
Michiyo Ookusu
Michiyo Ookusu (born 1946) is a Japanese actress known for her distinctive screen presence and her collaboration with director Seijun Suzuki. She rose to prominence in the 1960s, becoming an iconic face of Nikkatsu cinema.
Her most celebrated roles include Chiharu in the acclaimed *Tokyo Drifter* (1966) and the mysterious and lethal Misako Nakajo in *Branded to Kill* (1967). Ookusu specialized in portraying complex female characters: enigmatic, sensual women, often with a dark side or involved in yakuza criminal contexts. Her acting style is characterized by a cool elegance, a magnetic detachment, and a strong intensity, which made her the perfect "femme fatale" for Japanese film noir of the era. Her performances remain a benchmark for the genre.