Yumi Takigawa

February 16, 1951 — Suginami, Tokyo, Japan

Yumi Takigawa (多岐川裕美) is a Japanese actress and singer born on February 16, 1951, in Tokyo. She began her career in the early 1970s and has since appeared in over 50 films and numerous television dramas. Takigawa is particularly known for her roles in the nunsploitation genre, notably in School of the Holy Beast (1974), where she portrayed Maya Takigawa, a young woman who joins a convent to uncover the truth behind her mother’s mysterious death.  In addition to her film career, Takigawa has been a prominent figure on Japanese television, starring in several Taiga dramas such as Kaze to Kumo to Niji to (1976), Sanga Moyu (1984), and Kōmyō ga Tsuji (2006).  Takigawa’s versatility extends to her music career. She released several albums and singles, including the 1982 album Yumemigokochi, which featured a blend of pop and city pop styles.  Throughout her career, Takigawa has received various accolades, including the Elan d’or Award for Newcomer of the Year in 1976. Her enduring presence in both film and television has solidified her status as a respected and influential figure in Japanese entertainment.