
Kazuko Yoshiyuki
Actor · Died September 2, 2025, aged 90 · Tokyo Prefecture, Japan
Kazuko Yoshiyuki was born on 9 August 1935 in Tokyo, Japan. She was an actress, known for Departures (2008), Ponyo (2008) and Empire of Passion (1978). She died on 2 September 2025.
Biography from IMDb.
- August 9, 1935
- September 2, 2025 (aged 90)
- Tokyo Prefecture, Japan
- Actor
- 23 on MovieCove · 171 credits in all
What are Kazuko Yoshiyuki's films like?
Across their 15 MovieCove titles with a thematic analysis, their films lean Bonds and Self.
Genres
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
What they feel like to watch
Ironic 0 · Wry 0 · Earnest 15
Light 3 · Serious 6 · Dark 6
A split, not a type: Grounded 9 · Stylized 5 · Heightened 1
Gentle 5 · Charged 5 · Intense 5
Steady 9 · Shifting 5 · Whiplash 1
Straight-faced 10 · Some laughs 4 · Funny 1
Slow burn 12 · Even-paced 3 · Relentless 0
Casual 7 · Engaged 7 · Full focus 1
Easy watch 2 · Affecting 7 · Heavy 6
Resolved 8 · Open-ended 7 · Ambiguous 0
Roles they play
Usually the Ally: 2 of 4 analyzed roles.
- Allyas Seki in Empire of Passion (1978)
- Allyas Tomiko Hirayama in Tokyo Family (2013)
- Heroas Tomiko Hirata in What a Wonderful Family! (2016)
- Mentoras Grandmother in Ato 3-Kai, Kimi Ni Aeru (2020)
Moods and endings
- Happy2
- Bittersweet9
- Tragic3
- Ambiguous1
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 Kazuko Yoshiyuki's films?
As of October 24, 2026, 8 of their 23 MovieCove titles stream on a subscription or free service.
Subscription and free streaming for Kazuko Yoshiyuki'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
171 credits, 23 with a MovieCove page; 2 appearances as themselves are hidden until asked for.

Kaneko Fumiko (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2026)

Diamonds in the Sand (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2025)

Brighter Days (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2025)
Midcredits score: 78th percentile of all films
A World Without Cherry Blossoms (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2022)

Somebody's Flowers (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2021)

Cinematic Liars of Asahi-za (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2021)

Photograph of Memories (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2021)

Hama no Asahi no Utsotsuki Domoto (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2020)

あとかたの街〜12歳の少女が見た戦争〜 (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2020)

Ato 3-Kai, Kimi Ni Aeru(2020)
Midcredits score: 91st percentile of all films (provisional, few ratings)
Sunday Horror Series Best Selection (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2019)

The Landlady (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2019)

僕が笑うと (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2019)
Midcredits score: 47th percentile of all films
What a Wonderful Family! 3 (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2018)
Midcredits score: 69th percentile of all films
Midcredits score: 71st percentile of all films
What a Wonderful Family(2017)
Midcredits score: 73rd percentile of all films
The Book Peddler (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2016)

Gold Woman (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2016)

The Rite of Loss (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2016)

What a Wonderful Family!(2016)
Midcredits score: 73rd percentile of all films
When Marnie Was There(2014)
Midcredits score: 97th percentile of all films
Shinigami-kun (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2014)

Time Never Stops (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2014)

The Little House(2014)
Midcredits score: 82nd percentile of all films
A Sparkle of Life (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2013)

Starman: A Love Story (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2013)

Tokyo Family(2013)
Midcredits score: 90th percentile of all films
Going My Home (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2012)

It's a Beautiful Life - Irodori (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2012)

The Love and Death of Kaoru Mitarai (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2012)

Crossroads(2011)
Midcredits score: 26th percentile of all films (provisional, few ratings)
Share house (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2011)

Valley of Dreams (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2011)

Yoshiko & Yuriko (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2011)

Leonie(2010)
Midcredits score: 48th percentile of all films
再捜査刑事・片岡悠介 (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2010)

Looking for Anne (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2009)

Baby, Baby, Baby! (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2009)

Tales of the Bizarre: 2008 Fall Special (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2008)

Departures(2008)
Midcredits score: 98th percentile of all films
Ponyo(2008)
Midcredits score: 97th percentile of all films
Cyborg She(2008)
Midcredits score: 76th percentile of all films
Long Wedding Road! Tokyo vs. Osaka Wakeari Kon Monogatari (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2007)

The Story of Yamada Taro (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2007)

Maiko Haaaan!!! (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2007)

Glory to the Filmmaker! (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2007)

Tanaka Express 3 (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2007)

Wool 100% (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2006)

Riding the Metro (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2006)

The Cricket Girl (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2006)

Granny Gabai (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2006)

Hyōheki (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2006)

The Ice Wall (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2006)

A Heartful of Love (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2005)

Kamataki (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2005)

The Tragedy of M (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2005)

Bewitched in Tokyo SP (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2004)

Going Home (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2004)

Translucent Tree (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2004)

Premonition(2004)
Midcredits score: 50th percentile of all films
Free and Easy 15 (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2004)

Bewitched In Tokyo (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2004)

Dollhouse (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2004)

Et Alors (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2003)
Oriume (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2002)

Snowland Revisited (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2002)

Lily Festival (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2001)

Codename: Tomoko (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(2000)

Taboo(1999)
Midcredits score: 76th percentile of all films
Honto ni Atta Kowai Hanashi - Special 1 (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1999)

In Search of a Lost Writer: Wandering in the World of the Seventh Sense (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1999)

Kikujiro(1999)
Midcredits score: 95th percentile of all filmsWork of Angels (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1999)

仮面の女 (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1998)
Oshigoto Desu! (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1998)

Immoral Affairs (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1997)

The Seven Chefs (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1997)
Famous Detective Woman (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1997)
Melody (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1997)

Leave It to the Nurses (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1996)
Hachigatsu no Love Song (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1996)

SMAP×SMAP (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1996)

O-higara mo yoku, go-shusho sama (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1996)

House of Sleeping Beauties (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1995)

Himeyuri no To (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1995)

Shinjuku Shark (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1995)

Why I borrowed money from her (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1994)

Onichan no Sentaku (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1994)

The End of the World (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1994)

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

Hold Me and Kiss Me (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1992)

Sosuke Loses His Lover (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1992)
Emergency Special! I saw a Paranormal Phenomenon!! (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1991)

Chizuko's Younger Sister (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1991)

Yonimo Kimyou na Monogatari Tokubetsuhen (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1990)

Oración (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1988)

Secret Agreement: Ministry of Foreign Affairs Secret Leak Incident (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1988)

Remembrance (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1988)

Eien no 1/2 (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1987)

Makeup (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1987)

MacArthur's Children—Part II (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1987)

The Beauty in the Black Mask (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1987)

Love Story (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1986)

One Who Died in Vain (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1986)

The Mirror of Janus (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1985)

Kids (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1985)

Detective Kyosuke Kozu's Murder Reasoning 3 (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1985)

CF Guretai (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1985)

Life of St. Blue Eyes (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1984)

The Street of Desire(1984)
Midcredits score: 16th percentile of all films (provisional, few ratings)
Stewardess Story (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1983)

Double Bed (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1983)
Midcredits score: 63rd percentile of all films
Amagi Pass (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1983)

Kidnapping Blues (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1982)

Lady on 6th Street: Taste of Honey (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1982)

In the Cellar (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1981)

The Hidden Trail of the Beasts (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1981)

Pro Hunter (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1981)

Juvenile Wife (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1980)

Red Soul (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1980)

Heaven Sent (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1979)

Golden Partners (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1979)

Empire of Passion(1978)
Midcredits score: 79th percentile of all films
Sea of Wonders (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1978)

The Days of No Return (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1978)

Nemuremitsu (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1976)

遺書 白い少女 (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1976)
Midcredits score: 56th percentile of all films
A Japanese Demon (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1973)

Chase That Man (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1972)

The Armed Organization (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1971)

I Hear the Whistle (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1971)
Midcredits score: 89th percentile of all films
Abare chōhan (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1970)

Modern Chivarly: Sworn Brothers (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1970)

The Great Japanese Pick-Pocket Club (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1969)

Journey (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1967)

Kokoro no sanmyaku (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1966)

The Song of Love (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1965)

The Witness' Chair (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1965)

Black Strait (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1964)

Shutsugeki (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1964)

The Bride is Fifteen (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1964)

Gun Demon Without Form (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1964)

Tale on Tokai Chivalry (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1964)

Kiri ni Kieta Hito (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1963)

Wakai senpū (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1962)

The Man With Starry Eyes (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1962)

Eigo ni yowai otoko azuma wa azuma, nishi wa nishi (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1962)

何もかも狂ってやがる (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1962)

Foundry Town (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1962)

That Guy and I (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1961)

Maiko's Visit to Tokyo (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1961)

That Young May Be Eternal (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1961)

機動捜査班 (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1961)

A Killer Without a Grave (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1961)

Jungle Block (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1960)

The Sleeping Beast Within (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1960)

Teenage Wolf (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1960)

The Age of Our Own (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1959)

My Second Brother (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1959)

Season of Affairs (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1959)

Talented Woman (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1959)

Go and Get It (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1958)
How Sorrowful (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1956)

Yukiko (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)(1955)
Matsumoto Seichō no Ekiro (not in the MovieCove catalog yet)
Career shape
Star power in the 96th percentile of 239,109 people with a billed film role, over a full career of 171 titles, 170 of them dated from 1955 to 2026; peak year 2017.
Film career
Peak 2017 · at the high point of their film career. Top draw in 3 MovieCove titles. 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.
- 1970Screen debut· Zatoichi Goes to the Fire Festival
- 1978Breakout· Empire of Passion
Billing
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; the columns are the share of top-billed roles in each era, 5-year spans from the year on the label, merged until each holds at least 5 roles.
How do Kazuko Yoshiyuki's films land?
Their typical MovieCove film has a Midcredits score in the 76th percentile, the median of all 23; across their 15 films with reception data, the typical film sits in the 79th percentile for acclaim.
- 75th and up12
- 50th to 74th7
- 25th to 49th3
- Below 25th1
Shape of the crowd
14 of their 23 titles are Crowd Pleasers.
- Universally Loved4
- Crowd Pleaser14
- Broadly Agreed1
- Mixed4
Reviewers score the acting 74/100 in their films, across 10 reviewed titles; fans 79, detractors 45. 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 Kazuko Yoshiyuki's work okay for kids?
Across a limited sample of up to 3 MovieCove titles with content scores.
Severity 0–100 from the Content Guide. Categories with under 10 votes on a title are not counted.
Who does Kazuko Yoshiyuki work with?
People who share at least 2 of Kazuko Yoshiyuki's MovieCove titles, grouped by what they did on them; Joe Hisaishi shares the most, 5.
Directors
- Yōji YamadaShared titles: What a Wonderful Family (2017), What a Wonderful Family! (2016), The Little House (2014), Tokyo Family (2013)See all 4 shared titles with Yōji Yamada

Writers
- Emiko HiramatsuShared titles: What a Wonderful Family (2017), What a Wonderful Family! (2016), The Little House (2014), Tokyo Family (2013)See all 4 shared titles with Emiko Hiramatsu
Actors
- Isao HashizumeShared titles: What a Wonderful Family (2017), What a Wonderful Family! (2016), The Little House (2014), Tokyo Family (2013)See all 4 shared titles with Isao Hashizume

- Masahiko NishimuraShared titles: What a Wonderful Family (2017), What a Wonderful Family! (2016), Tokyo Family (2013), Crossroads (2011)See all 4 shared titles with Masahiko Nishimura

- Nenji KobayashiShared titles: What a Wonderful Family (2017), What a Wonderful Family! (2016), Tokyo Family (2013), The Mosquito on the Tenth Floor (1983)See all 4 shared titles with Nenji Kobayashi

- Satoshi TsumabukiShared titles: What a Wonderful Family (2017), What a Wonderful Family! (2016), The Little House (2014), Tokyo Family (2013)See all 4 shared titles with Satoshi Tsumabuki

Composers, cinematographers and editors
- Joe HisaishiShared titles: What a Wonderful Family (2017), What a Wonderful Family! (2016), The Little House (2014), Tokyo Family (2013), Kikujiro (1999)See all 5 shared titles with Joe Hisaishi

- Iwao IshiiShared titles: What a Wonderful Family (2017), What a Wonderful Family! (2016), The Little House (2014), Tokyo Family (2013)See all 4 shared titles with Iwao Ishii
- Masashi ChikamoriShared titles: What a Wonderful Family (2017), What a Wonderful Family! (2016), The Little House (2014)See all 3 shared titles with Masashi Chikamori
Producers
- Hiroshi FukazawaShared titles: What a Wonderful Family (2017), What a Wonderful Family! (2016), The Little House (2014), Tokyo Family (2013)See all 4 shared titles with Hiroshi Fukazawa
- Jun'ichi SakomotoShared titles: What a Wonderful Family! (2016), The Little House (2014)See all 2 shared titles with Jun'ichi Sakomoto

- Hitoshi IwataShared titles: The Little House (2014), Tokyo Family (2013)See all 2 shared titles with Hitoshi Iwata
- Tomohiko SaitôShared titles: The Little House (2014), Tokyo Family (2013)See all 2 shared titles with Tomohiko Saitô
