Hiroko Yakushimaru
Actor
Biography
After passing the audition for the film produced by Haruki Kadokawa, she began her acting career. Along with teen idols Tomoyo Harada and Noriko Watanabe who debuted from Kadokawa Haruki Corporation, she was often dubbed as one of "Kadokawa Sannin-musume" in her early career.
Yakushimaru made her acting debut in the 1978 movie Never Give Up. In 1981, she came into prominence with Sailor Suit and Machine Gun, the film where she played the leading role. She also recorded the same-titled theme song for the film, which hit No. 1 on Oricon in late 1981, and stayed there until January 18, 1982.
Since rising to fame, Yakushimaru has gained success as both an actress and a pop singer, mainly during the 1980s. She had also worked as a prolific recording artist until her marriage with Kōji Tamaki, the leader of the band Anzen Chitai.
Filmography
The 8-Year Engagement
as Hatsumi Nakahara 2017
Cafe Funiculi Funicula
as Kayo Takatake 2018
Always - Sunset on Third Street
as Tomoe Suzuki 2005
Dogwood Tree
as Ryoko 2010
Glasses
as Morishita 2007
G.I. Samurai
as Young Takeda Samurai 1979
Destiny: The Tale of Kamakura
as Female owner 2017
Legend of the Eight Samurai
as Princess Shizu 1983
School in the Crosshairs
as Yuka Mitamura 1981
Toward the Terra
as Jona Macka (voice) 1980
Always: Sunset on Third Street 2
as Tomoe Suzuki 2007
The Tragedy of "W"
as Shizuka Mita 1984
Last Mile
as Misumi Natsuyo 2024
Always: Sunset on Third Street '64
as Tomoe Suzuki 2012
Main Theme
as Shibuki Ogasawara 1984
Riverside Mukolitta
2021