Yoshiko Tanaka

Biography

Yoshiko Tanaka (田中 好子, Tanaka Yoshiko; April 8, 1956 – April 21, 2011) was a Japanese actress and singer.

Early life

Yoshiko Tanaka was born in the Umeda area of Tokyo on April 8, 1956.

Career

Tanaka first came to prominence as a member of the pop group Candies, during which time she was known by the nickname "Sue" (スーちゃん, Sū-chan). She became an actress after the group disbanded in 1978. She had a role in Godzilla vs. Biollante and starred in Black Rain, the latter earning her the Hochi Film Award for Best Actress. She also appeared in television series such as Oshin and Tokugawa Ieyasu.

Personal life

Tanaka was married to businessman Kazuo Odate from 1991 until her death in 2011. She was the sister-in-law of actress Masako Natsume.

Illness and death

In 1992, Tanaka was diagnosed with breast cancer, which was successfully treated. The cancer returned in October 2010 and she died in the Mita area of Tokyo on April 21, 2011, just under two weeks after her 55th birthday.

Film

Godzilla vs. Biollante (1989) – Asuka Okouchi
Black Rain (1989) – Yasuko

Television

Totsugeki! Hyūman!! (1972) – Hoshiyama Rumiko
Oshin (1983) – Hatsuko age 20-40
Tokugawa Ieyasu (1983) – Ayame
Byakkotai (1986) – Yamamoto Yaeko
Platonic Sex (2001) – Kana's Mother

Singles

"Cabochard" (カボシャール)
"Tsumi TO ME" (罪 TO ME)
"Gozen 5 Toki No DREAM" (午前5時のドリーム)
"Feel My Love Inside"