Masahiro Makino
Meiko Kaji was born Masako Ohta in the Kanda area of Tokyo and graduated from the Yakumo Academy high school in Meguro, Tokyo. She began to work in the film industry under her real name, Masako Ota, at Nikkatsu studio in 1965 after graduating from high school. In 1969 she appeared in "Nihon Zankyoden", one of a series of films directed by Masahiro Makino, who recognized her acting ability and gave her the stage name of Meiko Kaji. From 1970 to 1971 she appeared in the "Noraneko Rokku" (Stray cat/Alleycat Rock) series of films about delinquent young people.