Akira Maeda
A live-action film adaptation of "Yawara!" directed by Kazuo Yoshida for Toho opened in theaters on April 15, 1989. Having Yui Asaka in the title role, the film featured cameos by real life judokas like Kaori Yamaguchi and Yasuhiro Yamashita, as well as shoot wrestlers Akira Maeda and Nobuhiko Takada. Asaka also sings the theme song "Neverland".