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Yukiji Asaoka

あさおか ゆきじ

Asaoka Yukiji

Aliases: 加藤 雪会 / 勝田（旧姓）
Pen Names: Shinsui Michiyuki（Art-name used as head (iemoto) of the Shinsui school of Japanese dance）

Profile

Gender
Female
Born
1935-07-23 （Tsukiji, Kyobashi Ward, Tokyo (now Chuo Ward, Tokyo), Japan）
Died
2018-04-27 （Tokyo, Japan (hospital in the 23 wards)） age 82
Nationality
Japan
Languages
Japanese

Career

Occupations
Actress, Singer, Television personality, Presenter, Japanese dance (Nihon buyo) master
Active Years
1952-2014

Education

Yamawaki Gakuen Junior & Senior High School
Country: Japan
Takarazuka Music School
Period: 〜1952年 卒業
Year of Graduation: 1952
Country: Japan
Graduated 1952; entered Takarazuka Revue (39th class), Moon Troupe, as a musumeyaku (female role).

Awards

Agency for Cultural Affairs Arts Festival Award (Excellence Award)
1981
Organization: Agency for Cultural Affairs (Japan)
Result: 受賞
Art Encouragement Prize by the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
2003
Organization: Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (Japan)
Result: 受賞
Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays
2011
Organization: Cabinet Office (Japanese decorations)
Result: 受章
Takarazuka Revue Hall of Fame (Inductee)
2014
Organization: Takarazuka Revue
Result: 殿堂入り

Awards & Nominations

Works

Major Works

Jazz Musume Kanpai (Cheers, Jazz Girls!)

1955 Film

A 1955 film marking her screen debut; Asaoka made her first film appearance in this work.

DebutMusical film

When the Rain Stops

1970 Kayokyoku / Pop song

A hit song composed by Kyōhei Tsutsumi with lyrics by Rei Nakanishi. One of Asaoka's signature songs; it led to her return to the NHK Red and White Song Festival in 1971.

LoveNostalgia

Hana ya... Chou ya... (Stage: Flowers... Butterflies...)

2014 Stage play

A stage performance commemorating Takarazuka Revue's 100th anniversary. Asaoka appeared with her husband Masahiko Tsugawa and daughter Mayuko; it was her final stage appearance before entering medical care.

Family co-performanceCommemorative production

Bibliography

  • Jazz Musume Kanpai (1955) and numerous other films
  • Extensive television work including variety shows (11PM, Night Hit Studio) and dramas
  • Numerous music releases (including 'Ame ga Yandara')

Style & Themes

Literary Style
Not applicable as literary style; notable for acting and singingGentle, natural 'airheaded' persona that became a trademark on variety shows
Recurring Motifs
Refined/ladylike personaAnecdotal 'natural' remarksShowa-era popular music and culture

Health

  • Alzheimer's disease
    晩年（最終数年）
    Entered medical care in final years; ultimately cared for and accompanied in death by her husband

Legacy

A major actress and singer from the Takarazuka tradition active across film, television, stage and music. Her refined, natural persona won affection across generations; as a dance master she founded the Shinsui school and contributed to the transmission of traditional arts.

In Popular Culture

  • Her 'natural' persona spawned comedic anecdotes known as 'Yukiji Asaoka legends' featured on variety shows

Quotes

  • "She was an actress, wasn't she."
    Source: Masahiko Tsugawa, press conference (on the passing of Yukiji Asaoka) (2018)

Trivia

  • Numerous 'lady' anecdotes from an overprotected childhood (e.g. reportedly greeting a vending machine 'This is Asaoka')
  • Nickname referencing her bust ('boin') from 11PM host Kyōsen Ōhashi became a popular buzzword
  • Her daughter Mayuko was once kidnapped as an infant but was later safely recovered