The Japanese actress Akemi Negishi died of cancer in Kawasaki on March 11 at the age of 73.

Negishi first came into international prominence through Josef von Strinberg’s 1953 Anathan, which was a co-production between Japan and Hollywood. She became known for her sensuous, even seductive acting, which was somewhat unusual for the 1950s and 60s Japan. Her credits with Kurosawa include four movies: Record of a Living Being, The Lower Depths, Dodesukaden and Red Beard.

Negishi was also known for her television and theatre work.