Yoko Shimada

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Name: Yoko Shimada
Japanese: 島田陽子 (しまだようこ)
Born: May 17, 1953
Died: July 25, 2022
Birthplace: Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan
Height: 171 cm.
Blood Type: O

Movies

Kanon (2016) - Sumiko
Dear Heart | Dear heart: Furuete nemure (2009)
The Deep Red | Shinku (2005)
Undiscovered Tomb | Ji di huang ling (2002) - Professor Ivy Chan
Hero Zheng Chengong | Yingxiong Zheng Chengong (2000) - Gong's Mother
Crying Freeman | Crying Freeman (1995) - Lady Hanada
The Hunted (1995) - Mieko Takeda
Labyrinth of Flower Garden | Hanazono no meikyu (1988) - Tae Akimoto
My Champion | Ritoru champion (1981) - Miki Tsuwa
The Golden Dog | Ogon no inu (1979) - Reiko Kitamori
Hakuchyu no shikaku (1979) - Ayaka
Village of the Eight Tombs | Yatsuhaka-mura (1977) - Yôzô's Wife
The Clan of Dog-God Household | Inugamike no ichizoku (1976) - Tamayo Nonomiya
Torakku yaro: Bokyo Ichibanboshi (1976)
I Am a Cat | Wagahai wa neko de aru (1975) - Yukie
The Castle of Sand | Suna no Utsuwa (1974) - Rieko Takagi
Hajimete no tabi (1972)

Drama Series

Burning Mountain and River | Sanga Moyu (NHK / 1984) - Nagiko Imoto (Tamiya)
The Great White Tower | Shiroi Kyoto (Fuji TV / 1978) - Saeko Azuma

TV Movies

Tenpyo wo Kakenuketa Otoko to Onna-tachi (TBS / 2009)

Comments

William Vu Jul 25 2022 2:04 pm I’m sorry to hear about that actress Yoko Shimada died from cancer on July 25, 2022.

RIP to my beloved actress from Shōgun.

Ton ?? Jan 10 2022 7:17 am Miss Yoko Shimada is no doubt the greatest Japanese female influencer of all time. She really made the difference and thus paved the way for Japanese marketing and business success in the eighties in the West. Her portrayal in the TV-series Shogun of Lady Toda Buntaro Mariko (based on the historical Hosokawa Gracia) made huge TV-audiences in the West instantly fall in love with Japan. Made Westerners wanting to know more about this fascinating country. Wanting to have Japanese products. She displayed virtuously an in the West mostly unknown side of Japan. She made the West interested in Japan. And its products. More than anybody else, these days.

It is thus absolutely no exaggeration that she - also in person really charming, I tell you - has had a huge marketing influence on Japanese success abroad, an influence probably worth millions of dollars. She is therefore possibly the most important and influential Japanese woman of modern Japanese times. A truely global influencer avant la lettre. An ambassador. An icon.

She really deserves to be recognized, respected and cherished for that. In the USA, Europe and of course in Japan itself. Forever.

Cosmin M. Dec 26 2021 4:15 am An admirable women.I adore her even now.

Gerald Giddens Jun 21 2021 10:15 pm Yes. Baby it’s True. Like the others have commented I fell in love with Marika when you kissed. Richard my heart throbbed. Lol. I’m so glad to see you doing well I didn’t know what became of you. I don’t follow Hollywood too much Yes. Your. Awesomely. Beautiful. And. Sexy. Eyes. Take care

Al Risden Jan 11 2020 8:19 am Such a beautiful person. It was the sound of her voice in Shogun that made such an impression on me. That's may be odd considering her acting talent but I'd spent about 3 years in Asia as a youth and this reminded me of all the beatify from those days.

Max Dec 22 2018 1:23 am Yoko Shimada the character created in Shogun is the perfection of Asian, Japanese culture. Godness. Let the world be yours.

David Aug 06 2018 11:56 pm I always enjoyed Ms. Shimada as 'Mariko'. I was 10 when i saw Shogun for The First time, and saw her as a strong woman. She is quite pretty and I last saw her in The Hunted, with Christopher Lambert.

neron625 Oct 24 2017 6:46 pm she is very beautiful & acts very naturally too.

Derek Jan 25 2017 10:16 am I wish I could tell Yoko Shimada this directly, but that is likely not an option. I was young when I first saw Shogun, but I was deeply affected by it and by her. I was young when Shogun first premiered back in 1980. Yoko Shimada became one of my first "Crushes" I ever had. I later realized that she began what became a life long attraction to Asian women. Not only was she very pretty, but I remember how gentle and soft her voice was, and also the delicacy of her every movement. I felt that made her even more beautiful. She, and the series, began my fascination and respect for not only the Japanese culture, but for other Asian cultures as well. I started martial arts classes shortly after seeing Shogun and started learning some Japanese, although I was never able to speak it that well. I'm not really someone who gushes over celebrities, but some times they have a profound affect on your life, and it's nice to let them know.

Mr. grant vi. Jan 09 2016 1:11 pm A Shining actress ,on Screen ,and in picture !!

JACK Aug 02 2015 5:36 am Having spent many years trading in Japan and having received such respect and courtesy it is indeed a pleasure to congratulate Yoko Shimada upon her outstanding acting performance in Shogun. of which I retain a copy. Thank you

Clint Bryant Apr 27 2015 3:01 pm I am one of your biggest fans....you changed my life....I don't know if I will ever get a chance to see your beautiful face in person but I still have hope....I saw your face for the first time in 1980 and now its 35 years later and I still think about that beautiful woman on the screen.... it took a while to find shogun on DVD....but I did and I was so happy....I watch it once or twice a year.....that mini series made me fall in love with japan and I still love it today..... I hope one day to visit japan and see how beautiful it really is there....I'm an old man now so I don't know if I will make it there but I'm trying... I haven't had a chance to see all of your work but I think your best would be shogun......there will never be another one like it....know other work you have done will ever change my mind on how I see you.....in my eyes your the best Japanese actress I've ever seen.....if you have a chance to read this I would really love to hear from you.....

                                                                                        Your biggest fan........Clint "The Bear Bryant

Souccar Aug 15 2014 3:40 pm Miss You are So beautiful...I.m French .Birth in the same year. In November. You are a dream.Please let me know about you... And Forget my poor English.

Please

Yes an Angel Respects Didier Souccar

Sara Apr 04 2014 4:55 pm I loved her in Shogun and looked for more of her movies but have found none in the West. Now that Turner Classic Movies is playing more foreign movies, perhaps I'll see one. I see Toshiro Mifune from that series quite often.

Anthony J. Oct 11 2013 2:53 pm I thought my wife, Toyoko Mashiki was the most beautiful woman in the world. Have to admit that Yoko Shimada is beautiful beyond belief. I love them both. Luckly one loves me.

Cosmin M. Sep 01 2013 8:46 am Debt of honor and nostalgia.Born in Japan.Big in Japan.Olivia de Havilland and Yoko Shimada.I just watched the movie Shogun in february 1989,my birthday.I was 17 years old.Comunist autorities did not accept the video.Were considered enemy propaganda.It was a risk for us.I watched the movie Shogun many times.Yoko Shimada was phenomenal.Time has flown.I ve watched other movies with Yoko.I have not followed his career.In 2009, a girl from my town studying Japanese language at University.He wanted to go in Japan.In Japan?In Japan is my favorite actress,who starred in Shogun,I said.Yoko is a model for me,said the girl.I think now the girl is a student in Japan.Last week i watched again the movie Shogun.Old memories came back.The scene in wich Mariko was prepares for sepuku is fabulous.The actress will remain in my mind.Health,peace and long life,Mrs Yoko Shimada.With appreciations,Cosmin M. Deva-Romania.

John Wayne Jul 28 2013 4:04 pm I was in love with her from the moment she stepped onto the screen. I spent years looking for a woman with that type of power, beauty, grace and humility. Her character on Shogun set the standard by which I judged a woman by who would hold my heart.

A true woman knows how to hold her mans gaze, playcate to this strengths, nutures his weeknesses and satisfies his needs and provides suttle guidance in many ways.

In turn a man who treats his wife with respect and honors those characteristics will be Shogun in his own right.

The key to a successful pariing is mutual respect.

John Aldeborgh Mar 17 2013 1:01 pm I have watched this Mini Series several times and I still believe Shimada-Sans performance is just about perfect. It may just be a westerners perspective but her inner warmth and grace were amazingly captivating. Her explanations of Japanese culture were also fascinating and fairly accurate - I have spent a lot of time in Japan and worked for a Japanese company for several years.

I fully understand why many men see her performance as that of the perfect woman. Her power was undeniable as she perfectly manipulated the rigid Japanese culture to achieve her always honorable objectives.

Truly a benchmark and an absolutely timeless performance. A hundred years from now men will still be falling in love with Yoko-San.

Guy Tracy Jan 02 2013 12:51 pm Just watch the TV series Amazing does she have a web page or twitter

Wes McDonald Dec 14 2012 2:23 am I hadn't see Shogun in over 30 years and I watched it on cable not knowing what to expect. I was captivated by Yoko Simada' s performance. I thought that she was perhaps the most beautiful woman that I have ever seen. It was not only her physical beauty but her innter beauty as well. When she looked at Blackthorne, her glistening black eyes had such love in them. Her mannerisms, her movements, the rigorous protocol, the elegant manner in which she moved and walked. She was like an ideal image of a woman without being voluptuous. Although I know she is mere a creation of the media, she has haunted me every since and made me mourn for my lost youth. No other movie has affected me so strongly. I believe that it was the costuming that made Shimada. a stunning beauty. I wish her many years of good health and happiness.

.

Grant Jordan-SAMA! Sep 23 2012 5:07 pm i am taken with the lady Yoko, and her style and grace, throughout the movie "SHOGUN"", what a great job she did, and elegance and beauty, she brought to the screen. i hope to meet her someday, and visit Japan someday, before i die. That would be a great honor.

Thank you, Grant M Jordan- SAMA. ,,, LOL :-) ,, i hope thats right ? :-)

Louro Sep 23 2012 1:31 pm What beauty and grace she displayed in the TV mini series Shogan. As I watched the show the fist time and now again on Encore, I found myself falling in love with her right along with R C character. I will probably look for the DVD when I get a chance. so I can take the journey with her whenever I want.....

Charlie Sep 22 2012 11:07 am I watched “Shōgun” during its original TV run in 1980 and thought Yoko Shimada’s performance was perfection, itself. The series is being rebroadcast this week in the US on the Encore channel and I have watched it in its entirety once more. My admiration for Yoko Shimada’s performance is even greater now, thirty-two years later. Her characterization is subtle, expert and absolutely enchanting. Other performances in the series are quite good and memorable, but Yoko Shimada’s is what truly *makes* “Shōgun” a worthwhile investment in time spent watching.

As others have said, the Clavell’s original book (actually two volumes!) is very good and worth reading in conjunction with the mini-series. But do watch the miniseries to experience Yoko Shimada’s *perfect* performance.

michael Jul 17 2012 5:53 pm Here, Here.......I agree with all of you. She has set the standard. Love you Yoko.

michael Jul 17 2012 5:49 pm Here, Here.........I agree with all of you. A woman who has set the standard. Love you Yoko!

Kiran Feb 12 2012 2:36 pm Yoko Shimada is absolutely georgeous I watched the serise on TV when first aired but missed a few episodes. Have recently watched on CBS the whole serise again and again can't believe she was killed off made be sad.

Gary :oD Nov 02 2011 11:48 pm I do agree with you all, I would jump through hoops for days, if I even thought that this perfection of a women would just smiled at me, and know that I'm alive. Most Asian women just have it like that I guess, and Ms. Shimada sets the bar very high for all women. Skillful, Sexy, Intelligent, and Very Beautiful, What more could any man ask?

Marcos Aug 10 2011 5:19 pm I agree with all of you. She was and still is a gorgeuos woman. Back when I was around 9-10, I watched Shogun here in Brazil and was absolutely speechless throughout the series. The moment she was with Anjin-san at the Ofurô and later on, were scenes that I still kept on my mind. I fully understand why so many guys have married or have japanese girlfriends later on in life after watching her...

Jeremy Mar 25 2011 6:28 pm I agree, she was unforgettable as Toda Mariko in "Shogun". While the miniseries was good and still stands the test of time (31 years ago!), read the book or get the book on tape. The character is even better in the book. Like a lot of other posters, I think she was very sexy in a very dignified Japanese way. Ironically, 8 years later in college I had a wonderful girlfriend from Japan named Mariko for about 3 years.

Clavelle was a genius. And I think his book "Tai Pan" was better than "Shogun".

Vadim from Tver Feb 02 2011 5:50 am I fell in love (not in pervertive way) with Yoko when saw her in "Shogun" - She is unrepeatable example of modesty, honesty and smart.

Derek Jan 31 2011 6:44 pm She's gorgeous and doing some adult video now. No insertion based on the production company but it is good enough to suspend disbelief with the mosaic there to help.

steve fuller Jan 02 2011 12:59 pm i like many other men fell in love with Yoko Shimada in shogun playing the lovely lady Mariko.she was and still is pretty,spoke so beautiful and was so graceful in everything she done,she was the reason i went straight out and bought shogun the vhs box set.i think i have watched it 8 times and never tire of it,what a superb mini series it was.

Dave Dec 27 2010 10:59 pm Yoko Shimada was the first woman that completely captured my heart when I was a kid. Her portrayal of Mariko in the TV miniseries Shogun just blew me away. Enough so that I began reading the book the next day, at age 11! I hadn't even thought once about Japan at all before then, and the day after seeing her in the final installment of Shogun, I was hooked on Everything Japan! It began a lifetime love affair with Japan and Japanese culture. Married a Japanese girl. Even sent an email to Yoko once and she replied to it!! I'll be in love with her until the day I die. She is only second to Audrey Hepburn in my book of all-time most beautiful women on the planet. Can't wait to see her AV video!!

TKJ Oct 24 2010 2:16 pm I say Yoko Shimada has still got it going on for a woman her age. She really is the typical beautiful Japanese Woman, but she seems to take that to a whole different level! I mean, come on already!! A woman her age, and still that gorgeous?? It`s a fucking crime!! She belongs in the same category as Michelle Yeoh, Gong Li, Brigitte Lin, Joan Chen, just to name a few!!!

Matt Stevens Oct 05 2010 9:36 am Shimada is the essence of class. Stunningly beautiful, then and now, she is th woman who turned me from a boy who never noticed girls, to a boy who noticed. I was just 8 years old when SHOGUN aired on television, but boy oh boy, I will never forget it. The wonderful Shimada has turned in numerous great performances and I only wish she could be sen more often by western audiences. Heck, I wrote a screenplay for back in the late 90's and my agent almost got it going with her in the lead. So close... yet so far away. :-(

vicky Jul 31 2010 9:30 am Hi again: I would like to know how Yoko Shimada got along with Richard Chamberlain during the filmation of the series Shogun. Thank you in advance.

vicky Jul 31 2010 9:26 am Hi everybody: I think Yoko is very beautiful. I love her and she should have been a great star in Hollywood. I loved her in Shogun. Congratulations for her from Peru.

Jeffrey Howells Jan 24 2010 9:05 am Yoko Shimada typifies the beatiful and elegant Japanese women. I first saw her act in Shogun, where, together with Toshiro Mifune, she outplayed the so-called star Richard Chamberlain. I think at 57, she still outclasses many of her junior colleagues. It's only a pity, that she is not acknowledged internationally as an actress in the way she deserves. Yoko Shimada a beautiful and sexy lady!

Yoko Shimada

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