Kaoru Itō
Actor
About Kaoru Itō
Kaoru Itō was a Japanese actress who appeared during the transitional period from silent films to sound cinema in Japan. Her career was notably brief, spanning only the year 1935, during which she participated in the groundbreaking film 'Wife! Be Like a Rose!' directed by Mikio Naruse. This film was significant as one of Japan's earliest surviving sound films and represented a major milestone in Japanese cinematic history. Itō's performance came during a pivotal moment when Japanese cinema was establishing its unique voice and transitioning to new technologies. Despite her limited filmography, she was part of an important production that helped shape the future of Japanese cinema. Like many actors from this early period, detailed records of her life and career are scarce, reflecting the challenges of preserving film history from this era.
The Craft
Milestones
- Appeared in 'Wife! Be Like a Rose!' (1935), one of Japan's earliest surviving sound films
Best Known For
Must-See Films
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Kaoru Itō's contribution to cinema, while brief, is part of the broader cultural significance of early Japanese sound films. Her appearance in 'Wife! Be Like a Rose!' places her within the historical context of Japan's cinematic transition to sound technology. This film period was crucial for establishing Japanese cinema's unique identity and storytelling techniques that would later influence global cinema. Actors from this era, even those with limited filmographies, were pioneers in adapting performance styles for the new medium of sound film.
Lasting Legacy
Kaoru Itō's legacy is intrinsically tied to her participation in one of Japan's important early sound films. While her individual career was short-lived, she represents the many actors who contributed to the foundation of Japanese cinema during its formative years. The preservation of 'Wife! Be Like a Rose!' ensures that her work, however limited, remains part of the historical record of Japanese film history.
Who They Inspired
Due to her brief career span, there is limited documentation of Kaoru Itō's direct influence on other actors or filmmakers. However, as part of the ensemble of early Japanese sound film actors, she contributed to the development of acting techniques that would be refined and expanded upon by subsequent generations of Japanese performers.
Off Screen
Very little is documented about Kaoru Itō's personal life, which is common for actors from early Japanese cinema who had brief careers. The limited historical records from this period make it difficult to piece together comprehensive biographical information about many performers from this era.
Did You Know?
- Appeared in only one known film during her entire career
- Participated in one of Japan's earliest surviving sound films
- Worked with acclaimed director Mikio Naruse during his early career
- Her film 'Wife! Be Like a Rose!' was also known by its Japanese title 'Tsuma Yo Bara No Yoni'
- The film she appeared in was significant for its portrayal of modern Japanese family dynamics
- Like many actors from 1930s Japan, detailed biographical information is scarce due to limited record-keeping and film preservation challenges of the era
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Kaoru Itō?
Kaoru Itō was a Japanese actress active in 1935 who appeared in the film 'Wife! Be Like a Rose!', one of Japan's earliest surviving sound films directed by Mikio Naruse.
What films is Kaoru Itō best known for?
Kaoru Itō is known for her appearance in 'Wife! Be Like a Rose!' (1935), which appears to be her only credited film role.
When was Kaoru Itō active in cinema?
Kaoru Itō was active only during the year 1935, making her career extremely brief but historically significant.
What was significant about 'Wife! Be Like a Rose!'?
The film was one of Japan's earliest surviving sound films and was directed by the acclaimed Mikio Naruse, making it an important milestone in Japanese cinema history.
Why is there limited information about Kaoru Itō?
Limited information about Kaoru Itō is typical for actors from early Japanese cinema who had brief careers, as record-keeping and film preservation from the 1930s was often incomplete.
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Films
1 film
