
Yoko Shimada
Actor · 1953 – 2022 · 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.
Movies20
Movie6.4ActionCrimeA 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 · 373 votes
Movie5.7ActionDramaPaul 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 · 127 votes
Movie5.0MysteryA serial killing occurs at a port town brothel.
Movie7.4CrimeMysteryTwo detectives are tasked to investigate the murder of an old man, found bludgeoned to death in a Tokyo rail yard.
Movie7.0HorrorMysteryWhen 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.
Movie4.5AdventureHistoryEnglishman 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 · 2 votes
Movie4.0DramaComedyNakadai 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!
Movie8.5ActionComedyMomojiro comes to the rescue of beautiful Akiko who struggles to run a ranch on her own.
Movie8.0CrimeThrillerElite college graduates commit perfect financial crimes though loopholes in the law during the 1950s.
Movie9.0DramaIn 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.
Movie5.7DramaFrom 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.
Movie8.0CrimeDramaWhile imprisoned, Tatsu encounters Danshi, a man who is a big honcho in the prison pecking order. After initial conflict they become sworn brothers. Tatsu and the sworn brothers he acquires weren’t really gangsters before their prison time, just ruffians. Prison, however, introduces them to plenty of gangland characters and three years later, they’re out of prison and enmeshed in the yakuza world.
MovieAnimeAdventureAnime film based on the novel "813" by Maurice Leblanc.
MovieHistoryDramaJubei is a Japanese merchant who learns tricks from Western merchants to get ahead in the game.
Movie
Movie3.8ActionThrillerDeep 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.
Movie6.0DramaThe Man Who Assassinated Ryoma is a movie about a haunted blood-thirsty Bakufu officer who might have killed Ryoma Sakamoto.
MovieTV MovieOne 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.
Movie5.5Shinku 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?
Movie10.0RomanceThat 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! !
Series2
TV7.6Action & AdventureDramaAn English navigator becomes both a player and pawn in complex political games in feudal Japan.
Shōgun
1980 · 248 votes
TVDramaLuzon Sukezaemon is a merchant who imports vases from the Philippines. The vases are highly valued as tea utensils and he makes a huge profit. This was the first taiga drama to concentrate on the lives of commoners and the reviled merchant class of the Tokugawa period. It documents the rise and fall of the merchant city of Sakai, as seen by its most famous resident, the semilegendary Luzon.