Miwa: A Japanese Icon

In the 1960s, Japan's most popular actress was… a man

20131h 5m6.3Movie

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Overview

A legendary entertainer and a pioneer of gay activism, Miwa was born Akihiro Maruyama. As a young singer, Miwa popularized androgyny as a fashion statement, fusing the masculine and the feminine into a signal of a new generation of aesthetics. This evolved into performing as a woman and living off-stage as a man. With glitter, wit, evening gowns, and enchanting storytelling, Miwa looks back over a 50-year career and a fascinating life in music, film, and television.

Cast

Akihiro Miwa
Akihiro Miwa
Himself
Kinji Fukasaku
Kinji Fukasaku
Himself (archive footage)
Takeshi Kitano
Takeshi Kitano
Himself
Hayao Miyazaki
Hayao Miyazaki
Himself
Tadanori Yokoo
Tadanori Yokoo
Himself

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