was a Japanese actress and singer.

Early life

Yoshiko Tanaka was born in the Umeda area of Tokyo on April 8, 1956.

Career

Tanaka first came to prominence as a member of the pop group Candies, during which time she was known by the nickname . She became an actress after the group disbanded in 1978. She had a role in Godzilla vs. Biollante and starred in Black Rain, the latter earning her the Hochi Film Award for Best Actress. She also appeared in television series such as Oshin and Tokugawa Ieyasu.

Personal life

Tanaka was married to businessman Kazuo Odate from 1991 until her death in 2011. She was the sister-in-law of actress Masako Natsume.

Illness and death

In 1992, Tanaka was diagnosed with breast cancer, which was successfully treated. The cancer returned in October 2010 and she died in the Mita area of Tokyo on April 21, 2011, just under two weeks after her 55th birthday.

Filmography

Film

  • Godzilla vs. Biollante (1989) – Asuka Okouchi
  • Black Rain (1989) – Yasuko

Television

  • Totsugeki! Hyūman!! (1972) – Hoshiyama Rumiko
  • Oshin (1983) – Hatsuko age 20-40
  • Tokugawa Ieyasu (1983) – Ayame
  • ' (1986) – Yamamoto Yaeko
  • Platonic Sex (2001) – Kana's Mother

Discography

Albums

  1. Yoshiko (好子, 1984)

Singles

  1. "Cabochard" (カボシャール)
  2. "Tsumi TO ME" (罪 TO ME)
  3. "Gozen 5 Toki No DREAM" (午前5時のドリーム)
  4. "Feel My Love Inside"

References

  • Official website