More on Momoko Kochi

[Abe-Nornes]

Actress Momoko Kochi dies at 66

TOKYO, Nov. 5 (Kyodo) -- Actress Momoko Kochi died of intestinal
cancer Thursday morning at a hospital in Tokyo's Shibuya Ward, her
family said. She was 66. 

Kochi, whose real name was Momoko Hisamatsu, debuted in show business
in 1953 by successfully appearing in an annual new talent contest
sponsored by film company Toho Co. She was immediately cast in her
first film the same year. 

In 1954, she played the lead female role in the first ''Godzilla''
movie released in Japan. 

She entered ''Haiyuza'' acting school in 1956, where actor Akira
Takarada, who debuted in the same Toho contest as Kochi, said she
developed a reputation as a prima donna. 

In addition to film, she widely appeared in theater, television and
commercials, and received the Kinokuniya drama award in 1980. 

She appeared in another Godzilla movie in 1995 at the request of the
film's director, who was moved by her performance in the first
Godzilla picture. 

Kochi's grandfather was a viscount and her father was a painter.