**Haruko Sugimura (1909-1997)** was one of the most celebrated and impactful Japanese actresses of post-war cinema. Known for her intense portrayals of common women, resilient mothers, and complex female figures, she worked with the greatest directors of the Golden Age of Japanese cinema, including Yasujirō Ozu, Kenji Mizoguchi, and Mikio Naruse.

She left an indelible mark in masterpieces such as Ozu's *Tokyo Story* (1953), where she played the selfish daughter, Mizoguchi's *The Life of Oharu, a Courtesan* (1952), and Naruse's *Repast* (1951). Her style, characterized by a restrained realism and a profound ability to delve into the psychology of her characters, made her an icon of female strength and dignity on screen.