Akiko Wakabayashi
People in English-speaking countries had never heard of Akiko Wkabayashi until she made her first international appearance as Aki in the James Bond film “You Only Live Twice.” However, she had already made a name for herself with scintillating performances in Japanese monster films in the 1960s.
Akiko was cast for a minor role, but when it became clear that she could handle the demands of a more prominent gig, she was made James Bond’s sidekick. And she retired after the role, having played her part in the film industry.
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