Keiko Kishi, iconic Japanese actress and writer, dies at 93

Japanese actress and acclaimed essayist Keiko Kishi has died at the age of 93 due to old age. Her passing was announced by her agency on August 19, following her death on August 7.

Kishi rose to national stardom in the 1950s, most notably for her role as Machiko in the hit film trilogy ‘Kimi no Na wa’ (What’s Your Name?). Her signature style of wearing a stole, known as ‘Machiko-maki’, became a major fashion trend in Japan. Her career spanned decades and included roles in films such as ‘Ototo’, ‘Snow Country’, and the American production ‘The Yakuza’.

Beyond acting, Kishi was a distinguished writer and journalist. She received the Japan Essayist Club Prize for her work ‘Apple of Belarus’, which covered global conflict zones. Her international presence was marked by her marriage to French director Yves Ciampi and her long-term residence in Paris.

Kishi’s contributions to culture were recognized with several honors, including the Order of the Rising Sun in Japan and being named a Commander of the Order of Arts and Letters by the French government. She also served as a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations Population Fund starting in 1996.