Chieko Naniwa - Actor Profile

Chieko Naniwa

Acting
Freshness: Jan 21, 2026
50Total Films
8.1 Highest Rated
Born: Nov 19, 1907
Birth Place: Tondabayashi, Osaka, Japan

About Chieko Naniwa

Naniwa Chieko (real name: Nanko Kikuno, November 19, 1907 – December 22 , 1973) was a Japanese actress. Due to poverty, she was unable to receive an elementary school education and struggled with being illiterate. Later, through her own efforts, she learned to read and write, and overcame illiteracy. She appeared in works such as A Geisha, Throne of Blood, Equinox Flower, and Twenty-Four Eyes. She appeared in films by many of the great directors of her time. She died of gastrointestinal bleeding on December 22, 1973, at the age of 66. After her death, she was awarded the Order of the Sacred Treasure , Fourth Class .

Career Statistics & Market Influence

Analyzing the cinematic journey of Chieko Naniwa reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 50 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.

Genre Dominance: Drama

The majority of Chieko Naniwa's filmography leans towards the Drama genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.

The "Box Office" Signature

With a 50% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Chieko Naniwa remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Sansho the Bailiff, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.

Best Chieko Naniwa Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Chieko Naniwa's career based on audience ratings.

Complete Filmography & Success Status

Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Chieko Naniwa.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
1967 Shogun and His Mistress 2 - Flop Similar →
1967 The Wife of Seishu Hanaoka - Average Similar →
1965 Miyamoto Musashi V: Musashi vs Kojiro Osugi Hit Similar →
1965 Three Yakuza - Super Hit Similar →
1965 Snow Country Blind masseuse Flop Similar →
1964 Miyamoto Musashi IV: The Duel at Ichijo-ji Temple Osugi Hit Similar →
1963 18 Roughs Seichii's Mother Hit Similar →
1963 Miyamoto Musashi: Birth of Two Sword Style Osugi Hit Similar →
1963 The Third Will Yoshiko Super Hit Similar →
1963 Twin Sisters of Kyoto Madam Hit Similar →
1962 Miyamoto Musashi: Showdown at Hannyazaka Heights Osugi Hit Similar →
1962 The Body - Hit Similar →
1962 The Fencing Master Old woman Average Similar →
1962 As Long as There's Tomorrow - Flop Similar →
1962 This Year's Love - Average Similar →
1962 In Search of Mother Obah Average Similar →
1962 Good Rascals Omon Average Similar →
1962 次郎長社長と石松社員 威風堂々 - Flop Similar →
1961 Bad Reputation Returns Ito Aso Flop Similar →
1961 The End of Summer Sasaki Tsune Super Hit Similar →
1961 Girls of the Night Kumeju Average Similar →
1961 Miyamoto Musashi Osugi Hit Similar →
1961 The Harbor Lights - Flop Similar →
1959 Sazae-san, the Wayward Wife - Flop Similar →
1959 Chikamatsu's Love in Osaka Oen Flop Similar →
1959 Gentle Breeze - Flop Similar →
1959 Room for Let O-Mino Average Similar →
1959 Hawk of the North - Flop Similar →
1959 Temptation on Glamour Island Shige Sasaki Average Similar →
1959 Sazae-san's Marriage - Flop Similar →
1958 Equinox Flower Hatsu Sasaki Hit Similar →
1958 Kunisada Chuji - Flop Similar →
1958 The Shop Curtain - Flop Similar →
1957 Snow Country Otatsu Hit Similar →
1957 An Osaka Story - Flop Similar →
1957 Throne of Blood Old Ghost Woman Super Hit Similar →
1956 Shozo, a Cat and Two Women Orin Hit Similar →
1956 Women in Prison Mitsuko Kaneoka, prisoner Flop Similar →
1956 Zangiku monogatari Omoto Hit Similar →
1955 So Young, So Bright - Average Similar →
1955 Marital Relations - Flop Similar →
1954 Chikamatsu Monogatari Okô Super Hit Similar →
1954 Twenty-Four Eyes Meshiya no Kamisan Super Hit Similar →
1954 The Woman in the Rumor Osaki Hit Similar →
1954 Sansho the Bailiff Ubatake Super Hit Similar →
1954 The Garden of Women - Hit Similar →
1954 Terrible Ghost Cat of Okazaki - Super Hit Similar →
1953 Ghost of Saga Mansion - Super Hit Similar →
1953 A Geisha Okimi Super Hit Similar →
1952 Tsukigata Hanpeita - Hit Similar →

Chieko Naniwa - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Chieko Naniwa?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Chieko Naniwa is "Sansho the Bailiff" with a rating of 8.1/10.

How many movies has Chieko Naniwa acted in?

Chieko Naniwa has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Chieko Naniwa?

Other notable films include "Terrible Ghost Cat of Okazaki", "The Third Will", and "Throne of Blood".