
Acting
Hibari Misora
Born — Died
1937-05-29 — 1989-06-24
Place of birth
Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
Known for
Acting
Credits
61 titles
Hibari Misora (美空 ひばり, Misora Hibari, born Kazue Katō (加藤 和枝, Katō Kazue) May 29, 1937 – June 24, 1989) was a Japanese singer, actress and cultural icon. She received a Medal of Honor for her contributions to music and for improving the welfare of the public, and was the first woman to receive the People's Honour Award, which was conferred posthumously for giving the public hope and encouragement after World War II
Known for
7.4While the story of the Ako Clan's vendetta has been told countless times, never before has there been an array of major motion picture stars to bring new life to this timeless tale. Starting with the corrupt practices of Lord Kira and Yanagi-sawa, the Shogun's Secretary, which in essence led to the incident of Lord Asano's attacking Kira in the Pine Corridor of the Shogun's Palace, this is the definitive version. Asano Takumi no kami was a young lord with high scruples, who refused to join in the general corruption and bribery which ran rampant in the capital at that time. By not giving bribes, he angered Kira Kozuke no suke the elder lord in charge of protocol at the Palace. Refusing to teach the younger man, and giving him false instructions was only the beginning. Insults followed, and a man of honor had no choice but to draw his sword in anger. Forty seven masterless samurai are willing to give their lives to avenge their lord.
The 47 Masterless Samurai
1959
5.8Amechiyo (the banished prince) falls in love with Tanukihime (a princess of raccoon dog disguised as human). This is an operetta which includes comedy, singing and dancing, and a love story.
Princess Raccoon
2005
NRThe Ooku of Edo Castle was a mysterious existence that could not be seen from the outside for 300 years in Tokugawa. Love and hate, and fierce power struggles were fought among the women day and night.
Ooku
1968
8.2After settling the matter of shogunal succession, the retired Old Lord of Mito finds himself in a sea of trouble when he gets involved in the succession of the Takamatsu clan. The usurpers try by every means to effect their takeover, even if it leads to blood being spilled. Along with Kaku and Suke, the elder must face the most dangerous time of his life, in a battle against those corrupt individuals who would use any means to further their dastardly conspiracy, regardless of how many lives might be destroyed. The great Misora Hibari gives a bravura performance, as does the rest of this all-star cast. This is another outstanding effort on the part of the Toei Films, blending fact and fiction to bright back Japan’s golden era of the Genroku period.
Lord Mito 2: The Nation's Vice Shogun
1959
8.5Mine, the only daughter of Kiyagen, is faced with running the family's timber business when her father falls ill. Under a great deal of pressure to continue the five generation long run of the business, Mine is put to the ultimate test when a former gangster sets his sights on closing her down.
The Protector
1966
9.0A President of the confectionery company announced his retirement, and his sixteen year old granddaughter, Madoka was ordered to be a new head. But Madoka wants to be a stage dancer, so she won't concentrate her office job. Madoka meets Akiyama, a stage director. Akiyama introduce her to his neighbors. In among poor but open minded people, Madoka has changed. Her new ambition is her company provide nice sweets for children. She decide to focus on the office job. But she doesn't know that company executives has conspiracy against her...
Young Miss Executive
1953
Film credits
1960s · 23 titles
8.5Mine, the only daughter of Kiyagen, is faced with running the family's timber business when her father falls ill. Under a great deal of pressure to continue the five generation long run of the business, Mine is put to the ultimate test when a former gangster sets his sights on closing her down.
The Protector
1966
NRPopular geisha Koharu suspects that Yusaku, a handsome stranger she falls in love with, is involved in a robbery of precious diamond.
The Prickly Mouthed Geisha, Part 3
1960
8.5Playhouse employees Okimi and Otoshi become involved in an undercover officer’s investigation of a gang when they accidentally walk in on a drug deal taking place at their theater.
Travels of Hibari and Chiemi: The Tumultuous Journey
1962
NRYoung girl Kichiza searches for her missing brother and the person responsible for the death of her parents.
Hibari’s Favorite 2
1960
NRHibari Misora plays Yoshiko, the popular daughter of a fish market owner. After discovering that she was adopted, she sets out to help her biological father who has fallen victim to an evil plot orchestrated by those who would take over his successful business.
A Fishwife's Tale
1961
NRDaughter of a lumber shop in Edo strives to protect her family business from the competitor. Sado Masasaburo, the founder of Sado Masa, one of the oldest lumber merchants in Kiba, has recently become very old and ill, and his tomboyish daughter Nobuko, a native of Edo, cannot stand the methods of Tadayoshi, who has risen to prominence through unscrupulous business practices. In a thrilling period drama in which Hibari plays a chic and stubborn lumberyard girl who, together with her partner Takakura Ken, punishes an evil lumber merchant. A thrilling youth drama that combines familiar songs with the stubbornness and love of Hibari and Takakura.
Feisty Edo Girl Nakanori-san
1961
6.0Orphaned Kiku was raised at a Buddhist temple and learned theatrical arts and martial arts as a child, which were used to put on stage productions to raise money for the temple, but also to display young lads who were essentially for sale to the highest bidder. When Kiku gets fed up with how the temple uses the orphans and wants to leave he gets accused of a double murder and has to flee for his life and liberty.
Benten Kozo
1960
10.0The death of a samurai in a palanquin leads girl detective Oshichi to take action to crush a plot to overthrow the Shogunate.
Paper Crane Palanquin
1960
6.0From the opening theme song to the grand finale, you know that you have found something special as this exciting movie stars the great Misora Hibari in one of her most memorable performances as she plays Shintaro and Oharu, a brother and sister, the children of a lumber dealer who had been murdered by the evil boss Kumagoro who plots to take over Shintaro's family business with the help of a corrupt deputy who has fooled the family into believing that he is on their side.
Heavenly Dragon
1960
6.0Upon his arrival to Dragon Island, ronin Yagi Hanzo, is propositioned by various shady individuals representing rival gangs to lend his services to them. Branded an enemy for his refusal to become involved with either side, he soon finds himself caught up in an intrigue extending beyond petty gang rivalries, involving a plot by Daimyo in Kyoto to overthrow the government.
Law in Ghost Island
1961
8.0A young girl, Okimi, falls in love with Kiritaro, a handsome thief disguised as a wealthy young master.
Bride of White Castle
1961
6.0A poignant story about a young couple, Setsu and Chozo, who are torn apart to save Setsu's father's restaurant.
Deep River Melody
1960
NRKoharu, a flamboyant geisha, unexpectedly wins a trip to Sado Island in a TV contest. She is accompanied by three people. Koharu had been dreaming of a handsome young man, but when she gets into the first-class car, she meets Tashiro, a pretentious young man with rimless glasses, Sugimura, who has a mean look in his eyes, and Ryuta, a young man she had a scuffle with in a boxing match the other day and hated. After countless misunderstandings, Koharu vows to defeat Tomoe-gumi's leader, Yamada's gang...
The Prickly-Mouthed Geisha Goes to Sado
1961
NRIn this film, Hibari plays a dual role as brother and sister. The story involves a journey to Hanagasa for an incognito Lord (Kotaro Satomi) to overthrow an attempted usurpation of his domain, while being harassed by vassals of the usurper (Kensaku Hara). There's also a mysterious ronin played by Jushiro Konoe. The songs are seamlessly woven into the narrative and don't overwhelm the action. While the plot is derivative it is good example of its type and quite enjoyable. Note that there are some flashback sequences in black and white.
While Traveling
1962
NRNo synopsis available yet.
River Washes Away the Moon
1963
7.0When Kanbe Nagakichi has his turf taken over by Ano-Toku, the father-in-law of his sworn brother Kira Nikichi sets in motion one of the most violent gang battles in Japanese history. Forced by the situation to choose between family and yakuza honor, Nikichi faces off against the vile combination of Ano-Toku and Kurokoma Katsuzo, villains so low as to ambush their foes using snipers. Nikichi, who owes allegiance to Boss Jirocho of Shimizu asks Jirocho to spare Ano-Toku’s life until events force a showdown between the 30 member Shimizu gang and a force of over 200 men fighting on Ano-Toku’s behalf. Meanwhile, a mysterious samurai may hold the key to deciding the outcome of this battle!
Tokaido Fullhouse
1963
9.0Young geisha Kohana scrambles to realize her dream of bringing back her grandmother’s restaurant business.
The Prickly Mouthed Geisha Part 2
1960
Shinkichi, a peasant employed as a cloth-dyer, has a dream: in the midst of the civil war which ravages Japan, he hopes to revive the long-banned custom of the Kyoto Gion Festival, and by doing so, bring together the warring clans and rampaging brigands in peaceful celebration.
The Day the Sun Rose
1968
NRA princess seeks adventure and true love, with help from her loyal servant.
Travels of Hibari and Chiemi 2
1963
Hibari Misora plays a singing guide, who is secretly in love, her fortunes turn for the worse when a gangster’s henchman hears her singing and takes a liking to her beautiful voice. The trouble starts when her family borrows money from the gangsters, setting off a series of incidents which lead to tragedy.
Hibari's Tale of Pathos
1962
8.0
Hibari, Chiemi, Izumi: We Are Three Best Friends
1964
10.0A story about a tomboy, Otoshi, who is good at singing, dancing and fencing.
Little Tengu
1961
10.0A comedy of a high-spirited geisha, Koharu, who is at risk of being trapped in a conspiracy to take over a lucrative diamond mine business.
The Prickly Mouthed Geisha, Part 4
1961
1950s · 34 titles
7.4While the story of the Ako Clan's vendetta has been told countless times, never before has there been an array of major motion picture stars to bring new life to this timeless tale. Starting with the corrupt practices of Lord Kira and Yanagi-sawa, the Shogun's Secretary, which in essence led to the incident of Lord Asano's attacking Kira in the Pine Corridor of the Shogun's Palace, this is the definitive version. Asano Takumi no kami was a young lord with high scruples, who refused to join in the general corruption and bribery which ran rampant in the capital at that time. By not giving bribes, he angered Kira Kozuke no suke the elder lord in charge of protocol at the Palace. Refusing to teach the younger man, and giving him false instructions was only the beginning. Insults followed, and a man of honor had no choice but to draw his sword in anger. Forty seven masterless samurai are willing to give their lives to avenge their lord.
The 47 Masterless Samurai
1959
8.2After settling the matter of shogunal succession, the retired Old Lord of Mito finds himself in a sea of trouble when he gets involved in the succession of the Takamatsu clan. The usurpers try by every means to effect their takeover, even if it leads to blood being spilled. Along with Kaku and Suke, the elder must face the most dangerous time of his life, in a battle against those corrupt individuals who would use any means to further their dastardly conspiracy, regardless of how many lives might be destroyed. The great Misora Hibari gives a bravura performance, as does the rest of this all-star cast. This is another outstanding effort on the part of the Toei Films, blending fact and fiction to bright back Japan’s golden era of the Genroku period.
Lord Mito 2: The Nation's Vice Shogun
1959
9.0A President of the confectionery company announced his retirement, and his sixteen year old granddaughter, Madoka was ordered to be a new head. But Madoka wants to be a stage dancer, so she won't concentrate her office job. Madoka meets Akiyama, a stage director. Akiyama introduce her to his neighbors. In among poor but open minded people, Madoka has changed. Her new ambition is her company provide nice sweets for children. She decide to focus on the office job. But she doesn't know that company executives has conspiracy against her...
Young Miss Executive
1953
A short musical comedy centered on seven star singers performing their hit songs. A tape recorder has been stolen, and it contains the star singers’ hit songs needed for the broadcast. What desperate measure will they take to make it in time for the broadcast?
Hanagata kashu: Nanatsu no uta
1953
6.0A friendly rivalry turns into romance for Yukiko, an elite female detective, and a handsome private eye named Mitamura while both are investigating the missing person's case from a wealthy family.
Detective Duel
1958
5.0Oshichi, a famous girl detective, takes it upon herself to investigate the murder of a woman which occurs during an event for the festival of Asakusa Shrine. Her investigation leads her into danger as she runs afoul of a high ranking official and his plans to find a hidden treasure.
Detective Hibari: Case of the Golden Hairpins
1958
9.0While traveling alone through the scenic Izu Peninsula, a lonely Tokyo student named Mizuhara encounters a troupe of itinerant performers and develops a bittersweet first-love attachment to a young dancer named Kaoru.
Dancing Girls of Izu
1954
NRYoshiko finds new life and love interests when she takes a new job as an office worker.
Sister with Sister
1958
NRAn exciting historical drama in which a beautiful woman secretly solves the family problems of the Owari clan. Hibari Misora plays two roles: a charming princess and a dashing youngster, performs songs and dances throughout the film until the big decisive battle.
Devil Princess’ Beauty Competition
1956
6.3One of the great stories from Japan’s rich history comes to life in this true tale of the bloody showdown between two rival yakuza gangs in the 1840’s. The battle between Boss Sukegoro of Iioka and Boss Shigezo of Sasagawa has been portrayed many times, most notably in the first Zatoichi film, where the blind man befriends the tubercular ronin Hirate Miki, before cutting him down in one of the great duels in cinema history. This all-star extravaganza pulls out all the stops, with appearances by virtually all of the great actors and actresses from Toei’s studio at the time. Ichikawa Utaemon’s portrayal of the kind-hearted, noble yakuza boss Shigezo of Sasagawa contrasts sharply with the devious Sukegoro of Iioka. Corrupt as he may have been, his men were all willing to give up their lives for him.
A Spectacular Showdown
1959
7.0No synopsis available yet.
Case Files of Zenigata Heiji: The Cursed Coin
1957
5.0When an altercation with a gangster forces Kikutaro to leave Edo, he is sent by his father to Hamamatsu to find a better direction in life. However, trouble seems to follow Kikutaro on the road leading him eventually to come face to face with his rival, Gonkuro.
A Young Rabble
1959
NRA mysterious coin found at a murder scene stirs the curiosity of young actress detective Oshichi and her brother Hyoma, who set out on a private investigation to unveil the secrets hidden behind the coin.
Detective Hibari: Case of the Hidden Coin
1959
7.8Two high school girls, Ruri and Yumi, go to Kyoto on a school trip, here they get acquainted with Hinagiku, there are many adventures ahead of the three of them. A musical starring 3 Japanese pop music and TV stars.
So Young, So Bright
1955
9.0Princess Kinuta runs away from the palace because she doesn't want a marriage of convenience. Princess Kinuta, who has never left the palace, didn't enjoy communing with wildlife for long when she was chased by bandit moles and accidentally fell into the Valley of the Spider's Web. The princess and a white butterfly bound by a mysterious thread were about to be eaten by the spider queen when they are rescued by Tanukichiyo, a young wandering samurai who happens to be passing by. Historical fantasy comedy starring Hibari and Izumi.
The Princess of Badger Palace
1958
8.0Tale of tragic love between samurai and princess during Heian period.
A Warrior's Flute
1955
6.0Hibari no komoriuta (ひばりの子守唄, literally "Hibari's Lullaby") is a 1951 black-and-white Japanese film directed by Koji Shima. The movie is based on Das doppelte Lottchen, a novel later adapted as The Parent Trap.
Hibari no komoriuta
1951
NRBored Hatamoto film #19
Bored Hatamoto: Mysterious Letter of Challenge
1955
7.0Koharu, a young geisha, is in love with Kenichi, an apprentice carpenter to her father Masagoro. Their love life comes to a sudden halt after an argument between their two fathers. Can their love survive in spite of the bitterness between their two families?
The Prickly Mouthed Geisha
1959
NRSayuri, a young woman born to a simple life on a farm, moves to Tokyo to pursue a life long dream of becoming a singer. Through dance, music, and songs, this story shows how a girl raised on a farm was able to make her dream a reality, with the love of those around her.
With Songs in My Heart
1958
NRMasked avenger Kurama Tengu and his young sidekick try to stop a mysterious adversary from assassinating a group of young warriors who want to bring down the Shogunate...
Kurama Tengu: Anonymous letter to Tengu
1952
7.5Princess Kazu, the daughter of Shogun Ienari, is sent to marry Matsudaira Nobunao, master of Peacock castle in Kozuke province, a domain of 17,000 koku. When the procession carrying her sizable dowry was so large that it was expected to take 30 days to reach the castle the members of the clan were surprised to learn that it contained only her barest essentials! Would her presence create a problem too large for the clan to deal with? And having been trained by Lord Yagyu himself, will her martial skills ruin the marital plans set forth for the couple, or can she be tamed in time for the wedding?
Bride of Peacock Castle
1959
8.0The story is a dramatization of the Japanese folklore legend of Momotaro, the Peach Boy, who with his trusted companions of dog, monkey and pheasant fought against evil in olden times.
Excursion to Treasure Isle
1956
NRWoman private eye Emiko goes undercover to reveal the truth of a murder case.
Tokyo Detective Girl
1959
NRA comical love story between two college students — Hitomi, a strong-willed girl, and Shogo, a handsome, earnest and poverty stricken man.
No Advice Taken
1958
NRNo synopsis available yet.
Case Files of Zenigata Heiji: The Dead Beauty in the Bathhouse
1956
NRThree beautiful daughters grew up in a dog and cat care clinic. The eldest was named Takako (Keiko Tsushima), the second was Tsugumi (Keiko Awaji), and the third was Mihato (Hibari Misora). Mihato was still a pretty seventeen-year-old girl, but she considered herself as mature as her older sisters. Mihato knows that Tsugumi is friends with Ippei Yaguchi (Masao Wakahara) and acts as a love messenger between them, but she didn't know that Takako is also in love with Ippei...
Sisters
1953
5.0A young man and a woman are on a mission to protect a mysterious mirror that hides the secrets of a great fortune.
Scramble for Fortune
1956
NRNo synopsis available yet.
Utae! Seishun Harikiri Musume
1955
NRThe cabaret «Romance», run by Masami Daisaku's father, is experiencing financial difficulties, and Masami is betting on changes and asks singer Hibari Misora to perform. Musical youth comedy with young actors, passion, funny songs and laughter. Hibari Misora appears as herself.
Birth of Romance
1957
8.0Futari no hitomi (二人の瞳, Futari no hitomi, The Eyes of Two People) a.k.a. Girls Hand in Hand (USA title) is a 1952 black-and-white Japanese film directed by Shigeo Nakaki.
The Eyes of Two People
1952
NRMariko is an innocent girl who grew up in the highlands of Shinshu. She moves to Tokyo to live with her father who has successfully returned to Japan. Mariko is simply confused by the life in Tokyo, which is different from her own. Only her private tutor Daisuke was an advisor she could tolerate. Mariko develops slight feelings for Daisuke and finally realizes that he is her first love...
Over That Hill
1951
7.0The beautiful daughter of a merchant with a penchant for danger proves to be too much to handle for her worried father. Disguising herself as a man and changing her name, she heads for the capital...
Tomboy Samurai
1958
7.0During the ultra-violent era of the downfall of the Tokugawa Shogunate one man rose above the rest with his ideas of how to overthrow the corrupt government and end the bloodshed between the Choshu and Satsuma clans which would ultimately lead to the alliance of these 2 clans and restoration of the emperor to full power. Based on the play that made Sawada Shojiro famous, this is the story of Tsukigata Hanpeita, a forward looking samurai from Choshu, who along with Katsura Kogoro and Sakamoto Ryoma of Tosa worked to bring their dream of a new era in Japan.
Tsukigata Hanpeita
1952


