Fusako Maki
Actor
About Fusako Maki
Fusako Maki was a Japanese actress who appeared during the immediate post-World War II period of Japanese cinema. Her known filmography consists of a single appearance in Kenji Mizoguchi's acclaimed 1948 film 'Women of the Night' (Yoru no onna). This film was significant as one of Mizoguchi's early post-war works that explored the social conditions facing women in Japan's devastated post-war society. Maki's brief career coincided with a transformative period in Japanese cinema when directors were addressing the country's social and economic challenges through their films. While her role in 'Women of the Night' was not a leading part, she contributed to the ensemble cast that helped bring Mizoguchi's vision to life. The limited documentation of her career suggests she may have been a character actor or someone who appeared in films only briefly during this era.
The Craft
Milestones
- Appeared in Kenji Mizoguchi's 'Women of the Night' (1948)
Best Known For
Must-See Films
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
As a minor contributor to one of Kenji Mizoguchi's significant post-war films, Fusako Maki was part of an important artistic movement in Japanese cinema that addressed the country's social reconstruction. 'Women of the Night' was among the films that helped establish the realistic, socially-conscious style that would characterize much of Japan's Golden Age cinema. While her individual contribution was small, she participated in a work that has been studied and analyzed by film scholars for decades as an example of how Japanese cinema processed the trauma and social upheaval of World War II's aftermath.
Lasting Legacy
Fusako Maki's legacy is primarily tied to her participation in 'Women of the Night,' a film that has endured as an important example of post-war Japanese cinema. While she did not achieve lasting fame or recognition as an individual performer, her contribution to this historically significant film places her within the broader narrative of Japanese film history. Like many supporting actors from classic cinema, her work serves as a reminder of the numerous individuals who collectively created the masterpieces of their era, even if their names were not widely remembered.
Who They Inspired
Due to the brief nature of her career and limited documentation of her work, there is no evidence of Fusako Maki having directly influenced other performers or filmmakers. Her influence exists only through her contribution to 'Women of the Night,' which itself has influenced generations of filmmakers dealing with social themes and women's issues in cinema.
Off Screen
Very little information is available about Fusako Maki's personal life, which is common for supporting actors from this era of Japanese cinema who had brief film careers.
Did You Know?
- Appeared in only one known film during her career
- Worked with renowned director Kenji Mizoguchi
- Her only film 'Women of the Night' was produced by Daiei Studios
- The film she appeared in was one of Mizoguchi's first post-war productions
- Her career spanned only a single year according to available records
- Like many Japanese actors from the 1940s, little biographical information survives
- The film she appeared in dealt with controversial themes for its time
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Fusako Maki?
Fusako Maki was a Japanese actress who had a very brief career in the late 1940s, appearing in only one known film - Kenji Mizoguchi's 'Women of the Night' (1948). She was part of the ensemble cast in this significant post-war Japanese film.
What films is Fusako Maki best known for?
Fusako Maki is known only for her appearance in 'Women of the Night' (1948), directed by acclaimed filmmaker Kenji Mizoguchi. This appears to be her sole film credit based on available records.
When was Fusako Maki born and when did she die?
Specific birth and death dates for Fusako Maki are not available in existing film archives and databases. This is common for supporting actors from this era of Japanese cinema, particularly those with very brief careers.
What awards did Fusako Maki win?
There are no records of Fusako Maki receiving any major awards or nominations during her brief film career. Her recognition comes primarily from being part of a historically significant film rather than individual accolades.
What was Fusako Maki's acting style?
Due to the limited documentation of her career and the fact that she appeared in only one film in what was likely a supporting role, there is insufficient information to describe her specific acting style or techniques.
Why is 'Women of the Night' significant in film history?
'Women of the Night' (1948) is significant as one of Kenji Mizoguchi's important post-war films that addressed the social conditions facing women in Japan after World War II. The film is considered part of the Golden Age of Japanese cinema and has been studied for its social commentary and artistic merit.
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Films
1 film
