Japanese Actor Keiko Kishi Dies at 93

Tokyo, Aug. 19 (Jiji Press)–Japanese actor Keiko Kishi, known for her role in the hit film “Kimi no Na wa” (What’s Your Name?), died of old age on Aug. 7. She was 93. Born in Yokohama, south of Tokyo, Kishi was one of the screen stars of Japan’s postwar film industry. She also built a distinguished career as a writer. She made her acting debut in 1951 with “Wagaya wa Tanoshi” (Home Sweet Home) and rose to national fame through the success of the “Kimi no Na wa” trilogy, in which she played the heroine, Machiko. Kishi’s iconic way of wearing a stole, known as “Machiko-maki,” in the films became a trend and was imitated by many women. She appeared in various films over almost half a century, including works directed by Kon Ichikawa, such as “Akuma no Temariuta,” and by Shiro Toyoda, such as “Yukiguni.” She also gained recognition for her performances in television drama series. As an acclaimed writer, Kishi left behind a wide range of works, including novels, essays and autobiographies. Her reportage “Apple of Belarus,” which covered conflict zones around the world, won the Nihon Essayist Club Prize. In 1957, Kishi married Frenchman Yves Ciampi, who directed Japanese-French production “Wasure enu Bojo” (Typhon sur Nagasaki), in which she starred. After living in Paris for more than 40 years following her marriage, Kishi continued her activities in both countries even after returning to Japan. In 2004, she received the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette, a prestigious national honor in Japan. In 2011, the French government named her a Commander of the Order of Arts and Letters. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]