his sexy companion are the targets of assassins hired by the ruthless Kinjo. To survive, Racine must join forces with a powerful samurai and together they will fight the force of evil in an awesome battle rooted in centuries of brutal conflict.
The Hunted
1995
4.5Englishman John Blackthorne, serving the Netherlands as navigator of the "Erasmus," is sailing a merchant fleet bound for uncharted Japan. In Asian waters, the fleet is caught in a violent storm and capsizes. This is a compilation of footage from the miniseries, intended for international theatrical release.
Shogun
1980
5.0A serial killing occurs at a port town brothel.
Labyrinth Romanesque
1988
7.4Two detectives are tasked to investigate the murder of an old man, found bludgeoned to death in a Tokyo rail yard.
The Castle of Sand
1974
7.0When a tycoon passes away, he unexpectedly leaves the family fortune to outsider Tamayo on the condition that she marries one of the grandsons, pitting blood against blood.
The Inugami Family
1976
NRNo synopsis available yet.
Ring! Ring! Ring! The Champion Belt of Tears
1993
9.0In 1964 Miki came to LA with only a suitcase, hoping to become the world's best marathon runner. She meets Mike and they start running together. But for Mike it isn't just a game. The movie is based on her own story.
My Champion
1981
10.0That international actress is finally MUTEKI! ! A sensual world that is indecent and wet with the charm of the famous actor "Yoko Shimada"! It is a must-see for the intense SEX scene that disturbs the instinct! !
Mikkai
2011
5.7From Hokkaido to Tokyo, hunting dog Goro embarks on a long and grueling journey to reach home. With the loss of his master who held a secret to a weapons smuggling case and the corruptions of those who are involved, Goro's adventure unfolds.
Dog of Fortune
1979
8.0Elite college graduates commit perfect financial crimes though loopholes in the law during the 1950s.
Dead Angle
1979
8.5Momojiro comes to the rescue of beautiful Akiko who struggles to run a ranch on her own.
Truckster Goes to Hokkaido
1976
NRJubei is a Japanese merchant who learns tricks from Western merchants to get ahead in the game.
Dohten
1991
The set's central 13-part production documentary hails from the miniseries' previous DVD release but remains an extensive, insightful and, most importantly, candid overview of the production from start to finish, featuring a wide array of key players, chief among them author/producer James Clavell, director Jerry London, and actors Richard Chamberlain and Yoko Shimada.
The Making of Shōgun
2003
NRAnime film based on the novel "813" by Maurice Leblanc.
Lupin the Thief: Enigma of the 813
1979
5.8The Shocker Organization sends two of its Inhumanoids to destroy an atomic plant, but their plan is foiled by an invisible barrier that surrounds the complex. Because of this, they abduct a top soccer player and convert him into Tokageron, a lizard Inhumanoid capable of kicking a 5 kg bomb to destroy the plant's barrier. Kamen Rider must once again combat the Shocker and prevent them from destroying the atomic plant.
Go Go Kamen Rider
1971
5.5Shinku is a compelling drama that focuses on the strange relationship that develops between two people who find their lives irrevocably changed as a result of a horrible multiple homicide. The first person traumatized is the lone survivor of the terrible family bloodbath, a girl who grows up to be a pretty college student. The second person affected by this heinous crime is the daughter of the murderer, a young girl who ends up becoming a tattooed bartender. A full decade after the crime, the killer is finally going to be executed, and the surviving member of the massacre decides to reach out and befriend the murderer's daughter. A tentative, odd sort of friendship blossoms between these two people, both of whom seem to have little in common personally, and every reason in the world for not wanting to meet. Yet they do, but not without reservations. And really, is this friendship quite what it seems? Or is it all part of some twisted plan for vengeance?
The Deep Red
2005
4.0Nakadai is an English teacher at a local school. He’s put-upon like the patron figure of dozens of films and televisions shows. Viewers who are especially fans of Nakadai will appreciate how the actor comically rants about here. His home life is almost disastrous, with a ditzy (but attractive) wife, three young children, a loud school nearby that’s controlled by a corrupt businessman he loathes, and frequent visits from layabout friends. And the grey-furred, green-eyed cat!
I Am a Cat
1975
NRAn epic drama depicting the lineage of a military family that lived for three generations before, during, and after World War II, against the backdrop of the turbulent history of the Showa period and the magnificent nature of Hokkaido.
Nagare no Fu Part I: Disturbance, Part II: Dawn
1974
3.8Deep in the isolated border between China and India lies an ancient, hidden tomb thought to contain the treasured "Pills of Eternity." In this action-packed adventure film, reminiscent of Tomb Raider, archaeologist Ivy (Yoko Shimada) gathers together a team to trek to the border in search of the mysterious objects. Before she can claim the prize, however, she'll have to face down the Wild Wolves, who have nefarious intentions.
Undiscovered Tomb
2003
7.0Ai Kishimoto, Yukari Miyazawa and Akane Kishimoto are sisters. The sisters live apart in Kanazawa, Toyama and Tokyo, but they gather together to attend their grandmother's funeral. There, they learn about their mother whom they know as deceased. While seeking out the the truth about their mother, the sisters face their own problems, but take a courageous step forward.
Kanon
2016
7.5Brothers Koji and Seitaro Hatana, belong to the "outcast" caste. Despite their personal qualities—intelligence and fairness—they encounter numerous obstacles due to their caste affiliation. Together with other "outcasts," the brothers take up the fight for their human rights.
River Without a Bridge
1969
NROne evening, when the monk Saito Musashibo Benkei was luring for his sword number 1000 at Gojo bridge, Shanao (later Yoshitsune), a young man of small and fragile stature passed by. He wore a nice sword and played the flute.
Minamoto Yoshitsune
1990
NRA film adaptation of Seicho Matsumoto's novel of the same title, starring Muga Takewaki and Yoko Shimada. Set in Japan at the end of the war, the film depicts the fate of a diplomat who abandoned his country, his wife and children, and risked everything to save his country from ruin, and the bond between father and daughter.
Kyukei no Koya
1975