Cinematic Point Of View

I just finished a show a few days ago and was wondering what to watch next. I have a watching backlog that’s 32 miles long, but couldn’t make a choice, so, of course I click on a random recommendation on Netflix instead of something I had planned to watch.

That’s living life on the edge. I’m a rebel.

Anyway, the show I click on was The Hot Spot, a 2025 Japanese tv series about a single Mom living near Mt. Fuji and working at a business hotel who meets an alien. I finished the first episode today and I’m hooked. Just the speed of humor I was looking for and can’t wait to watch more episodes.

The lead actress instantly looked familiar but wasn’t certain until I pulled up IMDB. I was right. It was Mikako Ichikawa! I love her work and she’s one of those people you’ve seen in so many movies over the years but maybe never put a name to the face.

Time for a Mikako Ichikawa appreciation post.

Mikako Ichikawa began her career in entertainment as a fashion model in the mid 90s but quickly transitioned to TV and film with a breakout performance in 1998’s Blue. Since then she’s built a solid and respected filmography and is know for her subtle acting, often playing characters who are thoughtful or slightly offbeat.

Kayako in Blue (2002). Her earliest role.

Natusko in Cutie Honey (2004). Live-action adaption by the infamous Hideaki Anno.

Sayoko in Rent-a-Cat (2012). I love this little quirky little film by director Naoko Ogigami. Her work is always a breath of fresh air.

Hiromi Ogashira, Deputy Director of Nature Conservation Bureau in Shin Godzilla (2019). This might be the longest character title I’ve ever seen!

Shoko in Shin Kamen Rider (2023). A VERY brief role in this one. Another one directed by Hideaki Anno.

Sasabara Itsuki in The Third Murder (2017). A good supporting role in a film directed by the legendary Hirokazu Koreeda. Not my favorite film of his but still worth the watch for the cast alone.

With over 86 acting credits to her name, I have seen hardly a handful of Mikako Ichikawa’s film and tv work. Sadly, most of the titles are pretty hard to find in the United States. Hopefully more of it will pop up on streaming channels.

Having worked with the likes Anno, Koreeda, and Ogigami alone speaks volumes to her reputation as an actor. Mikako Ichikawa, you are a legend and we truly appreciate you!

What’s your favorite Mikako Ichikawa role?