Aiko Horiuchi

is a Japanese painter, writer, and actress. She is best known for her role of the villainess Kayako Saeki in The Grudge 3, taking over for Takako Fuji, who had passed on the role.

Career Her acting career began in episodic Television work as a non featured performer in such series as EastEnders and Holby City. She furthered her acting career by appearing as an extra in various films such as Die Another Day (2002), Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005), and Rabbit Fever (2006).

Horiuchi is a friend of Tim Burton in real life, which led to her being cast in his Charlie and the Chocolate Factory film. She plays the clerk at the Japanese candy store, who lets in all the children ready to buy Wonka Bars in the hopes of getting a Golden Ticket.

She also had a small role in Thor: The Dark World (2013) as an esteemed guest who bows to Odin in the throne room, and as an Asgardian physician who is treating Jane Foster.

Horiuchi starred in The Grudge 3 (2009) as Kayako Saeki, the vengeful ghost of the Ju-on series (called "The Grudge"), taking over for Takako Fuji who had passed on the role. Her performance received a mixed, if not muted, response.

Filmography Year Title Role Notes 1999 EastEnders Extra Unknown Episodes 1999 Holby City Extra Unknown Episodes 2002 Die Another Day Korean Spy Uncredited 2005 Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Japanese Shopkeeper Uncredited 2006 Rabbit Fever Japanese Traveler Uncredited 2009 The Grudge 3 Kayako Saeki 2010 London Fields Short Film 2012 Vampire Kiss/Blood Inside Agnes Ashmoore Short Film 2012 The Killers: Here with Me Fan Music Video 2013 Thor: The Dark World Esteemed Guest Uncredited 2014 Film Lab Presents Yumiko Episode: Film Lab Presents the Things We Do for Approval 2015 Le Fear II: Le Sequel Lucy Lou 2017 God Came 'Round Nice Girl Short Film 2022 Dream of the Blue Mushroom Short Film TBA Le Fear III: Le Cannes Lucy Lou Pre-Production