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Miki Odagiri

Jun 29, 1930 - Nov 28, 2006 (76 years old) in Sendagaya, Tokyo, Japan

Miki Odagiri (小田切美喜) was known primarily for her important and timeless role as the upbeat office girl in Akira Kurosawa's classic Ikiru opposite Takashi Shimura, whose character is dying of cancer, and Miki, as Toyo Odagiri, inspires him to live... just by being herself: bubbly, spontaneous, and optimistic. Her character is also filled with blunt sarcasm that was extremely rare in movies of the early-1950's. Perhaps Miki and Takashi's most memorable scene is when she's telling him the nicknames she created for their fellow workmates... including his! Sadly, beyond Ikiru, finding the handful of other Japanese movies she appeared in, especially on DVD or Blu Ray, is extremely difficult. But she left an impression in what's considered not only one of the legendary Kurosawa's greatest achievements, but one of the best movies ever made, worldwide.

Known For

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Ikiru
Toyo
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The Moon Has Risen
Fumiya
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Stakeout
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Akira Kurosawa: It Is Wonderful to Create: 'Ikiru'
Self
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Policeman's Diary
Momoyo
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To Your Majesty, The Emperor
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Policeman's Diary, Part 2
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Tower of Lilies
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The Motherless
Miyoko
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The Street Without Sun
Fusa-chan

Credits