Ryoko Hirosue Movies and Career Information

Ryoko Hirosue (広末涼子, Hirosue Ryōko, born July 18, 1980) is a Japanese actress and pop star, best known in the West for her roles in the Luc Besson-produced Wasabi and the Academy Award-winning Japanese film Departures. She also starred in a comedy series Yasuko to Kenji in 2008. Hirosue was born in Kochi, Kochi Prefecture, Japan. She joined the "P&G" cosmetic model competition at the age of 14 and made her television debut the following year singing on the program,TK Music Camp. She made her television drama debut and is well known for her work as a spokesmodel for NTT DoCoMo. She studied in Waseda University but did not graduate. Hirosue made her television debut in 1995 at the age of 15 in Fuji TV's Heart ni S. She was also named "Best Newcomer" at the 10th Television Drama Academy Awards the same year when she starred in Fuji TV's comedy series, Shota no Sushi. In 1997, she appeared in the finalé of medical drama, Hoshi no Kinka and the special episode of Odoru Daisousasen before making her breakthrough performance in Fuji TV's comedy series, Beach Boys, where she was awarded "Best Supporting Actress" at the 14th Television Drama Academy Awards. Hirosue also made her film debut