Ayako Wakao

Ayako Wakao (1933–Present, Japan) is a Japanese actress who became one of the most prominent stars of Daiei Studios during the golden age of Japanese cinema. She is especially renowned for her frequent collaborations with director Yasuzo Masumura, appearing in films such as *Manji* (1964), *Red Angel* (1966), and *Irezumi* (1966), as well as her work with Kenji Mizoguchi in *A Geisha* (1953) and *Street of Shame* (1956).