The main character of the “Zero Woman” series is Special Undercover Agent Rei (her family name’s never been revealed), who works for “Section Zero” of the Tokyo Police Department. Her risky assignments require her to infiltrate the criminal underworld where, even though she often finds herself in “compromising” positions, she always manages to come out on top.
(For those who want more information on these movies or the actresses, you can find a lot of it here. If anyone still wants additional details and a Google search doesn’t provide them, click on my “Contact” tab, use the form to send me a message, and I’ll be happy to do what I can.)
Original poster for the 1974 film, Zero Woman – Red Handcuffs that starred Miki Sugimoto, whose short acting career spanned from 1971-1977. |
After 21-year hiatus, Rei reappeared in the form of actress/singer/model Natsuki Ozawa in the simply-titled Zero Woman. |
Naoko Iijima starred as Rei in the second 1995 release, Final Mission. |
Described by one reviewer as “a cross between Susan Sarandon and Rosamund Kwan,” Kumiko Takeda took on the role in 1996’s Assassin Lovers. |
The 1997 film, The Accused featured Mai Tachihara, who was the lowest-profile actress to play the part. |
Mikiyo Ono, who was a member of the J-Pop singing group “Coco,” starred in the second 1997 Zero Woman film, The Hunted. |
Personal favorite Chieko Shiratori (not to be confused with pro wrestler Chikako Shiratori) nicely filled the role of Rei in 1998’s Dangerous Game. |
1999’s Zero Woman Returns featured Saori Ono, another actress who hasn’t seemed to have appeared in much else. |
Maiko Tohno (also spelled Maiko Tono) starred in 2005’s Zero Woman. The second one in the franchise with no subtitle. |
The 2007 and most recent exploit of Rei, Zero Woman R featured Atsuko Miura. |
Which actress was the best Zero Woman, Special Undercover Agent Rei?
About the author
Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, Chris flirted with the music business there and in Nashville before joining the U.S. Army and serving in South Korea. He remained in Asia for several years afterwards, teaching English, traveling, and covering the regional entertainment scenes. Currently in a mindset between Seoul and San Francisco, besides Idol Features, you can also catch his writings in the print edition of the monthly magazine, Effective.
Chieko Shiratori. Maybe not the best actress, but that body!
I remember seeing Chieko in Tokyo Blue. One of the first VHS movies I bought. I wonder what became of her?
This should be of interest to you: Whatever Happened to Cheiko Shiratori?
Atsuko Miura