Meiko Kaji, born Masako Ōta on March 24, 1947, in Chiyoda, Tokyo, is a distinguished Japanese actress and singer renowned for her compelling portrayals of strong, rebellious women in 1970s cinema. She gained prominence through iconic roles in film series such as "Stray Cat Rock," "Female Prisoner Scorpion," and "Lady Snowblood," where her intense performances left a lasting impact on audiences. As a singer, Kaji's evocative tracks like "Urami Bushi" and "Shura no Hana" not only complemented her film roles but also achieved international recognition, notably featuring in Quentin Tarantino's "Kill Bill" series. Her enduring influence continues to resonate, with recent reissues of her 1970s albums and new projects, including a role in Netflix's live-action adaptation of "YuYu Hakusho." ([asahi.com](https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/15115925?utm_source=openai))