Born on June 29, 1941, in Tokyo, Japan, she is a celebrated Japanese actress and singer renowned for her versatile talent and enduring career. She gained widespread recognition for her role as Sakura in the "Tora-san" series, which spanned decades. Her work extends to voice acting, notably lending her voice to the character of Sophie in the acclaimed animated film "Howl's Moving Castle." Her contributions to film and music have made her a beloved figure in Japanese entertainment.