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Yûko Tanaka

Yûko Tanaka

Actor · Born April 29, 1955 (71) · Ikeda, Osaka, Japan

Yuko Tanaka is a Japanese actress from Osaka Prefecture, Japan. She has won several acting awards during a long career working in both film and television after she graduated from Meiji University.

Biography from TMDB.

Born
April 29, 1955 (71)
From
Ikeda, Osaka, Japan
Works as
Actor
Titles
10 on MovieCove · 62 credits in all
Links
IMDb (opens in a new tab)TMDB (opens in a new tab)Wikidata (opens in a new tab)

Known for

TMDB popularity, last 157 days to Oct 28Down 51% in 30 days

What are Yûko Tanaka's films like?

Across their 9 MovieCove titles with a thematic analysis, their films lean Survival and Self.

Genres

Drama4 titlesTypical Midcredits score: 60th percentile
: browse their Drama movies
Animation2 titlesTypical Midcredits score: 77th percentile, at or above their average across these genres
: browse their Animation movies

Their MovieCove films by primary genre. The badge is the typical Midcredits score of the genre's films, the median percentile; an up arrow marks a genre at or above their average across these genres.

Themes

share of theme weight
Survival
25%
Self
19%
Bonds
17%
Society
16%
Ideas
15%
Morality
6%
Power
2%
Purpose3 titles, browse their movies with this themeGrief3 titles, browse their movies with this themeCommunity2 titles, browse their movies with this themeTruth2 titles, browse their movies with this themeSurvival2 titles, browse their movies with this theme

What they feel like to watch

their average across 7 films
ToneFeelDemandtheir average · filled zone: the category
Serious: How heavy the subject matter and outlook get. Browse their serious movies.
Tone · Weight
lightdark

A split, not a type: Light 2 · Serious 1 · Dark 4

Stylized: How far its world departs from everyday reality. Browse their stylized movies.
Tone · Style
naturalisticheightened

A split, not a type: Grounded 4 · Stylized 1 · Heightened 2

Charged: How hard the emotional peaks hit while you watch. Browse their charged movies.
Feel · Intensity
gentleintense

A split, not a type: Gentle 2 · Charged 2 · Intense 3

Steady: How much it swings between very different feelings. Browse their steady movies.
Feel · Swings
steadyswings

Steady 6 · Shifting 1 · Whiplash 0

Straight-faced: How much of the runtime is played for laughs. Browse their straight-faced movies.
Feel · Humor
noneconstant

Straight-faced 6 · Some laughs 1 · Funny 0

Slow burn: How fast it moves from scene to scene. Browse their slow burn movies.
Demand · Pace
slowrelentless

A split, not a type: Slow burn 3 · Even-paced 4 · Relentless 0

Engaged: How much focus it asks of you — look away and lose the thread? Browse their engaged movies.
Demand · Attention
casualfull focus

Casual 2 · Engaged 4 · Full focus 1

Affecting: How much it costs you emotionally; whether you need recovery time. Browse their affecting movies.
Demand · Emotional cost
easyheavy

A split, not a type: Easy watch 2 · Affecting 1 · Heavy 4

Resolved: How much is left for you to interpret. Browse their resolved movies.
Demand · Resolution
resolvedambiguous

A split, not a type: Resolved 3 · Open-ended 4 · Ambiguous 0

Roles they play

5 analyzed roles

Usually the Shadow: 2 of 5 analyzed roles.

Shadow
2 of 5
Hero
1 of 5
Ally
1 of 5
Herald
1 of 5

Moods and endings

endings are an aggregate; no title is named

Dominant moods · mentions across their titles

Tense
5
Melancholic
7
Warm
3
Contemplative
3
Bittersweet
2
Other
4

How their films linger

Bittersweet6 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteThought-provoking5 titles, browse their movies with this aftertasteHopeful3 titles, browse their movies with this aftertaste

How their films end · 1 with a twist

  • Bittersweet6
  • Ambiguous3

AI-generated from each title's plot synopsis and cast list, with extra plot summaries, reviews and Parents Guide notes for titles the model may not know, and the model's own knowledge of the ones it recognizes. Only analyzed titles count, so this covers part of the filmography; the feel axes count films only for now.

Where can I watch Yûko Tanaka's films?

As of October 24, 2026, 7 of their 10 MovieCove titles stream on a subscription or free service, most on Prime Video (3).

Also on these channels

Subscription and free streaming for Yûko Tanaka's titles on MovieCove; rent and buy are not counted. Titles are listed by Midcredits score, highest first, at most 12 per service; a dashed chip is a producer credit or a minor one, such as a thanks. A service opens the browse page, which counts movies only, so its number can differ.

Filmography

62 credits, 10 with a MovieCove page.

  • Children Untold (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2026)

    as Kei Yamai

  • The Real You(2024)

    as Akiko Ishikawa

    Midcredits score: 48th percentile of all films (provisional, few ratings)

  • Monster(2023)

    as Makiko Fushimi

    Midcredits score: 98th percentile of all films

  • Thousand and One Nights (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2022)

    as Tomiko Wakamatsu

  • Love with a Case(2022)

    Show 10 episodes · as Azuki Koarai

    Midcredits score: 64th percentile of all shows

  • Blade Runner: Black Lotus(2021)

    Show 1 episode · Motion Actor

    Midcredits score: 27th percentile of all shows

  • Gift of Fire (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2021)

    Actor

  • Ora, Ora Be Goin' Alone (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2020)

    as Momoko Hidaka

  • One Night (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2019)

    as Koharu Inamura

  • The Island of Cats(2019)

    as Yoshie

    Midcredits score: 64th percentile of all films

  • Haruko's Doll (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2018)

    as Tomita Shizuko

  • anone (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2018)

    Show 10 episodes · as Anone Hayashida

  • Ties: A Miraculous Colt (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2017)

    Show 2 episodes · as Kayoko Matsushita

  • Through Their Eyes (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2016)

    Actor

  • Mare (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2015)

    Show 156 episodes · as Okesaku Fumi

  • Midnight Diner(2014)

    as Machiko Tsukaguchi

    Midcredits score: 94th percentile of all films

  • Hana's Miso Soup (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2014)

    as Toyoka Yamaoka

  • Homeland (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2014)

    as Tomiko

  • Backwater (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2013)

    as Jinko

  • Woman(2013)

    Show 11 episodes · as Sachi Uesugi

    Midcredits score: 51st percentile of all shows

  • Dawn of a Filmmaker: The Keisuke Kinoshita Story (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2013)

    as Kinoshita's mother

  • Dearest (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2012)

    as Yoko Shimakura

  • Haru's Journey (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2010)

    as Aiko Shimizu

  • Mother (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2010)

    Show 11 episodes · as Mochizuki Hana

  • The Firmament of the Pleiades (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2010)

    Show 28 episodes · as Empress Dowager Cixi

  • The Homeless Student (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2008)

    as Michiyo Kawai

  • Bōshi (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2008)

    as Setsu Takemoto

  • Tokyo Tower ~ Okan and me, sometimes, Oton (SP version) (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2006)

    Show 11 episodes · as Nakagawa Eiko

  • Tales from Earthsea(2006)

    as Cob (voice)

    Midcredits score: 54th percentile of all films

  • The Milkwoman (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2005)

    as Minako Oba

  • The Buried Forest (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2005)

    as Machi's mother

  • Hibi (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2005)

    as Kiyoko Koyama

  • Wakaba (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2004)

    Show 151 episodes · Actor

  • The Bleep Brothers (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2002)

    as Toyoko

  • The Firefly (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2001)

    as Tomoko Yamaoka

  • The Whispered City (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2000)

    as Fukuko

  • The Exam (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1999)

    as ToshieTogashi

  • Osaka Story (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1999)

    as Shimotsuki, Harumi

  • Princess Mononoke(1997)

    as Eboshi Gozen (voice)

    Midcredits score: 99th percentile of all films

  • The Rainbow Seeker (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1996)

    as Yaeko Tonari

  • Terigaki (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1996)

    Show 3 episodes · Actor

  • Korekara: Umibe no Tabibitotachi (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1993)

    Show 1 episode · Actor

  • Wild Geese (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1993)

    Actor

  • Ghost Story: Flower House (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1991)

    Actor

  • As If In Flight (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1990)

    Show 48 episodes · Actor

  • Still Life - Kiriko and Marie's Criminal Cohabitation Life (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1989)

    as Kiriko

  • Wuthering Heights (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1988)

    as Kinu

  • Children on the Island (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1987)

    as Hisako Oishi

  • Demon (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1985)

    as Keiko

  • Shiawase no Kuni: Aoi Tori Patapata? (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1985)

    as Hanako

  • Capone Cries a Lot (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1985)

    as Kozome Takonoya

  • Oshin (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1983)

    Show 297 episodes · as Oshin (16 to 46 years old)

  • Amagi Pass (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1983)

    as Hana Otsuka, prostitute

  • Tora-san, the Expert (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1982)

    as 螢子

  • The Rape(1982)

    as Michiko Yahagi

    Midcredits score: 55th percentile of all films

  • Fifth Movement (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1981)

    Actor

  • Precious Moments (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1981)

    Show 14 episodes · Actor

  • Edo Porn (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1981)

    as Oei

  • Eijanaika (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1981)

    as Omatsu

  • Tennō no Ryōriban (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1980)

    Show 19 episodes · Actor

  • Daddy Long Legs (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1979)

    as ジュディ

  • Sister Ma (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1979)

    Show 156 episodes · as Isono Machiko

Career shape

Star power in the 93rd percentile of 239,109 people with a billed film role, over a full career of 62 titles from 1979 to 2026; peak year 1996.

Biggest box office

Tales from Earthsea (2006)

$69M worldwide

Highest rated

Princess Mononoke (1997)

Midcredits 99th

Film career

19792026

Peak 1996 · back in prominent film roles after a quiet stretch. Film roles by billing, audience size and rating; 25+ votes. A show carries a single first-air date, so shows are not on the curve.

  • 1981Screen debut· Edo Porn

By role

only this rolewith another role
Acting61 of 62: 61 only acting, 0 with another role · typical Midcredits score64thOther crew1 of 62: 1 only other crew, 0 with another role

By decade

1970s2 · acting1980s15 · acting1990s9 · acting2000s11 · acting2010s17 · acting2020s8 · 7 acting · 1 crew

Billing

usually 4th · top billed in 0% of 6 roles

Counts from TMDB across their full career, self appearances out; a title counts in every role they held on it. The ring is the typical Midcredits score (the median percentile) of the role's titles that are on MovieCove, shown from 5 scored. Billing is TMDB cast order for roles with 25+ votes, billed in the top 30.

How do Yûko Tanaka's films land?

Their typical MovieCove film has a Midcredits score in the 64th percentile, the median of all 7; across their 7 films with reception data, the typical film sits in the 71st percentile for acclaim.

Acclaim · how much people like their films

71stpercentile
Typical film, the median of 7

Approval · how many liked their films

62ndpercentile
Typical film, the median of 7

Reach · how many have seen their films

82ndpercentile
Typical film, the median of 7

Midcredits score across 10 titles, by percentile

  • 75th and up3
  • 50th to 74th5
  • 25th to 49th2

Shape of the crowd

6 of their 10 titles are Mixed.

  • Universally Loved3
  • Crowd Pleaser1
  • Mixed6

Most divisive · actor

The Island of Cats (2019)

65th percentile spread · 21% rated it 4 or lower

Most loved · actor

Princess Mononoke (1997)

Midcredits 99th · 91% liked

Reviewers score the acting 70/100 in their films, across 4 reviewed titles; fans 73, detractors 50. The element that speaks to their work as an actor.

Percentiles are each film's standing among all films on MovieCove; the typical film is the median, so one outlier cannot drag it. Percentiles and reviewer scores count the films IMDb credits them on, for now; the Midcredits score bands, the shape of the crowd and the two cards count their MovieCove titles, shows included (a show ranked among shows), appearances as themselves left out. A descriptor is the shape of a title's IMDb rating distribution against the catalog; "most divisive" needs a spread wider than half of all titles, and a card names only a principal credit: a craft role, and on a show a crew role or a run of episodes, never a courtesy credit or a one-off guest spot.

Is Yûko Tanaka's work okay for kids?

Across a limited sample of up to 3 MovieCove titles with content scores.

Their medianMedian of all films
Violence & Gore3 titlesmedian 61 · intenseMedian of all films: 44
Sex & Nudity3 titlesmedian 12 · minimalMedian of all films: 32
Profanity3 titlesmedian 26 · mildMedian of all films: 36
Alcohol & Drugs3 titlesmedian 21 · mildMedian of all films: 33
Frightening / Intense3 titlesmedian 58 · moderateMedian of all films: 39

Severity 0–100 from the Content Guide. Categories with under 10 votes on a title are not counted.

Who does Yûko Tanaka work with?

People who share at least 2 of Yûko Tanaka's MovieCove titles, grouped by what they did on them; Kaoru Kobayashi shares the most, 5.

Directors

Writers

Actors

Cinematographers and editors

Producers