Tomie Tsunoda
Actor
About Tomie Tsunoda
Tomie Tsunoda was a Japanese actress who had an extremely brief career in the late 1940s, appearing exclusively in films during 1948. She is known primarily for her role in Akira Kurosawa's post-war drama 'Women of the Night' (1948), which explored the lives of women struggling to survive in the aftermath of World War II. Her career appears to have been limited to a single year, suggesting she may have been a minor supporting player or possibly had only one film appearance. Like many supporting actors from this era of Japanese cinema, detailed documentation about her life and career is scarce. Her participation in a Kurosawa film places her within the context of one of Japan's most celebrated directors during a critical period in Japanese film history. The film itself was significant for its bold social commentary and was one of Kurosawa's early works that helped establish his reputation as a major filmmaker.
The Craft
Milestones
- Appeared in Akira Kurosawa's 'Women of the Night' (1948)
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
As a minor supporting actress in a significant post-war Japanese film, Tomie Tsunoda contributed to the cinematic documentation of Japan's social reconstruction period. 'Women of the Night' was part of the wave of socially conscious Japanese films that emerged after WWII, addressing themes of poverty, prostitution, and the struggles of women in a devastated society. While her individual impact was limited due to her brief career, her participation in this important film places her within the broader context of Japanese cinema's golden age.
Lasting Legacy
Tomie Tsunoda's legacy is primarily tied to her appearance in 'Women of the Night,' one of Akira Kurosawa's early socially conscious films. While she did not achieve lasting fame or recognition, her contribution to this important work of Japanese cinema represents the collective effort of many actors who brought these stories to life. Her brief career exemplifies how many supporting players from classic cinema often remain obscure despite their participation in significant films.
Who They Inspired
Due to her extremely limited filmography, Tomie Tsunoda's direct influence on other actors or filmmakers is not documented. However, her participation in Kurosawa's work places her within the lineage of actors who contributed to the director's early development and the evolution of post-war Japanese cinema.
Off Screen
Very little information is available about Tomie Tsunoda's personal life, which is not uncommon for minor supporting actors from classic Japanese cinema of the 1940s.
Did You Know?
- Appeared in only one known film during her entire career
- Worked with legendary director Akira Kurosawa during his formative years
- Her film 'Women of the Night' was controversial for its time due to its frank depiction of prostitution
- The film was one of the first Japanese movies to address the social problems facing women after WWII
- Toho Studios, which produced the film, was one of Japan's major film companies during this era
- Her entire known career spanned just one year, 1948
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Tomie Tsunoda?
Tomie Tsunoda was a Japanese actress who had an extremely brief career in 1948, known primarily for her role in Akira Kurosawa's film 'Women of the Night.' She appears to have been a minor supporting player whose filmography was limited to this single year.
What films is Tomie Tsunoda best known for?
Tomie Tsunoda is known only for her appearance in 'Women of the Night' (1948), directed by Akira Kurosawa. This appears to be her only film credit, making it both her debut and final film appearance.
When was Tomie Tsunoda born and when did she die?
Unfortunately, specific birth and death dates for Tomie Tsunoda are not documented in available historical records. This lack of biographical information is not uncommon for minor supporting actors from 1940s Japanese cinema.
What awards did Tomie Tsunoda win?
There are no records of Tomie Tsunoda receiving any awards or nominations for her acting work. Given her brief career and minor role, formal recognition would have been unlikely.
What was Tomie Tsunoda's acting style?
Due to the limited documentation of her work and the brevity of her career, specific details about Tomie Tsunoda's acting style are not available. She would have been working within the realistic, socially-conscious style that characterized much of post-war Japanese cinema.
Why is Tomie Tsunoda significant despite her brief career?
Tomie Tsunoda's significance lies primarily in her participation in 'Women of the Night,' an important early work by Akira Kurosawa that addressed pressing social issues in post-war Japan. Her inclusion in this historically significant film places her within the broader context of Japanese cinema's golden age.
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Films
1 film
