"There is so much writing in English on Japanese cinema that can't be accepted at face value — not because the writers are careless, but because the differences in culture and language are just too intricate. When I see August Ragone's name on a piece of writing, it gives me permission to place my faith in it completely. Among Japanese fantasy film historians, he's the best working in English." —Tim Lucas, Video Watchdog

Monday, August 11, 2008

ETSUKO SHIHOMI: DRAGON PRINCESS
Jump back, Jack, or your skull'll be cracked!

志穂美悦子「若い貴族たち 13階段のマキ」より


Shihomi ready to Nunchaku you! Makoto Naito's THE 13 STEPS (1975)

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Damn, that is a NICE picture!

Bunche (pop culture ronin) said...

Man, do I love me some Etsuko... *SIGH* In fact, August, click here for my overview of the SISTER STREETFIGHTER series.

Oh, Etsuko, why did you have to leave us?

August Ragone said...

Nice blog, Bunche!

Shihomi (now known as Etsuko Nagabuchi) is a mother of three and is currently a marathon runner, competing in such events as the New York Marathon. It's too bad that her husband, singer Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi, made her hang up her Nunchakus...

But, at least she quit while she was at the peak of her career. (BTW, one of their children is now getting her start as an actress).

Despite it all, we still have all of Shihomi's great films and television shows to watch over and over again — time to pop in DRAGON PRINCESS!

Adgy, the photo is one of a set of 12 from THE 13 STEPS that I picked up in Tokyo a few years ago — and I'm always looking for more!

Cheers,
August

Unknown said...

didn't a US distributor pick up the rights to the Great Chase or other E. Shihomi flick? The SSF boxset was tip top.

August Ragone said...

SPM,
I'll have to look into that... :)

Cheers,
August

Anonymous said...

Aloha Best Action Girl Et-Chan, you and Ayane-sama are Allways Ichi-ban in our belief with Honor, Duty and Respect onto your skills and dramatic presense. Yes Mrs. Etsuko (Shihomi) Nagabuchi You are are Our Dream Girl for Making Impossible-Possible. Imua Ka Kou!!!

Happy 21st Birthday Miss Ayane Shihomi-Nagabuchi, may the 17nth of March be a very "special" time and day for you and your Ohana.

Tanbooji Omedetto/ Hau'oli La Hanau- Happy Birthday Ayane-Sama.

GOD-Speed with Divine Supreme Ultimate "Way" of HARMONIX Ka Kou!!! -n- No Forget Have a most Joyous "Surfilicious-Day"- on Your "Special-Day" 03/17/2009.

Me Ke Aloha Pumehana J.J. M.S.L.S. Shin'ichi Iruka Saitoh-Car'ee.