Chieko Matsubara

1.1. Birth and childhood

Matsubara was born on January 6, 1945, in Ikeda-cho, Ibi District, Gifu Prefecture, during a period when her mother had evacuated from Nagoya to avoid the Nagoya Air Raids during World War II. After the war, her family returned to their home in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, where Matsubara was primarily raised. Her family owned and operated a public bathhouse in Nagoya's Minami Ward, an establishment that continues to exist. She is the youngest of four siblings and the third daughter in her family.

1.2. Education and personal traits

Matsubara attended Nagoya Municipal Sakuradai High School before transferring to Kikuka High School (now Suginami Gakuin High School), which accommodated her burgeoning acting career. She subsequently graduated from Meiji University with a degree in English and American Literature from its Part II program. Standing at 62 in ^{(157 cm)}, she has a blood type of O. Her notable skills include traditional Japanese dance, specifically the Fujima-ryu Kan'emon school, where she has received Natori certification, and horseback riding. Prior to her marriage, Matsubara was known for her adventurous spirit and love for speed, often recounting how she would always overtake cars that passed her on the highway.

1.3. Early career and Nikkatsu era

Matsubara's journey into acting began in 1960 when, as a high school student, she entered the "Miss 16 Contest" organized by Nikkatsu studio. Her prize, a tour of the film studio, led to her debut with a bit part in the 1961 film Yoru no chōsensha at the age of 16. This marked the beginning of a prolific period at Nikkatsu, where she appeared in over 100 films. During this time, she was often cast as the heroine in action and youth-oriented films, cultivating an image as an urban, lovely, and pure actress. She quickly gained immense popularity and became one of the studio's most iconic figures, recognized alongside Sayuri Yoshinaga and Masako Izumi as one of the "Nikkatsu Three Daughters." Her popularity was so significant that in 1967, her bromide sales surpassed those of other leading actresses, including Yoshinaga, Sumiko Fuji, Izumi, Wakako Sakai, and Yoko Naito. Her first solo starring role was in the 1969 film Koi no Tsumujikaze, after having previously appeared in numerous co-starring roles. Upon her decision to join Nikkatsu, her father reportedly built a house in Chofu, Tokyo, where she resided with a housekeeper. Her impactful tenure at Nikkatsu ended in 1971 when the studio decided to suspend general film production, leading her to shift her focus towards television dramas.

2.1. Film appearances

Chieko Matsubara has appeared in a vast number of films throughout her career. Her selected filmography includes:

Throughout her active years, Matsubara frequently appeared in promotional materials and magazine features, showcasing her distinctive screen presence and fashion. Her roles often emphasized youth and dynamic storylines, contributing to her enduring image.

2.2. Television drama appearances

Matsubara has had a significant career in television dramas, appearing in numerous series across various networks.

• NHK
  • Taiga drama
    • Kunitori Monogatari (1973) as Oichi
    • Genroku Taiheiki (1975) as Benko (Machiko)
    • Onna Taikōki (1981) as Ryūko Kyōgoku
    • Kasuga no Tsubone (1989) as Ohatsu
    • Hachidai Shōgun Yoshimune (1995) as Nobuko Takatsukasa
    • Toshiie and Matsu: Kaga Hyakumangoku Monogatari (2002) as An (Shōjuin)
    • Ryōmaden (2010) as Iyo Sakamoto
  • Ginga Television Novel
    • Shiawase no Tonari (1979)
    • Umibe no Kazoku (1980) as Michiyo Komori (lead role)
  • Saturday Drama
    • Kekkon Suru Tetsuzuki (1988)
    • Ai ga Kikoemasu (1993) as Haruko Mizuhara
  • Asadora (Morning Drama Series)
    • Aguri (1997) as Misa Kawamura
    • Suzuran (1999) as Kiyoko
    • Come Come Everybody (2022) as Old Kiyoko Akanishi
  • Yumemiru Budō (2003) as Sayo
  • BS Jidaigeki (BS Premium)
    • Ōoka Echizen (2013) as Tae Ōoka
    • Ōoka Echizen Special: Shirasu ni Saita Shinjitsu (January 3, 2017) as Tae Ōoka
    • Ōoka Echizen Special: Ōharan! Shukumei no Shirasu (December 29, 2023) as Tae Ōoka
    • Ōoka Echizen 7 (2024)
    • Ōoka Echizen 8 (scheduled for 2025)
  • Kokichi no Nyōbō Season 2 (2021) as Taga
  • Premium Drama (BS Premium)
    • Liquid: Oni no Sake Kiseki no Kura (2015) as Yoshie Sagaraki
    • Iyada Onna (2016) as Koto Ishida
    • Kakuregiku (2016) as Kiku Kamijima
    • Nippon Television
      • Yama no Kanata ni (1966) as Misako Inoue
      • Ame no Naka ni Kiete (1966) as Ayako Kawaji
      • Aitsu to Watashi (1967) as Keiko Nishida
      • Aru Hi Watashi wa (1967-1968) as Yuriko Shiroyama
      • Hajimemashite (1968)
      • Wakai Kawa no Nagare (1968) as Misako Kitaoka
      • Taifū to Zakuro (1969) as Eiko Sakuma
      • Ame no Hi no Wana (1970) as Chie Terai
      • Ōinaru Tabiji (1972)
      • Getsuyō Star Gekijō (Monday Star Theater)
        • Tanpopo (1973-1974, 1975, 1976, 1978)
        • Oshiroibana (1974) as Yūko
        • Taketonbo (1980-1981)
      • Kyuchōme, Naite Waratta Kōsaten Onna no Naka no Otoko Ippiki (1976) as Yūko
      • Momotarō Samurai Episode 112 "Akai Hana Chiru Jigoku Tabi" (1978) as Hamaji
      • Shingo Torimonochō Episode 60 "Ashita o Yumemite" (1979) as Hisa
      • Tegoro na Onna (1980) as Shinobu Kuramochi
      • Ten made Agare! (1982) as Kinuko Matsuzawa
      • Akashi Kanpei 35-sai (1983) as Chieko Namikawa
      • Hanasake Hanako (1983)
      • Harukaze Ichiban! (1986)
      • Kiseki no Hito (1998) as Yae Sōma
      • Kakeppuchi Hotel! (2018) as Kanako Sasakawa
      • Kayō Suspense Gekijō (Tuesday Suspense Theater)
        • Bengoshi Takabayashi Ayuko 32: Yamagata Shinkansen Tsubasa 106-gō no Jōkyaku (July 1, 2003) as Yasuko Noyama
        • TBS
          • Tōshiba Nichiyō Gekijō (Toshiba Sunday Theater)
            • Kekkon Zenya (1968, produced by Asahi Broadcasting Corporation)
            • Yuki no Honō (1969)
            • Kekkonshiki (1969, produced by RKB Mainichi Broadcasting)
            • Boku no Kazoku (1976) as Ryōko Morooka
            • Tōsetsu Tsuma no Jōken (1980)
          • Jikan Desu yo (1970-1973) as Fumi Matsuno
          • Mito Kōmon
            • Season 2, Episode 16 "Shikarareta Kōmon-sama - Yamagata -" (1971) as O-Shizu
            • Season 6, Episode 3 "Yomigaetta Otoko - Hitoyoshi -" (1975) as Nui
            • Season 7 (1976-1977) as O-Aki (Episodes 1 and 29)
            • Season 9, Episode 19 "Adauchi Sasarin Dō - Nakatsugawa -" (December 11, 1978) as Kiku Tsukamoto
          • Yoisho (1974)
          • Shiroi Chiheisen (1975) as Shinobu Nakakura
          • Ai no Gekijō (Theater of Love)
            • Ai no Danzetsu (1975)
            • Wakarete Ikiru Toki mo (1977) as Michi Shiozaki
          • Kyō dake wa (1977) as Moriko Hyōdō
          • Shiroi Arano (1977-1978) as Noriko Yūki
          • Bara Kaikyō (1978-1979) as Yōko Sakaguchi
          • Akai Arashi (1979-1980) as Shinobu's stepmother
          • Onnatachi no Chūshingura (1979) as Kiku
          • Nazeka Hatsukoi Minamikaze (1980)
          • Kokoro (May 1, 1980) as Mineko
          • Akai Shisen (1980) as Reiko Nonaka
          • Deai (1981) as Iku Fujieda
          • Himawari no Uta (1981-1982) as Ryōko Suzuki
          • Onna 7-nin Atsumareba (1982-1983) as Tomoe Kanokogi / Miho
          • Aa Rikon (1982-1983)
          • Watashi wa Makenai! Gan to Tatakau Shōjo (1983) as Hisako Sakuma
          • The Suspense
            • Akuma no Yō na Kanzen Hanzai: Hito wa Koko made Waruku Nareru ka?! (1983, produced by Daiei Television) as lead
            • Glass no Kizuna: Jinkō Jusei Satsujin Jiken (1983, produced by Daiei Television) as lead Haruko Ayaba
            • Tottori Sakyū Satsujin Jiken (1984, produced by Daiei Television)
          • Hashida Sugako Drama: Onna wa Isshōkenmei (1988)
          • Kindaichi Kōsuke no Kessaku Suiri Bara-ō (1989)
          • Tokubetsu Kikaku Drama Keibatsu (1990)
          • Sashisuseso!? (1997) as Manami
          • Again: Love Song o Mōichido (1999) as Yumiko Ishida
          • P.S. Genki Desu, Shunpei (1999) as Tomoko Ōtawara
          • Tengoku ni Ichiban Chikai Otoko (2000) as Kiyoko Haruhara
          • Kurutta Kajitsu (2002) as Yukie Kōno
          • Fūfu. (2004) as Masako Motoki
          • Yogoreta Shita (2005) as Noriko Eda
          • My Fair Boy (2007) as Yoshie Okazaki
          • Aru ga Mama no Kimi de Ite (2008) as Kayo Yamamoto
          • Apoyan: Hashiru Kokusai Kūkō (2013) as Suzuko Nosaka
          • SAKURA: Jiken o Kiku Onna (2014) as Tomi Ichimaru
          • Mittsu no Machi no Monogatari (2015) as Mariko Matsuda
          • Getsuyō Drama Special → Getsuyō Mystery Gekijō → Getsuyō Golden (Monday Drama Special / Mystery Theater / Golden)
            • Asami Mitsuhiko Series
              • Asami Mitsuhiko Series 5: Kinosaki Satsujin Jiken (October 30, 1995) as Kayoko Nakatomi
              • Asami Mitsuhiko Series 27: Saiō no Sōretsu (September 7, 2009) as Yoriko Komiyama
              • Asami Mitsuhiko Series 31: Hashihaka Gensō (September 3, 2012) as Misao Kōno
            • Isshiki Kyōtarō Jiken Note 7: Kyōto Hanazukushi Satsujin Jiken (July 6, 1998) as Kimie Kōno
            • Totsugawa Keibu Series 22: Kyōto Koi to Uragiri no Sagano (April 2, 2001) as Yoshiko
            • Kamijō Reiko no Jiken Suiri 6: Shi o Yobu Sado Jōwa (July 6, 2009) as Ayano Kurihara
            • Bishoku Camera-man Hoshii Yū no Jikenbo 2: Kyōto Genji Monogatari Hana no Michi no Satsujin (April 25, 2011) as Fujiko Hōjō
            • Fuji Television
              • Seishun (1967) as Yuri Sahara
              • Doyō Gekijō (Saturday Theater)
                • Kinran Donosu (1969)
              • Zenigata Heiji
                • Episode 335 "Oshino ga Kaettekita" (1972) as Oshino
                • Episode 580 "Onna no Mizukagami" (1977) as Oshino
                • Episode 645 "Oyako Zōshi" (1978) as Omitsu
              • Tokugawa Onna Emaki (1971) as Princess Senga
              • Suiyō Drama Series: Oyaji no Nyōbō (1973)
              • Shin Zatōichi Season 1, "Inochi Goma" (1977) as Oyuki
              • Dōshinbeya Goyōchō Edo no Senpū (Part 3) Episode 2 "Abazure Geisha" (1977)
              • Edo no Uzushio Episode 3 "Inochi no Izumi Itsudemo" (1978) as Otsuru
              • Natsuki Shizuko Suspense: Jiko no Ikisatsu (1986)
              • Otto ga Modoru Hi (1987)
              • Yonimo Kimyō na Monogatari "Chi mo Namida mo Nai" (1992)
              • Sono Toki, Heart wa Nusumareta (1992) as Masako Shiina
              • Hadaka no Taishō Hōrōki Episode 73 "Kiyoshi to Sakuranbo Musume" (1995) as Haruko Yoshiike
              • Tensai Yanagisawa Kyōju no Seikatsu (2002) as Masako Yanagisawa
              • Tōkyō Love Cinema (2003) as Chieko Matsubara (herself)
              • Kenkyaku Shōbai Special: Haha to Musume to (2005) as Yūsen Segawa
              • Kiyoko Ranman (2013) as Fuku Kudō
              • Eigyō Buchō Kira Natsuko (2016) as Shūko Oyama
              • Utsubokazura no Yume (2017) as Hisako Kashimada
              • Inseki Kazoku (2020) as Masako Kadokura
              • Kin'yō Prestige (Friday Prestige)
                • Kenji Kasumi Yūko (2011-2014) as Ayako Kasumi
                • TV Asahi
                  • National Golden Theater
                    • Itoshikikana (1966)
                    • Lemon no Namida (1968)
                    • Dotekabocha (1975-1976)
                    • Teki ka? Mikata ka? 3 tai 3 (1978)
                    • Ryūhyō no Uta (1979)
                  • Koi wa Iroiro Koibito-tachi Series: Nuigurumi no Koibito (1967)
                  • Irasshaimase (1967)
                  • Television Film: Kenka Tarō (1968)
                  • Television Star Theater: Fushigi na Goen de (1974)
                  • Doyō Wide Gekijō (Saturday Wide Theater)
                    • Edogawa Ranpo "Akuma no Monshō" yori Shikeidai no Bijo (1978) as Kyōko Munakata
                    • Jikō: Ichio-ku-en Gōdatsu! Oniokose no Tsuiseki (1979)
                    • Matsumoto Seichō no Chi no Hone (1980) as Kyōko Narasawa
                    • Akuryō no Sumu Ie: Kiken na Yūwaku (1980)
                    • Onryō! Azawarau Ningyō: Kiken na Mibōjin (1980) as lead Kumi Iseki
                    • Kiken na Yūkai: Anata nara Dōsuru!? (1982)
                    • Matsumoto Seichō no Jiko (1982) as Katsuko Yamanishi
                    • Kaseifu wa Mita! 3 Elite Katei no Arasagashi Kekkon Scandal no Himitsu (June 29, 1985) as Fusako Senba
                    • Amasan Tantei Meisuiri (1989)
                    • Jōryū Shakai Hanayome Scandal Satsujin Jiken (1990) as Shino Furukawa
                    • Manatsu no Joshikōsei Renzoku Satsujin (1990) as Haruyo Sakai
                    • Yukemuri Jutai Ryokō Renzoku Satsujin (1995) as Yasue Amagi
                    • Kyōto no Geisha Bengoshi Jikenbo (1998) as Eriko Fujinami
                    • Depart Shikakenin! Tennōji Tamami no Satsujin Suiri 5 (August 25, 2012) as Ryōko Saeki
                    • Tōkyō Eki Owasemono Azukarisho 6 (June 29, 2013) as Shizuyo Morisaki
                    • Onsen (Hi) Daisakusen 14 (August 16, 2014) as Kotono Oikawa
                  • Getsuyō Wide Gekijō: Tsuma no Himitsu (1983) as lead
                  • Tokusō Saizensen Episode 476 "Bojō: Jintai Kachō o Sogeki Saseta Onna!" (1986) as Tamami Kunitomo
                  • Abarenbō Shōgun IX Episode 32 "Haha Nareba koso Tsubaki no Hana wa Shitteita" (1999) as Ohama
                  • Hamidashi Keiji Jōnetsukei
                    • PART 2 Final Episode "Tōkyō - Naha - Tokashikijima: Ai to Shi no Fukushū Satsujin!" (March 25, 1998) as Kanako Ōtani
                    • PART 5 Episode 17 "Fuyu no Umi to 35-nenme no Koi: Satsui no Gizō Trick" (February 7, 2001) as Kyōko Yoshikawa
                  • Shin Kyōto Meikyū Annai (2003) as Kikue Funamura
                  • Ikon Ari: Meiji Jūsan-nen Saigo no Adauchi (2011) as Eiko Yamaoka
                  • Keiji 110 Kiro (2014) as Kazuyo Misumi
                  • Yasuragi no Toki: Michi (2019-2020) as Megumi Kokonoe
                  • Keiji 7-nin Season 8 Episode 5 (August 10, 2022) as Shizuko Noma
                  • TV Tokyo
                    • Ōedo Sōsamō
                      • Episode 14 "Hatsusugata! Hana no Kenkajō" (1971)
                      • Episode 59 "Tengu o Mita Musume" (1972) as Osaki
                      • Episode 69 "Ryūkyū no Onna" (1972)
                    • Drama Onna no Shuki: Tesaguri no Tabiji (1986)
                    • Bakufu Omimiyaku Hinoki Jūzaburō (1991) as Otomi
                    • Birthday: Kochira Tsubaki Sanfujinka (1999) as Tomoko Hanada
                    • Joyū Reiko: Honō no Yō ni (2013) as Kinuyo Watase
                    • Bokura Playboyz: Jukunen Tanteisha (2015) as Yuriko Fujimura
                    • Saunadō 2021 (2021) as Hiroko Nakata
                    • Saunadō 2024SP (2024)
                    • Onna to Ai to Mystery (Woman, Love, and Mystery)
                      • Inaka Keiji Ihara Taizō no Taishoku Sōsa Nisshi (2001-2002) as Chizuru Ihara
                      • Kizuna (2002) as Akiko Harashima
                    • Suiyō Mystery 9 (Wednesday Mystery 9)
                      • Sōgiya Matsuko no Jikenbo 2 (2013) as Wakako Kanzaki
                      • Michinoku Menkui Kisha Miyazawa Ken'ichirō 3 (2014) as Michiko Kakukawa
                    • Getsuyō Premier 8 (Monday Premier 8)
                      • Tōban Bengoshi Kajiwara Fujiko no Jiken File (2020-) as Kōko Ōnishi

2.3. Other media appearances

Beyond her extensive film and television work, Chieko Matsubara has engaged in various other media, showcasing her broad talent and reach.

She has performed on stage, notably in the play Hōrōki in 1974, playing the role of Yūki. In television anime, she voiced Eliza Dunn in Agatha Christie's Great Detectives Poirot and Marple in 2005. Matsubara has also been a guest on numerous variety shows, including Gokigen Getsuyō 7-ji Han (1986), Akashiya Mansion Monogatari (1999-2000), Onegai! Ranking GOLD 2-hour SP (June 18, 2011), Nagoya Hojikuri Variety Zakiroba Keiko (December 19, 2015), and Geinōjin Kakuzuke Check BASIC Haru no 3-jikan Special (March 19, 2019). Her voice has been heard on radio programs such as Bunka Koenkai (NHK Radio 2, December 19, 2010). Additionally, she has appeared in commercial advertisements for products like Meiji Nyugyo's "Paigen C" in 1967 and Suntory's "Boss Rainbow Mountain Blend" in 2012 (in the "Doctor" edition).

2.4. Discography

Chieko Matsubara also ventured into a music career, releasing several singles and a compilation album through Nippon Columbia.

• Singles (all released by Nippon Columbia)
  • "Naitemo Ii Kashira" (Words: Ikedako Ueda, Music: Sanpaku Totsuka) (1967, SAS-959)
    • c/w "Hitori de Aruku no ga Suki"
  • "Sabishii Ano Hito" (Words/Music: Yukiko Manrimura) (1967, SAS-998)
    • c/w "Hitori no Ame Furi"
  • "Kokoro Kara Aishita Hito" (Words: Yumi Akikawa, Music: Sanpaku Totsuka) (1968, SAS-1093)
    • c/w "Watashi ni Dake"
  • "Blue Lady" (Words: Yukiko Manrimura, Music: Seiichi Sakurada) (October 1968, SAS-1192)
    • c/w "Itai Yubiwa"
  • "Koi no Nemurihime" (Words: Osamu Yoshioka, Music: Jun Sakurai) (1969, SAS-1229)
    • c/w "Yūhi no Naka no Chieko"
• CD Album
  • Complete Single Collection (released September 24, 2014)

3.1. Marriage and family

At the age of 27, Chieko Matsubara married Junichiro Kuroki, a journalist who wrote for publications such as Josei Jishin. Their honeymoon involved an extended stay on the African continent. Despite her mother's strong opposition to the marriage, Matsubara chose Kuroki as her husband, a decision she affirmed publicly, stating he showed her a "wonderful world." Matsubara gave birth to their son at the age of 39, after becoming pregnant at 38. Their son is now a medical doctor. After 50 years of marriage, Junichiro Kuroki passed away suddenly on February 16, 2022. Matsubara openly discussed his passing during a guest appearance on the television program Tetsuko's Room on December 26, 2022.