Hideko Takamine (1924-2010) was one of the most important and enduring actresses in the history of Japanese cinema. Her career began in 1929 as a child actress, where she gained immense popularity and, in a rare feat, successfully transitioned to complex adult roles. She became renowned for her intense portrayals of resilient women, particularly in films directed by Mikio Naruse, such as *Floating Clouds* (1955) and *When a Woman Ascends the Stairs* (1960), and by Keisuke Kinoshita, with whom she filmed the masterpiece *Twenty-Four Eyes* (1954). Her significant works also include *Carmen Comes Home* (1951), Japan's first feature-length color film. Throughout her career, Takamine received numerous accolades, including several Blue Ribbon Awards and Mainichi Film Concours, Japan's highest cinematic honors, solidifying her status as a national icon. She retired from acting in 1979, leaving an indelible legacy on world cinema.