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Keiko Matsuzaka

Keiko Matsuzaka is a prominent Japanese actress, singer, and television personality known for her versatile five-decade career in film and television.

1. Early life and background

Keiko Matsuzaka's early life was marked by a unique family heritage and a strong inclination towards the arts, which led her to begin her career as a child actress.

1.1. Birth and family

Keiko Matsuzaka was born on July 20, 1952, in Ōta, Tokyo, Japan. Her birth name is Keiko Takauchi. Her Korean name is Han Gyeong-ja (한경자Korean). Her father, Han Yeong-myeong (한영명Korean), was of Korean descent and had immigrated to Japan in 1938 in search of work. He later moved to Himeji, Hyōgo Prefecture, where he met Matsuzaka's mother, who was Japanese. Her mother had a challenging upbringing, having been sold into servitude at a young age, and initially lacked a family register. After World War II, her parents relocated to Fujisawa, Kanagawa Prefecture, where her father successfully launched several businesses.

Due to her mother's lack of a proper family register, a fabricated Korean family register was used under the surname Shimizu, leading to Matsuzaka's mother, despite being Japanese, being registered as Korean. Her father also used a Japanese name but retained his Korean nationality, meaning Keiko was also initially of Korean nationality. Through the assistance of acquaintances and negotiations with the Ministry of Justice, her mother's family register was restored in 1964. To secure Keiko's future, she was then registered as her mother's illegitimate child within her mother's restored Japanese family register, thus acquiring Japanese nationality. These details were publicly disclosed in her parents' 1993 book, Daughter, Keiko Matsuzaka's Last Will. Matsuzaka has a younger brother, seven years her junior, completing their four-person family.

1.2. Childhood and education

Matsuzaka's parents, hoping she would become a beautiful woman like Ingrid Bergman, encouraged her to pursue various artistic lessons from a young age. In 1959, she enrolled in Shibuya Ward Hatomori Elementary School. In 1960, during her second year of elementary school, she joined the Kurumi Art Academy, where she studied singing, piano, and children's dance. Following a family relocation, she transferred to Nakano Ward Mukodai Elementary School in 1961. She successfully auditioned for NHK's "Children's Music Contest" by singing "Karasu no Akachan" (Crow's Baby). In junior high school at Nakano Ward Third Junior High School, she was an active member of the drama club, alongside her classmate, the rakugo performer Kairakutei Black II.

In 1966, during her second year of junior high, Matsuzaka joined the Himawari Theatre Group. Her television debut came in 1967 in the children's comedy Ninja Hattori-kun + Ninja Monster Jippou on NET (now TV Asahi). In 1968, at the age of 15, she appeared in episode 31 of Ultra Seven, playing Kaori, a girl infected by the micro-monster Dally. She attended Nihon University Second High School, graduating from there. In 1969, during her second year of high school, she began weekly singing lessons at the Koga Masao Guitar Song Academy. The same year, she was scouted by Daiei. Her uncredited screen debut was in the film A Record of a High School Doctor, Continued: Pregnancy, where she played one of the high school girls.

2. Career

Keiko Matsuzaka's career spans a wide array of entertainment fields, evolving from a child actress into a leading figure in Japanese cinema and television, while also exploring music and other public activities.

2.1. Acting career

Matsuzaka's acting career has been marked by a diverse range of roles across film, television, and stage, showcasing her versatility and depth as a performer.

2.1.1. Early career and debut

After her uncredited screen debut, Matsuzaka officially joined Daiei Film in 1970. She became a regular cast member in the TBS television dramas Okusama wa 18 Sai and Nantatte 18 Sai!. In 1971, she landed her first leading film role in Night Clinic, stepping in for the originally scheduled actress Mari Atsumi. In December 1971, Daiei Film declared bankruptcy. On January 1, 1972, Matsuzaka transitioned to Shochiku. In 1973, she became an auditing student at Nihon University's College of Humanities and Sciences. That same year, she gained widespread recognition for her portrayal of Nohime, the wife of Oda Nobunaga, in the NHK Taiga drama Kunitori Monogatari. She continued to appear in the jidaigeki series Edo o Kiru from 1975 to 1981. In 1978, she broke away from her "pure" image with her intense performance in the film The Incident. The following year, her daring performance in The Three Undelivered Letters solidified her status as a top actress.

2.1.2. Major film roles

Matsuzaka has starred in numerous significant films throughout her career. She famously played the "Madonna" role in the Otoko wa Tsurai yo series, appearing in the 27th installment, Tora-san's Love in Osaka (1981), and again in the 46th installment, Tora-san's Matchmaker (1993). Her notable film credits include Legend of the Eight Samurai (1983), Shin Izakaya Yūrei (1996), and Dr. Akagi (1998), directed by Shōhei Imamura. She also appeared in Runin: Banished (2004) by Eiji Okuda, Colour Blossoms (2004), The Go Master (2006), and The Inugamis (2006). In the 1980s, Matsuzaka frequently collaborated with director Kinji Fukasaku, appearing in many of his films and television dramas.

In 2013, at the age of 60, Matsuzaka performed her first action scene, including wire action, in the film Garo: Soukoku no Maryu, a challenge she had long wished to undertake. More recently, she has appeared in films such as Legend of the Demon Cat (2017), The House Where the Mermaid Sleeps (2018), Boku ni Aitakatta (2019), Ano Niwa no Tobira o Aketatoki (2022), Don't Call It Mystery: The Movie (2023) as Mariko Koinuma, Till We Meet Again on the Lily Hill (2023) as Tsuru, and is scheduled to appear in Our Eternal Song (2025) as Ritsuko Mamiya.

2.1.3. Major television roles

Matsuzaka has an extensive television career, particularly in NHK's prestigious Taiga drama series. After her breakout role as Nohime in Kunitori Monogatari (1973), she continued to portray significant historical figures. In Genroku Taiheiki (1975), she played Aguri (Yōzen'in), the wife and later widow of Asano Naganori, central to the Forty-seven Ronin story. She appeared in Kusa Moeru (1979) in a dual role as Akane and Sayogiku. In 1985, she took on the lead role of Sada (Kawakami Sadayakko) in Haru no Hatō. She also portrayed Taira no Tokiko in Yoshitsune (2005) and Ikushima in Atsuhime (2008). In 2007, she played Riku, the wife of Ōishi Yoshio, in Chūshingura Yōzen'in no Inbō.

Her other notable Taiga drama appearances include Sugi no Kata in Mōri Motonari (1997), Mori Tomiko in Burning Flower (2015), and Saigō Masa in Segodon (2018). With nine appearances in Taiga dramas, she once held the record for the most appearances by an actress, tying with Mitsuko Kusabue, though Kusabue has since surpassed this record. Matsuzaka has also appeared in numerous other television series and specials, including jidaigeki (period dramas), contemporary dramas, and variety shows. These include Edo o Kiru (1973-1981), Akō Rōshi (1979), Sekigahara (1981), Proof of the Man (2004), Here Comes Asa! (2016), Manpuku (2018) as Imai Suzu, Ōoku the Final (2019) as Jōen-in, and Doctor-X: Surgeon Michiko Daimon (2019). More recently, she appeared as Chiyo in The Makanai: Cooking for the Maiko House (2023) and played a dual role as Taki Makino and the older Chizuru Makino in Ranman (2023). Following her role in Ranman, she became a board member of the Makino Memorial Foundation in December 2023. She is also slated to appear as Fuji in the Netflix series Asura in 2025.

2.1.4. Stage work

Keiko Matsuzaka made her stage debut in 1982, starring as Komako in Snow Country at the Nissay Theatre. She later collaborated with renowned director Yukio Ninagawa on Taki no Shiraito (1989), fulfilling her long-held desire to work with him. In 1990, she took on the lead role of Black Lizard in Kuro Tokage at the Shinbashi Enbujo, directed by Bandō Tamasaburō V, whom she admired and from whom she learned water arts for her previous role. Her first musical was Victor/Victoria in 1990. She has also appeared in significant theatrical productions such as Genji Monogatari (2000) and Nagasaki Burabura Bushi (2001).

2.2. Music career

Beyond her acting, Keiko Matsuzaka has maintained a notable music career, releasing several singles and albums.

2.2.1. Singles and albums

Matsuzaka released her first single, "Otozure," in 1976 under Polydor Records. She then moved to Nippon Columbia, where she released her most famous hit. Her debut album, First Album - Ima Kisetsu no Naka de -, was released in 1980. She also released a live album, EXPENSIVE I Ototo yo, in 1983, recorded at Shibuya Eggman with performances directed by Kōhei Tsuka and featuring actors like Morio Kazama and Mitsuru Hirata. Her cover albums include EXPENSIVE II Onna Kaetara (1985) and OPERA ~Uta ni Iki, Koi ni Iki~ (1990), which featured opera arias. She has also released several best-of compilation albums throughout her career.

2.2.2. Notable songs

Matsuzaka's most famous song is "Ai no Suichuka" (Love's Water Lily), released in 1979. It served as the theme song for the TBS drama Suichuka, in which she starred. Her performance of the song, particularly her appearance in a captivating bunny girl costume on the record jacket and during her appearances on the popular music program The Best Ten, generated significant buzz. Other notable songs include "Yoake no Tango" (1980), "Orie no Uta" (1981), and "Kamata Koshinkyoku" (1982), the theme song for the film of the same name. She has also released collaboration singles with artists such as Morio Kazama, Mitsuru Hirata, Etsuko Shihomi, Tetsuya Watari, Kenji Sawada, Keisuke Hama, and Four Saints.

2.3. Other professional activities

In addition to her primary work in acting and singing, Keiko Matsuzaka has engaged in various other professional endeavors, including commercial endorsements, authorship, and public service. She has represented numerous products and companies in television commercials, including Nippon Menard Cosmetic Co., Nissin Foods, Yutoku Pharmaceutical Industries, Nissan Sunny, Rohto Pharmaceutical Co., Kleenex, Ōtsuka Foods (notably taking over as the face of Bon Curry Classic in 2005 after 37 years), SoftBank Mobile, UQ Communications, and Pocari Sweat.

She has authored several books, including her first book Prelude (1979), the photo book Keiko Matsuzaka Photobook (1984), Actress and I (1992), Sakura Densetsu - Keiko Matsuzaka Photobook (2002) with original concept and supervision by Rei Nakanishi, and Shall We Hula? Hula Introduction with Keiko Matsuzaka (2009).

Matsuzaka has also served as a judge for various events, including the "Oronamin C 100 Million People's Heart-Capturing Man New Talent Discovery Audition" organized by Ishihara Promotion and the Yubari International Fantastic Film Festival (2004). She was selected as a goodwill ambassador for the French Government Tourist Office in 1991. In 2023, she became a board member of the Makino Memorial Foundation.

3. Filmography

Keiko Matsuzaka has an extensive filmography across various visual media, showcasing her versatility as an actress.

3.1. Films

  • Green Light to Joy (1967)
  • A Record of a High School Doctor, Continued: Pregnancy (1969) (uncredited)
  • Kōkōsei Banchō: Shin'ya Hōsō (1970)
  • Kōkōsei Banchō: Zube Kōsei Tōha (1970)
  • Suppon Onna Banchō (1971)
  • Rikugun Rakugohei (1971)
  • Ju hyo ereji (1971)
  • Play (1971)
  • Night Clinic (1971)
  • Tsujigahana (1972)
  • Kuro no Honryu, also known as Ordinary Darkness (1972)
  • Ai yori Aoku (1973)
  • Miyamoto Musashi, also known as Sword of Fury (1973)
  • Koi wa Hōkago (1973)
  • Stray Dog (1973)
  • Dai Jiken Dayo Zenin Shugo!! (1973)
  • Mutsugoro no Kekkonki (1974)
  • Nagare no Fu: Dai-ichi-bu Dōran, Dai-ni-bu Yoake (1974)
  • Ōkami yo Rakujitsu o Kire: Fūun-hen, Gekijō-hen, Dotō-hen (1974)
  • The Last Samurai (1974)
  • Minato no Yoko Yokohama Yokosuka (1975)
  • Yūjō (1975)
  • Utareru Mae ni Ute! (1976)
  • Ninjutsu Sarutobi Sasuke (1976)
  • Koibito Misaki (1977)
  • Botchan (1977)
  • Double Clutch (1978)
  • The Incident (1978)
  • Bandits vs. Samurai Squadron (1978)
  • Nichiren (1979)
  • The Three Undelivered Letters (1979)
  • Gobanchō Yūgirirō (1980)
  • Bad Sorts (1980)
  • May Love Be Restored (1980)
  • The Gate of Youth (1981)
  • Tora-san's Love in Osaka (1981)
  • Dotonborigawa (1982)
  • The Go Masters (1982)
  • Lovers Lost (1982)
  • Fall Guy (1982)
  • Theatre of Life (1983)
  • Meiso Chizu (1983)
  • Legend of the Eight Samurai (1983)
  • Make-up (1984)
  • Shanghai Rhapsody (1984)
  • Nezumi Kozo Kaito Den (1984)
  • House on Fire (1987)
  • Beyond the Shining Sea (1986)
  • Hissatsu! III Ura ka Omote ka (1986)
  • Final Take: The Golden Age of Movies (1986)
  • Carefree Goddesses (1987)
  • The Great Department Store Robbery (1987)
  • Lady Camellia, also known as Princess Tsubuki (1988)
  • Hana no ran, also known as A Chaos of Flowers (1988)
  • Water Moon (1989)
  • The Sting of Death (1990)
  • Goodbye Mama (1991)
  • Otoko wa Tsurai yo: Tora-san's Matchmaker (1993)
  • A Mature Woman (1994)
  • Shin Izakaya Yūrei (1996)
  • Niji o Tsukamu Otoko: Nankoku Funtō-hen (1997) as Matsue Fumoto
  • Ping Pong Bath Station (1998)
  • Dr. Akagi (1998)
  • Pinch Runner (2000)
  • Sakuya: Slayer of Demons (2000)
  • Honjitsu Mata Mata Kyūshin Nari (2000)
  • The Happiness of the Katakuris (2001) as Terue Katakuri
  • The Ripples (2002)
  • Shoro Nagashi (2003)
  • Runin: Banished (2004)
  • Colour Blossoms (2004)
  • Umoregi (2005)
  • Miracle in Four Days (2005)
  • Waru (2006)
  • The Go Master (2006)
  • Futō Fukutsu (2006)
  • The Inugamis (2006)
  • Kantoku · Banzai! (2007)
  • Mirai Yosozu: Aishiteru no Sign (2007) as Yoko Miyamoto
  • Grave of the Fireflies (2008)
  • Osaka Hamlet (2009)
  • Instant Numa (2009) as Midori Jincho
  • Honokaa Boy (2009) as Ederi
  • Ougon Hana: Hisureba Hana, Shisureba Chō (2009)
  • Tsuri Baka Nisshi 20 Final (2009)
  • Bushido no Kakeibo (2010) as Tsune Inoyama
  • Wakiyaku Monogatari (2010) as Toshiko Kuroiwa
  • Aoi Aoi Sora (2011) as Yatsushiro's mother
  • Bokutachi Kyūkō: A Ressha de Ikō (2012) as Minori Hokuto
  • Tsuna Hiichatta! (2012) as Yoko Nishikawa
  • Garo: Soukoku no Maryu (2013) as Judam
  • Vietnam no Kaze ni Fukarete (2015) as Misao Sasō
  • Legend of the Demon Cat (2017) as Hakurei
  • The House Where the Mermaid Sleeps (2018) as Chizuko
  • Boku ni Aitakatta (2019) as Nobuko Ikeda
  • Ano Niwa no Tobira o Aketatoki (2022)
  • Don't Call It Mystery: The Movie (2023) as Mariko Koinuma
  • Till We Meet Again on the Lily Hill (2023) as Tsuru
  • Our Eternal Song (2025) as Ritsuko Mamiya

3.2. Television

  • Ninja Hattori-kun + Ninja Monster Jippou (NET, 1967) as Takane Fujino
  • Ultra Seven (TBS, 1968) as Kaori (Episode 31)
  • Osana Tsuma (Tokyo 12 Channel, 1970-1971)
  • Onna wa Tsurai yo (TBS, 1971)
  • Okusama wa 18 Sai (TBS, 1971) as Sub-regular from Episode 41
  • Nantatte 18 Sai! (TBS, 1971-1972) as Regular from Episode 2
  • Soreyuke Kekkon (Kansai TV, 1971-1972)
  • Haru no Arashi (TBS, 1971-1972)
  • Hana no Tabiji (Fuji TV, 1972)
  • Seishun o Tsuppashire (Fuji TV, 1972)
  • Ginga TV Shōsetsu: Wakai Hito (NHK General, 1972)
  • Kinoshita Keisuke Ningen no Uta Series (TBS)
    • Shiroi Natsu (1972) as Minori
    • Fuyu no Kaigara (1973-1974) as Chie Nomura
    • Aso no Onna (1974) as lead role
  • Teppei to Junko (Nippon TV, 1972-1974)
  • Kunitori Monogatari (NHK General, 1973) as Nōhime
  • Fūfu Gakkō 2 (Nippon TV, 1973) as lead role
  • Grand Gekijō: Onna no Ashioto (Nippon TV, 1973)
  • Kawabata Yasunari Meisaku Series: Haha no Hatsukoi (Kansai TV, 1973)
  • Ai no Hajimaru Toki (Fuji TV, 1973)
  • Kinoshita Keisuke Hour: Omoibashi (TBS, 1973)
  • Brother Gekijō: Keiji-kun Part 2 (TBS, 1973-1974)
  • Edo o Kiru: Azusa Ukon Onmitsu Chō (TBS, 1973-1974) as Nami Yagyu / Otama no Kata (dual role)
  • Hitozuma Dakara (Nippon TV, 1973-1974)
  • Shiroi Kassōro (TBS, 1974) as Kaoru Orii
  • Zatōichi Monogatari (Fuji TV, 1975) as Oito (Episode 15)
  • Haru Hiraku (Fuji TV, 1974-1975)
  • Genroku Taiheiki (NHK General, 1975) as Yōzen'in
  • Mito Kōmon (TBS)
    • Season 6 (1975) as Azusa Yagisawa (Oaki) (Episode 13)
    • Season 7 (1976) as Yūhime (Episode 20)
    • Season 8 (1978) as Ume Wakita (Episode 25)
    • Season 9 (1979) as Okō (Episode 22)
    • Season 10 (1979) as Ochō (Episode 3)
    • Season 13 (1983) as Okyō (Episode 12)
    • Season 14 (1983) as Osono (Episode 2)
  • Shiroi Hamon (TBS, 1977) as Tomoko Hojo
  • Edo o Kiru II-VI (TBS, 1975-1981) as Oyuki
  • Kekkon Zenya Series: Haha no Okurimono (TBS, 1976)
  • Watashi mo Moeteiru (Yomiuri TV, 1976) as lead role
  • Ware wa Umi no Ko (TBS, 1976) as Kaori Hirai
  • Igokochi Manten (TBS, 1976) as Itsuko Aoi
  • Tōshiba Nichiyō Gekijō (TBS)
    • Shiroi Namida (1976) as lead role
    • Kogarashi no Jiga Zō (1978) as lead role
    • Kyūka wa Owatta (1987) as lead role
    • Kondo no Nichiyōbi (1989) as lead role
    • Kuwata-san to Mari (1990) as lead role
    • Kami o Nikunde Hito o Nikumazu (1991) as lead role
    • Ai no Soba (1992) as lead role
    • Taiyō no Kisetsu (2002) as Kyoko Izumi
  • Danryū (Nippon TV, 1976-1977) as lead role
  • Doyō Drama / Suspense Series: Hikinige (NHK General, 1977) as Itsuko Makimura
  • Tenpoku Gen'ya (MBS, 1977) as Akiko Sudahara
  • Ima wa Barairo ga Suki (Yomiuri TV, 1977-1978) as Asako Fujimori
  • Seishun no Mon Part 2: Jiritsu-hen (MBS, 1977-1978) as Kaoru
  • Kōfuku no Danshō (MBS, 1978)
  • Doyō Wide Gekijō (TV Asahi)
    • Jiga no Kozō: Ai to Shi (1978) as lead role
    • Sakurako wa Warau: Last Emperor ni Shikakerareta Ayashii Onna no Wana (1988) as lead role
  • Dai Kūkō (Fuji TV, 1978) as Ayako Mimori
  • Koibito-tachi no Kakine (Yomiuri TV, 1978-1979) as lead role, Chizu Takemura
  • Akō Rōshi (TV Asahi, 1979) as Yōzen'in
  • Shippū Dōshin (Tokyo 12 Channel, 1979) as Ofuyu (Episode 16)
  • Kusa Moeru (NHK General, 1979) as Akane / Sayogiku (dual role)
  • Suichuka (TBS, 1979) as lead role, Rie Morishita (Eri)
  • Yoake no Tango (TBS, 1980) as lead role
  • Mokuyō Golden Drama (Yomiuri TV)
    • Yukiguni: Junpaku no Yuki to Yukemuri ni Moeru Koi! (1980) as Komako
    • Tsuma no Magokoro (1980) as lead role
    • Hanamichi wa Honō no Gotoku (1985)
  • Shinshun Tokubetsu Kikaku Drama: Sekigahara (TBS, 1981) as Hatsume
  • Yami o Kire (Kansai TV, 1981) as Shino
  • Kage no Gundan II (Kansai TV, 1981) as Okiri (Episode 1)
  • O Inochi Chōdai! (TV Tokyo, 1981)
  • Yoru no Hanabi (MBS, 1981) as lead role, Ryoko Narumi
  • Haru no Kessaku Suiri Gekijō (TV Asahi, 1982)
    • Kuroi Yakata no Onna (1982) as lead role
    • Shitto (1982) as lead role
  • Ōoka Echizen (TBS)
    • Season 6 (1982) as Osei (Episode 6)
    • Season 7 (1983) as Ohaha (Episode 4)
  • Kirisute Gomen! (TV Tokyo, 1982) as Oriha (Season 3, Episode 3)
  • Yūbae Tenshi (Fuji TV, 1982) as lead role
  • Onna Sōzoku-nin: Okumanchōja no Kono Hito ga Hontō ni Watashi no Chichioya na no ka (Nippon TV, 1982) as lead role
  • Tsuka-ban Chūshingura (TV Tokyo, 1982) as lead role
  • The Suspense: Issenmannin no Naka no Kodoku (TBS/MBS, 1983) as lead role, Kumiko Ōmachi
  • Nagareboshi Sakichi (Kansai TV, 1984)
  • Futaribocchi (Fuji TV, 1984) as lead role
  • Haru no Hatō (NHK General, 1985) as Sada Yacco
  • Suiyō Drama Special: Tsubaki Tantei Funtō Series: Tennyo no Namida (TBS, 1986) as lead role
  • Shinshun Tokubetsu Kikaku Drama: Taikōki (TBS, 1987) as lead role
  • Saison Special: Circus Mura Uradōri (TBS, 1987) as lead role
  • 24 Hour Television Special Drama: Nagaraeshi Toki (Nippon TV, 1987) as lead role
  • Mado o Akemasu ka? (Fuji TV, 1988) as lead role, Akiko Kishimori
  • Dai Chūshingura (TV Tokyo, 1989) as Yōzen'in
  • Suiyō Grand Roman: Hana to Kazoku (Nippon TV, 1989) as lead role
  • Kayō Super Wide: Nagasaki Ijin-kan no Onna (TV Asahi, 1989) as lead role
  • Hiraiwa Yumie Drama Special: Saigetsu (Fuji TV, 1989)
  • Drama Shiteiseki: Mirai no Umi: Lily Odoriko Nikki (NHK General, 1991) as lead role
  • Kazoku no Shokutaku '93 (Fuji TV, 1993) as lead role
  • Kin'yō Entertainment (Fuji TV)
    • Kessaku Mystery Senshū I: Agatha Christie no "Manekarezaru Kyaku" (1993) as lead role
    • Kyōsaika Tantei no Jikenchō: Koroshi no Recipe (2000) as Maiko Asakura
  • Matsumoto Seichō Isshūki Tokubetsu Kikaku / Aru "Kokura Nikki" Den (TBS, 1993) as lead role, Fuji Murakami
  • Suspense Ma: Watashi ni Hanashikakete... (Kansai TV, 1993) as lead role
  • Getsuyō Drama Special: Sakura Saku! Okaasan wa Joshidaisei (TBS, 1993) as lead role
  • Mokuyō Drama: Ma no Kisetsu (TBS, 1995) as lead role
  • BS Nichiyō Drama (NHK BS)
    • Onna ni mo Shichinin no Teki (1996) as lead role
    • Skip (1996) as lead role
  • NHK Shōgatsu Jidaigeki (NHK General)
    • Kaga Hyakumangoku: Haha to Ko no Sengoku Survival (1999) as Omatsu / Hōshunin
    • Onmitsu Hippō (2011) as Sawanoi
  • Suiyō Drama no Hanataba: Okoru Otoko Warau Onna (NHK General, 1999)
  • Drama D Mode: Game no Tatsujin (NHK General, 2000)
  • Doyō Tokushū: Drama Kaigo Business (NHK General, 2001) as lead role
  • Prince Shotoku (NHK General, 2001) as Nukatabe no Himemiko (Empress Suiko)
  • Tsumagoi (NHK General, 2001) as lead role, Tōko
  • Getsuyō Drama Series (NHK General)
    • Natsu no Hi no Koi: Summer Time (2002) as Natsuko Uehara
    • Mābōdōfu no Nyōbō (2003) as lead role, Yōko Son
  • Onna to Ai to Mystery (BS TV Tokyo)
    • Part-time Tantei (1) (2002) as lead role, Noriko Yamada
    • Keiko Matsuzaka Special: Part-time Tantei (2) (2004) as lead role, Noriko Yamada
  • Rikon Ryokō (TBS, 2003) as Natsuyo Hatano
  • Pride (Fuji TV, 2004) as Chieko Imaizumi (special guest)
  • Ranpo R (Yomiuri TV, 2004) as Mrs. Midorikawa (Episode 4)
  • Ningen no Shōmei (Fuji TV, 2004) as Kyoko Kōri
  • Mother & Lover (Kansai TV, 2004) as Maria Okazaki
  • Otōto (TV Asahi, 2004) as Makiko Ishihara
  • Nihon no Rekishi (Fuji TV, 2005) as voice actress
  • Aki no Ren'ai Hisshō Drama Special: Koakuma na Onna ni Naru Hōhō (Kansai TV, 2005) as Reiko
  • Yoshitsune (NHK General, 2005) as Taira no Tokiko
  • Mokuyō Drama (TV Asahi)
    • Jukunen Rikon (2005) as Yoko Toyohara (Watanabe)
    • Erai Tokoro ni Yomeide Shimatta! (2007) as Shimako Yamamoto
  • Premium Stage: Kitchen Wars (Fuji TV, 2006) as Sakura Sugino
  • DRAMA COMPLEX: Haha Taru Koto wa Jigoku no Gotoku: Nisen-nin no Koji no Haha Sawada Miki Monogatari (Nippon TV, 2006) as lead role, Miki Sawada
  • Chūshingura Yōzen'in no Inbō (TV Tokyo, 2007) as Riku (Kōrin'in)
  • Maguro (TV Asahi, 2007) as Misao Sakazaki
  • Kayō Drama Gold: Dai Joyū Satsujin Jiken (Nippon TV, 2007) as Koharu
  • Atsuhime (NHK General, 2008) as Ikushima
  • Kin'yō Drama: Konkatsu Rikatsu (NHK General, 2009) as Sachiko Machida
  • Hashida Sugako Drama Special: Kekkon (TV Asahi, 2009) as Hideko Kano
  • Doyō Jidaigeki: Sakuya Kono Hana (NHK General, 2010) as Hana Sasō
  • Shukumei 1969-2010: Once Upon a Time in Tokyo (TV Asahi, 2010) as Itsuko Shirai
  • Renzoku Terebi Shōsetsu (NHK General)
    • GeGeGe no Nyōbō (2010) as Michiko Tanaka
    • Here Comes Asa! (2015-2016) as Ayako Okuma
    • Manpuku (2018-2019) as Suzu Imai
    • Ranman (2023) as Taki Makino / Chizuru Makino (dual role)
  • Natsu no Koi wa Nijiiro ni Kagayaku (Fuji TV, 2010) as Machiko Kusunoki
  • Madonna Verde (NHK General, 2011) as Midori Yamasaki
  • Drama Tokubetsu Kikaku: Izakaya Moheji (TBS, 2011) as Yoko Saeki
    • Izakaya Moheji: Arigatō Tōchan (TBS, 2017) as Yoko Saeki
  • Doyō Drama Special: Quilt no Ie (NHK General, 2012) as Kazue Sakurai
  • Naniwa Shōnen Tanteidan (TBS, 2012) as Taeko Takeuchi
  • Biblia Koshodō no Jiken Techō (Fuji TV, 2013) as Eri Gōra
  • Kyokuhoku Rhapsody (NHK General, 2013) as Mariko Imanaka
  • Kamo, Kyoto e Iku. - Shinise Ryokan no Okami Nikki - (Fuji TV, 2013) as Haruko Tōno
  • Chicken Race (WOWOW, 2013) as Mari Shimizu
  • Hasegawa Machiko Monogatari: Sazae-san ga Umareta Hi (Fuji TV, 2013) as Sadako Hasegawa
  • Garo: Makai no Hana (TV Tokyo, 2014) as Anna (Episode 10)
  • Bonkura (NHK General, 2014) as Otoku
  • Tokushū Drama: Knife no Yukue (NHK General, 2014) as Orie Nagahara
  • Bonkura 2 (NHK General, 2015) as Otoku
  • Hana Moyu (NHK General, 2015) as Tomiko Mōri
  • Sumika Sumire: 45-sai Wakagaetta Onna (TV Asahi, 2016) as Sumi Kisaragi
  • Tokushū Drama: Koi no Sanriku Ressha Kon de Ikō! (NHK General, 2016) as Haruko Iwabuchi
  • Garo: Makai Retsuden (TV Tokyo, 2016) as Anna (Episode 3)
  • Hayako-sensei, Kekkon Surutte Hontō Desu ka? (Fuji TV, 2016) as Naoko Tatiki
  • Mito Kōmon (BS-TBS, 2017)
  • Saigo no Dōsōkai (TV Asahi, 2017)
  • Doctors: Saikyō no Meii Shinshun Special (TV Asahi, 2018) as Himiko Moriyama
  • Segodon (NHK General, 2018) as Masa Saigō
  • Ōoku Saishūshō (Fuji TV, 2019) as Jōen-in
  • Doctor-X: Surgeon Michiko Daimon Season 6 (TV Asahi, 2019) as Kazuko Iwata (Episodes 1, 10)
  • Ashita no Kazoku (TBS, 2020) as Machiko Onodera
  • Omoide Poroporo (NHK BS Premium, 2021) as lead role, Taeko Sugimoto
  • Doctors: Saikyō no Meii 2021 Shinshun Special (TV Asahi, 2021)
  • Shi to no Yakusoku (Fuji TV, 2021) as Mrs. Hondō
  • Rasen no Meikyu: DNA Kagaku Sōsa (TV Tokyo, 2021) as Yukari Baba
  • Kondo Umaretara (NHK BS Premium, 2022) as lead role, Natsue Sagawa
  • Hitotsubashi Kiriko no Hanzai Nikki (NHK General, 2022) as lead role, Kiriko Hitotsubashi
  • Doctors: Saikyō no Meii Final (TV Asahi, 2023) as Himiko Moriyama
  • The Makanai: Cooking for the Maiko House (Netflix, 2023) as Chiyo
  • Ranman (NHK General, 2023) as Taki Makino / Chizuru Makino
  • Hōtei no Dragon (TV Tokyo, 2025) as Kinuko Kōsaka (Episode 1)
  • Shōjiki Fudōsan Minerva Special (NHK BS, 2025) as Kazuko Hiyama
  • Asura (Netflix, 2025) as Fuji Takezawa

3.3. Other visual media

  • Tensai Eri-chan Kingyo o Tabeta (Theatrical Anime, 1997) as Mother
  • Heiwa e no Ukei: Matsuo Keiu to Sono Haha (Original Anime) as Matsue Matsuo (Mother)
  • Enchanted (Japanese dub, 2008) as Narrator (voice of Julie Andrews)

4. Discography

Keiko Matsuzaka's discography includes a variety of singles, albums, and contributions to soundtracks.

4.1. Singles

No.Release DateTitleB-sideLabel
Polydor Records
1st1976OtozureKanashimi no Fūkei
Nippon Columbia
2ndJuly 1, 1979Ai no SuichukaAme no Hodō de
3rdJune 10, 1980Yoake no TangoKoi no Memory
4thApril 1, 1981Orie no UtaShimabara Chihō no Komoriuta
Nippon Columbia / DENON
5thNovember 1, 1983Umi to HōsekiKiri ni Hashiru
Nippon Columbia
6thApril 1, 1984RanmanSabishii Denwa
7thNovember 21, 1985Radio no Tsuita Night TableAi no Makugire
8thJanuary 21, 1987Akai Kutsu Haiteta Midara na MusumeAnata to Atai no Blues
Sony Records
9thMarch 1, 1991Jūkyū no HaruAi no Suichuka '91
Pony Canyon
10thJanuary 21, 1993O Yome ni Nanka IkanaideKankan Tonton



Collaboration Singles

Artist(s)Release DateTitleB-sideLabel
Keiko Matsuzaka, Morio Kazama, Mitsuru HirataOctober 21, 1982Kamata KōshinkyokuKamata Kumikyoku ~Stars on KAMATANippon Columbia
Keiko Matsuzaka & Etsuko ShihomiSeptember 21, 1984Gekkōka SenkinSweet Jennie Lee
Tetsuya Watari & Keiko MatsuzakaSeptember 15, 1988Last Scene wa MitakunaiHarukigawaTaurus
Kenji Sawada & KeikoOctober 21, 2001Magokoro YoridokoroShiawase ni MukatteTokuma Japan Communications
Keiko Matsuzaka & Keisuke HamaJuly 22, 2015Aishū no SapporoAi no HōsokuKing Records
Keiko Matsuzaka with Four SaintsOctober 14, 2015Tama ni wa Nakama deKodomora yoUniversal Music Japan

4.2. Albums

4.2.1. Original Albums

No.Release DateTitleTracks
Nippon Columbia
1st1980First Album - Ima Kisetsu no Naka de -
2ndFebruary 1, 1984Hitomi o Tojite

4.2.2. Live Albums

No.Release DateTitleTracks
Nippon Columbia
1stJanuary 1, 1983EXPENSIVE I Ototo yo

  • Recorded live at Shibuya "Eggman" on November 3, 1982
  • Direction and Composition: Kōhei Tsuka
  • Guests: Morio Kazama, Mitsuru Hirata, Kenji Ishimaru, Ryūkō Hagiwara

; SIDE A

4.2.3. Cover Albums

No.Release DateTitleTracks
Nippon Columbia
1stDecember 1, 1985EXPENSIVE II Onna Kaetara

  • Direction and Composition: Kōhei Tsuka

; SIDE A

CBS Sony
2ndNovember 21, 1990OPERA ~Uta ni Iki, Koi ni Iki~

  • Executive Producer: Shigeaki Saegusa
  • Music Director: Toshimitsu Kimura
  • Lyrics: Keiko Aso

# Kanpai no Uta (Verdi: from La traviata)

4.2.4. Best Albums

No.Release DateTitleTracks
Columbia Music Entertainment
1stJanuary 1, 2003Columbia Otoku-ban Series: Keiko Matsuzaka
2ndAugust 22, 2007Essential Best Keiko Matsuzaka
3rdNovember 24, 2009Keiko Matsuzaka Best Selection
4thFebruary 18, 2009Golden☆Best Keiko Matsuzaka Yasashisa no Kisetsu

4.3. Soundtracks

Release DateTitleTracks
Nippon Columbia
October 1984Shanghai Bansking Original SoundtrackSIDE1

5. Other Media Appearances

Beyond her roles in films, television dramas, and musical releases, Keiko Matsuzaka has made extensive appearances in various other media, including commercials, radio, and other television programs, and has participated in numerous live performances and public engagements.

5.1. Commercials

Matsuzaka has been a prominent figure in Japanese television commercials, endorsing a wide range of products and companies:

  • Wakasaimo Honpo (1970s, Hokkaido local CM)
  • Sankyo's Luru (1973)
  • Kyushu Sogo Bank Bonus Campaign Girl (1973)
  • Mercian Corporation (1974)
  • Ajinomoto's Pal Sweet (1985)
  • Otsuka Foods
    • Bon Curry Gold (1993)
    • Bon Deluxe Curry (1993) (co-starred with Junichi Yamamoto)
    • "40th Anniversary Bon Curry" (2007)
  • Tiger Corporation Industry
  • Nissan
    • Sunny (B310 late model, B11 model, 1980-1985)
    • Juke (YF15 late model, 2017) (co-starred with Zooey Deschanel, Adam Driver, Mibari Maeda, Anne Hathaway, Julianne Moore)
  • Rohto Pharmaceutical Co.'s Shin V Rohto
  • Nippon Paper Crecia's Kleenex
  • Kirin Beer's Kirin Lager Beer "Ra-tō no Hitobito." (January 1990) (CM was pulled after one day due to Katsu Shintarō's arrest)
  • Hakugen's Mrs. Lloyd (1990) (tie-up CM with the film Goodbye Mama)
  • Nippon Menard Cosmetic Co. (1972-)
    • Illuneige (2002, 2014-2016)
    • Fairlucent (2005-2011)
  • Hitachi, Ltd. (1996)
  • Nissin Foods
    • Nissin no Ramen-san (-2003)
    • "Ai Sarete San Sedai" (Loved for Three Generations) series (2019)
  • Tokyo Denwa (2000-2003) (co-starred with Yūsuke Santamaria)
  • Bridgestone Cycle's Grace
  • Yutoku Pharmaceutical Industries's Pastime (2005-2011)
  • ANA "OKINAWA Ano Hito mo Itteiru" (2006) (co-starred with Mokomichi Hayami, Hidehiko Ishizuka)
  • American Family Life Insurance Company's "Ahiru Hoken Sōdan" (Duck Insurance Consultation) (2008)
  • SoftBank Mobile
    • "White Kazoku 24" "Diet" (2008) as the snack bar mama visited by Kai-kun
    • "Bar no Mama," "Musume?," "Kantei Kekka" (2014)
  • Ladies ArtNature (2009-2015)
  • Suntory Foods International's BOSS "Otona no Ryūgi" (Adult Style) (2010) (co-starred with Go Kato, Cha Kato, Kin'ya Kitaōji)
  • Sanyo Bussan's CR Otoko wa Tsurai yo: Torajirō Ninjō-hen (2011)
  • Lawson's Genkotsu Menchi (2016) (co-starred with Kumiko Aso)
  • Kao's Attack Ultra Attack Neo (2017) (co-starred with Koji Seto, Hana Kino)
  • Amano Corporation's "Obā-chan to Amano-hen" (Grandma and Amano) (2019)
  • Persol Career's doda "Haha to Watashi to, Duda-ko-hen" (Mother, Me, and Duda-ko), web drama "Igai Datta Haha" (Unexpected Mother), "Musume to no Jikan" (Time with Daughter) (2019)
  • UQ Communications's UQ Mobile "Senior Sanshimai" (Senior Three Sisters) (2020-) (co-starred with Mao Daichi, Misako Tanaka)
  • Otsuka Pharmaceutical's Pocari Sweat (2023-) (co-starred with Yō Yoshida, Rio Suzuki)

5.2. Radio appearances

  • Menard Oshare Jōhō ~ Kyō wa Keiko Matsuzaka desu ~ (Bunka Hōsō, 1970s)
  • Suteki na Gogo 6-ji (FM Tokyo, 1980)
  • NISSAN Midnight Station: Sukoshi Shiawase (TBS Radio, 1980-1982)
  • Miyuki Nakajima's All Night Nippon (Nippon Hōsō, 1979, 1982, 1983)
  • Yoshida Takuro "Young Town TOKYO" (TBS Radio, 1980)
  • Radio Drama "Hirusagari no Akuma" (TBS Radio, 1985) (theme song: "Radio no Tsuita Night Table")
  • NHK Radio Yūkan (NHK Radio 1, 2000)
  • Tokushū Audio Drama "Akai Tsuki" (NHK-FM, 2002) (lead role, sang theme song "Akai Tsuki")
  • Radio Shin'ya Bin (NHK Radio 1, FM, 2011, 2015) (interview segments: "Actress Talks About My Life," "My Reckless Era," "My Edith ~ Keiko Matsuzaka Talks About Edith Piaf's Story ~")
  • Okada Yoshikazu Konyoi, Rock Bar de ~ Drama na Hitobito no Ongaku Danwa ~ (NHK-FM, 2013)
  • Ueda Yoshio no Vietnam Genki! (MBS Radio, 2014)
  • Arigato Hamamura Jun desu (MBS Radio, 2015) (promoted film Vietnam no Kaze ni Fukarete with director Kazuki Ōmori)
  • Waga Jinsei ni Kanpai! (NHK Radio 1, 2015)
  • Ōsawa Yūri no Yūyū Wide Doyōbi-ban (TBS Radio, 2017) (guest on "Gogo no Shōtaiseki")
  • Sunday Live Goe de Show: Yoshino no Sakura Kara Arigatō (MBS Radio, 2019) (guest)
  • [https://kzoohawaii.com/hawaii-news/post-3923/ KZOO OHANA INTERVIEW "Aisuru Hawaii!"] (KZOO Radio, Honolulu, Hawaii, 2020)

5.3. Other television appearances

  • NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen (NHK General/Radio 1)
    • 23rd (1972) - Guest
    • 34th (1983) - Special Judge
    • 35th (1984) - Special Judge
    • 55th (2004) - Guest
  • Yukutoshi Kurutoshi (TV Asahi, 1978-1979) - Reporter from Aomori Prefecture
  • Rensō Game (NHK General, 1978)
  • Shigatsu da yo! Zen'in Shūgō (TBS, 1979) - Appeared as part of the "Edo o Kiru" team
  • Yoru no Hit Studio (Fuji TV, 1979-1987) - Performed "Ai no Suichuka," "Kamata Kōshinkyoku," "Umi to Hōseki," "Gekkōka Senkin," "Welcome Shanghai," "Radio no Tsuita Night Table," "Akai Kutsu Haiteta Midara na Musume," "Anata to Atai no Blues," and collaborated on songs like "Aishū no Casablanca" with Hiromi Go and "Kōkai" with Tetsuya Watari.
  • The Best Ten (TBS, 1979) - Performed "Ai no Suichuka," with live broadcasts from Hokkaido University and Tōfuku-ji.
  • Happy New Hit '80 (NHK General, 1980) - Performed "Ai no Suichuka"
  • Saegusa no Bakushō Bijin Taidan (Kansai TV, 1980)
  • Yoru no Shiteiseki: Miwaku no Fantasy (NHK General, 1980-1984) - Regular host
  • Music Fair (Fuji TV, 1980) - Performed "Okuru Kotoba" with Kaientai
  • Dorifu to Joyū no Bakushō Gekijō (TV Asahi, 1980s)
  • Kin-chan no Dokomade Yaru no! (TV Asahi, 1980s)
  • [https://www.nhk.or.jp/archives/chronicle/detail/?crnid=A198312032315001300100 Swing wa Osuki?] (NHK General, 1983) - One-man show
  • Kon'ya wa Saikō! (Nippon TV, 1983) - Performed "Kamata Kōshinkyoku" parody and "I'm Just a Hoochie Coochie Man"
  • Kaigyoku 25-shūnen Kinen Suiyō Special: The Drifters!! Bakushō Cont da! Dai Kōshin Joyū Matomete Meibamen Dai Kessaku (TV Asahi, 1984)
  • Tetsuko's Room (TV Asahi, 1984, 2006, 2013, 2015)
  • Ongaku no Tabi Haruka II "Keiko Matsuzaka Hajimete no New York" (TBS, 1985)
  • Onna Hitori Tabi (TV Asahi, 1986)
  • Deai Machikado Étranger (TV Tokyo, 1986?)
  • Jiyū na Megami Shitemasu ka? Keiko Matsuzaka, Kaori Momoi Goki-gen Talk!! (TBS, 1987)
  • Naruhodo! The World (Fuji TV, 1987) - Reporter in UK
  • Keiko Matsuzaka Dinner Show - Ai to Gensō no Station - (NHK BS1, 1987)
  • Music Station (TV Asahi, 1988) - Performed "Last Scene wa Mitakunai" with Tetsuya Watari
  • [https://www.bpcj.or.jp/search/show_detail.php?program=164395010841 Shinshun Tokuban Naruhodo! The World Special] (Fuji TV, 1989) - Reporter in France (horseback riding) and West Germany (Baumkuchen, car mania)
  • Waratte Iitomo! (Fuji TV, 1989, 1990, 1996, 1997, 2000, 2006) - Telephone Shocking guest
  • Tunnels no Minasan no Okage Desu (Fuji TV, 1990) - Appeared in a skit
  • Suiyō Super Cast (TV Asahi, 1990) - Location shoot in London
  • Neru Ton Hongyōdan (Kansai TV, 1991)
  • Yukaini On Stage (NHK General, 1991) - Co-starred with Masatoshi Nakamura, Masaaki Sakai
  • Japan Academy Prize (Nippon TV, 1993) - Host
  • Saturday Night in New York (NHK General, 1993) - Interviewed Mina Aoe, hosted a show
  • Autumn in New York (NHK BS2, 1993) - Host, featuring Orquesta de la Luz live at Blue Note NY
  • All Star Kanshasai (TBS, 1995)
  • SMAP×SMAP (Fuji TV, 1996, 2004, 2007) - Bistro SMAP, Rokuro no Ōkoku
  • [https://www.bpcj.or.jp/search/show_detail.php?program=127663008658 Renaissance Mirai e no Tobira 3: Futari no Michelangelo] (Nippon TV, 1997) - Traveled across Italy
  • Futari no Big Show (NHK General, 1997) - Co-starred with Shinji Tanimura, performed "Fuyu no Inazuma," "Ai no Suichuka," "Welcome Shanghai," "Cabaret," "Hoshi ni Negai o."
  • Doyō Tokushū: Keiko Matsuzaka Otogibanashi no Fantasy Cinderella no Sekai o Tabi Suru Shōjo no Monogatari (NHK General, 1998)
  • Project X: Chōsensha-tachi (NHK General, 2000) - First guest
  • Omoide no Melody (NHK General/Radio 1, 1997, 1998, 2004, 2008, 2015) - Host (as singer)
  • Sanma no Manma (Kansai TV, 2002, 2009)
  • BS Nihon no Uta (NHK BS, 2004) - Performed "Ai no Suichuka"
  • Yomigaeru Maboroshi no Koten Geinō Gigaku: Nazo no Kamen Budōgeki o Silk Road ni Sagasu (NHK Educational, 2004)
  • Yume no Bijutsukan: Tsui ni Tōjō! Louvre Meihō 100-sen (NHK BShi, 2004-2005) - Host
  • Doyō Studio Park ~ Anata no Koe ni Kotaemasu ~ (NHK General, 2005)
  • Sekai Waga Kokoro no Tabi: Paris Ikina Sai Warai na Sai (NHK BS2, 2005)
  • TBS TV 50th Anniversary Anata mo Utawazu ni Irarenai!! Shōwa ~ Heisei Nippon Kayō 50-nen Zenshi (TBS, 2005) - Performed "Ai no Suichuka"
  • Tora-san ga Aishita Madonna-tachi: Geisha-san ~ Keiko Matsuzaka (NHK BS2, 2005)
  • Yume no Bijutsukan: Uruwashi no Asia Hotoke no Bi 100-sen (NHK BShi, 2005-2006) - Host
  • Yoshitsune Special Zadankai - Ima Kataru Yoshitsune no Subete (NHK General, 2005)
  • Shall We Dance? (Nippon TV, 2006) - Host
  • Hanamaru Market (TBS, 2006, 2009)
  • Ai no Apron (TV Asahi, 2007)
  • Aura no Izumi (TV Asahi, 2007)
  • Kiyoshi to Kono Yoru (NHK General, 2007) - Performed "Ai no Suichuka," "Kamata Kōshinkyoku"
  • Nippon Kokoro no Butsuzō ~ Anata no Ichibutsu Tazunemasu ~ (NHK BS, 2007)
  • Einstein no Me Nenmatsu Special: Super Camera no Daibōken 2007 (NHK General, 2007)
  • Yōkoso! "Akage no Anne" no Sekai e (NHK E-tele, 2008)
  • 3-kagetsu Topic Eikaiwa "Akage no Anne" e no Tabi ~ Gensho de Tanoshimu Anne no Sekai ~ (NHK E-tele, 2008)
  • Studio Park Kara Konnichiwa (NHK General, 2008, 2011, 2015)
  • Utoban (TBS, 2008) - Performed "Ai no Suichuka"
  • Salaryman NEO 2008 Tōen (NHK General, 2008)
  • Nippon Junrei (NHK General, 2009)
  • The! Sekai Gyōten News Binan Bijo Matsuri 2009 (Nippon TV, 2009)
  • Art Entertainment Meikyū Bijutsushi Selection: Kyoshō o Unda Unmei no Fūkei (NHK BS, 2010)
  • Asaichi (NHK General, 2010) - Premium Talk
  • Premium Theater: Ariana Sayu & Keiko Matsuzaka Taidan "Hula to Hawaii Bi to Kokoro o Kataru" (NHK BS, 2010)
  • Sekai Bikkuri Ryokō-sha "2011 Oshōgatsu Tokubetsu Eigyō Special" (NHK, 2011)
  • The Star "Shima Iwashita" (NHK BS2, 2011)
  • Nichiyō Bijutsukan: Yume no Redon Kessaku 10-sen (NHK E-tele, 2011)
  • Kagayaku Onna: Ayase Haruka ~ Fushigi na Miryoku no Himitsu ~ (NHK General, 2013) - Narrator
  • NHK Archives TV 60-nen (3) "Keiko Matsuzaka-san to Mitsumeru Taiga Drama" (NHK General, 2013)
  • Nippon TV Kaikyoku 60-nen Tokubetsu Bangumi TV60 Nittele x NHK "60-ban Shōbu" Drama Taiketsu "Keiko Matsuzaka Joyū Saigo no Hi" (Nippon TV, 2013) - Lead role (produced by NHK, broadcast by NTV)
  • "Keiko Matsuzaka Joyū Saigo no Hi" no Subete ~ Kōshite 24-jikan de Drama ga Tsukurareta ~ (NHK General, 2013)
  • TV 60-nen Natsukashi Bangumi Special (NHK BS, 2013)
  • Takeshi no Nippon no Mikata! (TV Tokyo, 2013)
  • [https://www.bs-tvtokyo.co.jp/mizufukei/bs/matsuzakakeiko.html Europe Mizufūkei] (TV Tokyo, 2013) - Travelogue from Cannes, Southern France to Monaco
  • Guruguru Ninety-Nine Gourmet Chicken Race 14 Gochi ni Narimasu! (Nippon TV, 2013)
  • Konnichiwa! Dōbutsu no Aka-chan 2013 (NHK General, 2013)
  • Kaiketsu Emichan Neru (Kansai TV, 2014, 2015)
  • Music Portrait (NHK General, 2014) - Co-starred with Emiko Kamikawa, selected songs including Dinah Shore's "Blue Canary," Édith Piaf's "Hymne à l'amour," Hibari Misora's "Yawaraku," Shinji Tanimura's "Subaru," Milton Nascimento's "Fruta Boa," Bobby McFerrin's "Don't Worry, Be Happy," "Circle of Life" from The Lion King musical, Hawaiian "Papalina Lahilahi," Korean folk song "Arirang," and "When You Wish Upon a Star."
  • Onna no Isshō o Tsumugu ~ Tsuito: Tomiko Miyao-san ~ (NHK General, 2015) - Interview appearance
  • Kon'ya mo Nama de Sada Masashi Special ~ Nippon Isshū Tassei Kanshasai ~ (NHK, 2015)
  • Anata ga Kikitai Uta no 4-jikan Special (TBS, 2015)
  • Premium Stage "Itachi" (NHK BS, 2015) - Recitation play "Watashi no Edith"
  • Keiko Matsuzaka Hagi: Tomihime no Omokage o Tazunete (NHK General, 2015)
  • NHK News Ohayō Nippon (NHK, 2015) - Discussed her thoughts on her mother and caregiving through film
  • NHK Kayō Concert (NHK, 2015) - Performed "Tama ni wa Nakama de"
  • Halloween Ongakusai 2016 (TBS, 2016) - The Best Ten segment
  • Keiko Matsuzaka no Iceland Kikō ~ Aurora o Motomete Zekkei no Daichi e ~ (TV Tokyo, 2017)
  • Bishoku Club e Yōkoso: Segodon no Shōgatsu Ryōri (NHK General, 2018)
  • Uta Con (NHK General, 2018, 2022) - Performed "Ai no Suichuka," "Last Dance wa Watashi ni"
  • Doyō Studio Park (NHK General, 2018, 2022)
  • 18th Waga Kokoro no Osaka Melody (NHK General, 2018) - Host
  • Salarymeshi (NHK General, 2019)
  • Jinsei Saikō Restaurant (TBS, 2020)
  • SWITCH Interview: Tatsujin-tachi (NHK E-tele, 2020)
  • Gogo Nama (NHK General, 2021)
  • NHK Haiku (NHK E-tele, 2022)
  • Hirumae Hot (NHK General, 2022)
  • News LIVE! Yū 5-ji (NHK General, 2022)
  • Saijiki Shokudō (NHK E-tele, 2022)

5.4. Live performances and public engagements

  • First Dinner Show (Hilton Hotel, 1979)
  • First Live Performance (Shibuya Eggman, November 1982) - Co-starred with Morio Kazama, Mitsuru Hirata, Kenji Ishimaru, Ryūkō Hagiwara
  • Close Your Eyes Live (Shibuya Seibu Gekijō, November 15, 1983) - Directed by Ryudo Uzaki
  • Concert Tour (Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya, 1985) - Directed by Kōhei Tsuka
  • Keiko Matsuzaka PERFORMANCE Dance & Song Keiko's Cafe WOWWOW (Tokyo Prince Hotel Park Tower Ball Room, May 18, 2006)
  • Christmas Dinner Show (Kashihara Royal Hotel, December 23, 2009; Sun Royal Hotel, December 2009; Hotel New Ōtani Nagaoka, December 13, 2010)
  • Tetsuko's Room Concert (Tokyo International Forum Hall A, November 25, 2013; Festival Hall, December 9, 2013)
  • [https://www.city.hadano.kanagawa.jp/www/contents/1001000003402/simple/270101_02_03.txt Hadano Tobacco Festival] (1971) - Participated in parade as Miss Tobacco
  • Seireien Kimono Show (1975, 1978-1990, 1996) - Seiko Kimono Cultural Foundation, Suzunoya Co., Ltd.
  • Symposium "Chikyū wa, Watashi no Shigoto-ba desu" (The Earth is My Workplace) (Minami Aoyama Spiral Hall, December 1986)
  • 16th World Congress of Poets Japan Convention '96 Maebashi (1996)
  • Nissin 40th Anniversary Ceremony and Founder Momofuku Ando's 90th Birthday Celebration (March 1999)
  • 12th Tokyo International Film Festival Competition (Bunkamura, Shibuya Kōkaidō, etc., October 30 - November 7, 1999) - International Jury Member
  • [http://act-jt.jp/tenshu/ Gakugeki Tenshu Monogatari]
    • Suntory Hall Small Hall (June 2000)
    • Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel Nōgakudō (July 11-15, 2001)
    • Akasaka Matsuda Hall (July 28, 2008), Kaga Shimin Bunka Kaikan (August 5, 2008), Itō-shi Kankō Kaikan (September 15, 2008)
    • Honolulu Convention Center (Honolulu Festival), University of Hawaii (March 14, 2009), Vienna Museum of Ethnology (August 28-29, 2009), Inuyama Shimin Kaikan (September 20, 2009), Matsuyama Shimin Kaikan Dai Hall (September 22, 2009), Sopia Shingū Dai Hall (September 27, 2009), Mito Geijutsukan ACM Gekijō (October 3-4, 2009), Inawashiro-machi Taiken Kōryūkan (October 10, 2009), Kioi Hall (October 23, 2009)
    • Kenmin Kyōsai Mirai Hall (June 12, 2010), Kashima Shimin Kaikan (August 7, 2010)
    • Japan-US Cherry Tree Gift Centennial Washington, Philadelphia Performance "Manzaigaku 2012" (Philadelphia International House, March 26, 2012; Kennedy Center Millennium Stage, March 29, 2012)
  • Yubari International Fantastic Film Festival (2004) - Judge
  • Ōdengaku (Madrid, Granada, June 25-27, 2013, for Japan-Spain Exchange 400th Anniversary Project; Canada, August 8-13, 2014; Washington, April 16, 2016, for Japan Foundation Project)
  • [https://www.mahoroba-kan.jp/past-nara-relation1_details14.html Yoshino no Sakura Hozen Project Recitation Play "Nukata no Ōkimi to Yoshino: Inishi e ni Kōfuru Tori"] (Yomiuri Hall, July 27, 2013)
  • 3rd AKB48 Kōhaku Taikō Utagassen (December 17) - Judge
  • [https://www.sankei.com/article/20150128-MHTWNZCSCNPTLIBAWHSQ2CE7BI/ "Yoshino Yoku Miyo" Recitation Event] (Yoshino Kita Elementary School, Yoshino Elementary School, January 27, 2015)
  • [https://www.facebook.com/nara.manyo/photos/864772230274928 Recitation Play "Utage no Hana"] (Manyō Bunka-kan Kikaku Tenjishitsu, July 2015)
  • [https://www.honolulu.us.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_ja/20151030.html Manyōshū Recitation Play "Umi to Kumo to Tsuki to Hoshi to"] (University of Hawaii at Manoa, October 30, 2015)
  • Manyōshū Recitation (Incheon University, November 2017)
  • Talk Show "Nippon o Tsuyoku Yutaka ni ~ Shimazu Nariakira to Saigō Takamori no Jidai ~" (Kagoshima Shimin Bunka Hall 2nd Hall, January 12, 2018)
  • Kateigaho x Nanatsuboshi in Kyushu (October 25, 2018) - Talk Show
  • [https://www.nyseikatsu.com/ny-news/11/2019/27436/ Talk Show] (Nippon Club, New York, November 7, 2019)
  • Kitanippon Shimbun Manmaru Josei Club 4th Meeting (ANA Crown Hotel Plaza Toyama, February 9, 2020)
  • [https://mykoho.jp/article/ "Reiwa ni Komeru Manyō no Kokoro" Recitation Play "Ume Kaoru Niwa no Shiawase"] (Kitaakita-shi Bunka Kaikan, March 15, 2020)
  • [https://www.kukai1250.com/ Kōbō Daishi Go-seitan 1250-nen Kinen "Kūkai Towa no Inori"] (Nagoya, February 11, 2023; Tokyo, March 8, 2023) - Guest

6. Awards and honors

Keiko Matsuzaka has received numerous awards and honors throughout her distinguished career, recognizing her outstanding contributions to film and television.

  • Japan Academy Prize
    • Nomination for Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in Jiken (1978)
    • Nomination for Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in The Three Undelivered Letters (1979)
    • Nomination for Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in The Wicked (1980)
    • Popularity Award in The Wicked (1980)
    • Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in The Gate of Youth and Tora-san's Love in Osaka (1981)
    • Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in Fall Guy and Lovers Lost (1982)
    • Nomination for Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in Shanghai Bansking and Kesho (1984)
    • Nomination for Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in House on Fire and Hako Kirameku Hate (1986)
    • Nomination for Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in Onna Sakasemasu and Princess Tsubaki (1987)
    • Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in The Sting of Death (1990)
    • Excellent Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in Till We Meet Again on the Lily Hill (2023)
    • Matsuzaka is the only actress to receive the Lead Actress award consecutively and is one of two actresses to have won three or more competitive awards for acting in a leading role, preceded by Sayuri Yoshinaga with four awards.
  • Blue Ribbon Awards
    • Best Actress in The Gate of Youth and Tora-san's Love in Osaka (1981)
    • Best Actress in The Sting of Death (1990)
  • Kinema Junpo Awards
    • Best Actress in Fall Guy and Dotonborigawa (1982)
    • Best Actress in The Sting of Death (1990)
  • Mainichi Film Awards
    • Best Actress in Fall Guy and Lovers Lost (1982)
    • Best Actress in The Sting of Death (1990)
    • Tanaka Kinuyo Life Achievement Award (1997)
    • Best Supporting Actress in Sakuya: Slayer of Demons (2000)
    • Best Supporting Actress in Grave of the Fireflies (2008)
  • Hochi Film Award
    • Best Actress in The Gate of Youth and Tora-san's Love in Osaka (1981)
    • Best Actress in The Sting of Death (1990)
    • Best Supporting Actress in Grave of the Fireflies (2008)
  • Nikkan Sports Film Award
    • Best Actress in The Sting of Death (1990)
  • Miscellaneous awards
    • Producer's Association Newcomer Award for Wakai Hito (1972)
    • 10th Golden Arrow Award for Newcomer of the Year (1972)
    • Japan Broadcast Writers' Association, Female Performer Award (1973)
    • Japan Cable Grand Prize Special Award for Ai no Suichuka (1979)
    • Elan d'or Award for Newcomer of the Year (1973)
    • Elan d'or Special Award (1982)
    • Golden Gross Award Money-Making Star Award (1986)
    • First Golden Star of the Year Award (1989)
    • Yamaji Fumiko Film Award (1990)
    • French Luxury Perfume Association Mademoiselle Parfum Award (1991)
    • First French Government Tourist Office Female Goodwill Ambassador Award (1991)
    • 14th International Jewellery Exhibition Jewellery Best Dresser Award (50s category) (2003)
    • Yokohama Film Festival for Life Achievement Award (1983)
    • Method Fest Independent Film Festival for Festival Director's Award in Runin: Banished (2004)
    • 60th NHK Broadcast Cultural Award (2008) (with Koji Ishizaka, Ken Ogata, Hisashi Inoue)
    • Osaka International Film Festival for Best Actress in Osaka Hamlet (2010)
    • 12th Fountain Pen Best Coordinate Award (2015)
    • 15th Confidence Award Drama Prize for Best Supporting Actress in Manpuku (2019)
    • 27th Hashida Award (2019)
    • Reiwa 4th "Star's Handprint" Honoree (2023)
    • Excellent Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role at the 47th Japan Academy Prize for Till We Meet Again on the Lily Hill (2024)

    6.1. Honours

    • Medal with Purple Ribbon (2009)

7. Personal life

Keiko Matsuzaka's personal life, particularly her marriage and family relationships, has been a subject of public interest, marked by both joy and challenges.

7.1. Marriage and family

In 1991, Keiko Matsuzaka married jazz guitarist Haruhiko Takauchi (also known as Haru Takauchi). The wedding took place in New York on January 2. At the time, their marriage was widely reported as a "disparity marriage" due to Matsuzaka's status as a popular actress and Takauchi's relatively unknown status and lower income. Matsuzaka's parents were strongly opposed to the marriage and openly expressed their disapproval to the media, revealing private details and emotions, including their intense concern over Matsuzaka's personal seal. Despite this, Matsuzaka defended her husband, eventually leading to a public declaration of estrangement from her parents.

After their marriage, Matsuzaka relocated to New York, her husband's base of operations, and lived there for about seven years. She gave birth to her first daughter in 1992 and her second daughter in 1994. In 2008, her two daughters, then junior high school students, made their television debut co-starring with Matsuzaka in the NHK E-tele program "3-kagetsu Topic Eikaiwa 'Akage no Anne' e no Tabi ~ Gensho de Tanoshimu Anne no Sekai ~" (3-Month Topic English Conversation 'Journey to Anne of Green Gables' ~ Enjoying Anne's World in the Original Text ~). Upon the birth of her first daughter, she received a congratulatory fax from actor Ken Ogata, which read "Banzai, Banzai, Banbanzai" in brushstrokes.

7.2. Relationship with parents

Matsuzaka's relationship with her parents, particularly her mother, was strained for many years, especially following her marriage. However, after her father's death in 2007, the long-standing conflict with her mother began to resolve. By 2012, her elderly mother moved in with Matsuzaka, and they have been living together since. Her husband, Haruhiko Takauchi, has reportedly taken on the responsibilities of caring for Matsuzaka's mother and managing household chores, supporting Matsuzaka, who maintains a busy career.

8. Public image and legacy

Keiko Matsuzaka has cultivated a diverse and enduring public image throughout her career, leaving a significant legacy in Japanese entertainment. Initially rising to fame with a "pure" image, she later challenged this perception with more daring roles, notably in The Incident (1978). Her iconic portrayal of the "Madonna" in the Otoko wa Tsurai yo film series solidified her status as a beloved figure. In the 2000s, she embraced a more comedic side, famously portraying a housewife holding a daikon radish in a commercial for Tokyo Denwa, which was seen as a new frontier for her.

Her versatility has allowed her to transition seamlessly between dramatic, comedic, and even action roles, maintaining her relevance across generations of audiences. Her consistent work in NHK Taiga dramas has further cemented her place as a respected actress capable of portraying complex historical figures. Matsuzaka's ability to adapt and reinvent herself, coupled with her talent across acting, singing, and various media appearances, has ensured her lasting presence and significant contribution to Japanese culture as a versatile and cherished entertainer.

9. Bibliography

Keiko Matsuzaka has authored several books, and her life and career have been the subject of various biographical and photographic works.

9.1. Authored works

  • Prelude (Pep Publishing, 1979)
  • Keiko Matsuzaka Photobook (Shueisha, 1984) (Photographed by Shunji Ōkura, edited by Playboy Bessatsu Editorial Department)
  • Actress and I (Shufu to Seikatsusha, 1992)
  • Sakura Densetsu - Keiko Matsuzaka Photobook (Forbrick, 2002) (Original concept and supervision by Rei Nakanishi)
  • Shall We Hula? Hula Introduction with Keiko Matsuzaka (Jitsugyo no Nihon Sha, 2009)