Golden Globe winner and Shōgun star Hiroyuki Sanada celebrated International Hairstyling Award honoree Mitsuyo Takasaki, who traveled from Japan to receive her award at the 10th Hollywood Beauty Awards earlier this month.
Hiroyuki and Mitsuyo had worked on several films together over the decades before Shōgun.
The black-tie HBA dinner ceremony benefitted Helen Woodward Animal Center. The HBAs recognize talent in hair, makeup, photography and styling for Film, TV, Music, the red carpet and editorial, as well as special honorees.
Mitsuyo’s work on FX’s acclaimed series Shōgun and Martin Scorsese’s Silence solidified her reputation in the global film industry.
Hailing from Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture, Takasaki is a distinguished makeup artist and hair stylist, renowned for her expertise in period drama styling, wig design, and special makeup techniques. She pursued her passion for makeup at the esteemed Shu Uemura Makeup School. Her professional journey began with Yagi Katsura Inc., where she worked for almost three decades, playing a key role in the makeup department at Shochiku Studio. She became an Academy Member in 2019.
Takasaki had the privilege of working with some of Japan’s most legendary filmmakers, including Kon Ichikawa, Nagisa Oshima, Kihachi Okamoto, Masahiro Shinoda, Yoji Yamada and Kinji Fukasaku, as well as collaborating with renowned Kabuki actors and international film stars.
Under the guidance of her esteemed mentor Tsuneo Soga, Takasaki developed a unique ability to capture the subtle nuances of traditional Japanese period hairstyles, elevating the visual storytelling through her meticulous craftsmanship. Takasaki’s impressive body of work includes notable TV series such as Onihei Hankacho, Hissatsu Shigotonin, and Kumokiri Nizaemon and more recently FX’s Shōgun series.
Her film credits include The Twilight Samurai (Directed by Yoji Yamada), Warau Iemon (Directed by Yukio Ninagawa), Hana (Directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda), Silence (Directed by Martin Scorsese), Kaidan (Directed by Hideo Nakata), Ballad: Namonaki koi no uta (Directed by Takashi Yamazaki), Baragaki: Unbroken Samurai (Directed by Masato Harada), and Ikigai (Directed by Amon Miyamoto) among many others.
Her work continues to bridge cultures, inspiring younger generations to pursue creative careers and preserving the rich heritage of Japanese film and theater.
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