Masako Natsume Video | Celebrity Interview and Paparazzi

Masako Natsume (夏目 雅子, Natsume Masako, December 17, 1957 - September 11, 1985) (family name: Nishiyama) was a Japanese model and actress from Tokyo. Widely popular in Japan she gained worldwide recognition for her portrayal as Tripitaka in the TV series Monkey which is now considered a cult classic. Masako was born Masako Odate in Roppongi, Tokyo, the only daughter of Sue and Kazu Odate. Raised in Naka-ku, Yokohama, while in junior college in 1976 she auditioned for the lead in Nihon TV's Ai Ga Miemasu Ka?. Chosen from 4,000 applicants, she dropped out of school to pursue an acting... MORE

Masako Natsume (夏目 雅子, Natsume Masako, December 17, 1957 - September 11, 1985) (family name: Nishiyama) was a Japanese model and actress from Tokyo. Widely popular in Japan she gained worldwide recognition for her portrayal as Tripitaka in the TV series Monkey which is now considered a cult classic. Masako was born Masako Odate in Roppongi, Tokyo, the only daughter of Sue and Kazu Odate. Raised in Naka-ku, Yokohama, while in junior college in 1976 she auditioned for the lead in Nihon TV's Ai Ga Miemasu Ka?. Chosen from 4,000 applicants, she dropped out of school to pursue an acting career, playing the part under her real name Masako Odate. Masako's mother initially objected to her choice of career and requested that she not use the Odate family name if she gained further work. In 1977, she changed her name to Natsume. In 1977, she was chosen to represent Kanebo Cosmetics, achieving great popularity after appearing topless as the "Kooky Face" girl in an ad for sunscreen. This popularity led to her recording a song later that year called "Oh! Cookie Face". Many bit parts and a few leads in movies followed but she continued in television. In 1978-79, she played the male part of LESS