Yōko Asaji

(born April 2, 1951) is a Japanese actress from Shimizu (now part of the city of Shizuoka), Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan.

Yōko starred in the NHK morning drama Kumo no Jūtan, achieving widespread popularity. Since then she has appeared in various television, film, and stage productions. In addition to contemporary roles, Yōko has taken parts in jidaigeki. She portrayed Yaya in the 1987 NHK Taiga drama Onna Taikōki, and from 1988 to 1994 she played Osai, the wife of the fire captain, in Abarenbo Shogun (the second of three actresses for that character). Yōko voiced Maddie Hayes, the Cybill Shepherd role, in the dubbed version of Moonlighting.

Filmography

Television Kumo no Jūtan (1976), Makoto Onna Taikōki (1981), Yaya

Film Willful Murder (1981), Kawada The Voice of Sin (2020), Mitsuko Ōshima Hold Your Hand (2023)

Awards Year Award Category Work(s) Result Ref. 1977 1st Elan d'or Awards Newcomer of the Year Herself