### "Actress Fujiko Yamamoto wears the symbol of beauty - from postwar to high-growth period"

### "Actress Fujiko Yamamoto wears the symbol of beauty - from postwar to high-growth period"

Fujiko Yamamoto was an actress who suddenly appeared in the postwar reconstruction period as "the most beautiful woman in Japan" and captivated people. Her appearance on the screen was more than just beautiful; she was the embodiment of the postwar Japanese dream of a woman who combined elegance and intelligence.

In one of her best-known films, "With Eriko," she played the role of a young maiden as she grows into adolescence. Her stage name and the name of the role echoed each other, and her image, superimposed like a self-portrait, left a strong impression on the audience. In "The Adventures of Natsuko," based on a novel by Yukio Mishima, she brilliantly portrayed an intellectual heroine in the style of a French novel, signaling a shift in the postwar image of women from conventional "submissiveness" to "wisdom and independence. It is also noteworthy that she performed Fumiko Hayashi's "The Nomadic Tales" earlier than Hideko Takamine, portraying a woman who survives despite her own anguish and social realities. These works can be said to have played a part in the new image of women demanded by postwar society.

Compared to other actresses of the same generation, their individuality stands out even more. Kyo Machiko, for example, put her sensual physical beauty at the forefront, attracting audiences with her bewitching charm. Takamine Hideko's common, everyday acting gave viewers a sense of empathy and familiarity. Setsuko Hara's innocent and spiritually strong performance was regarded internationally as a symbol of Japanese cinema. Fujiko Yamamoto, on the other hand, maintained the classical beauty symbolized by her kimonos, yet her intelligent and graceful appearance made her the one and only "incarnation of dignified beauty.

As Japanese society transitioned from the postwar period to a period of rapid economic growth, it began to break away from poverty and pursue beauty and affluence. Yamamoto's presence was a symbol of this, and gave audiences pride and hope. Her image on the silver screen was more than just a movie actress; she was a cultural symbol that reflected the atmosphere of the times.