Kaho Minami was born in Hyogo, Japan, and boasts a proud heritage as a third-generation Korean descendant. Her educational background is marked by her graduation from Toho Gakuen College of Drama & Music in Tokyo, Japan.
During her college days, Minami embarked on an acting journey, auditioning for the first time and landing the main role in her debut film, Kohei Oguri's "For Kanako," in 1984. Shortly after, she took on the lead role in TBS television's drama series in 1985. Her stage play debut was a notable one, as she portrayed the iconic character of Juliet in "Romeo & Juliet," directed by the legendary Kabuki actor Tamasaburo Bando.
Throughout the decades that followed, Minami has made a significant impact on the entertainment industry, appearing in numerous projects across various mediums, including theater, movies, and television dramas, often taking on both leading and supporting roles. Her filmography is replete with notable works, including Gakuryu Ishii's "Angel Dust" (1994),Masayuki Ochiai's Horror film "Infection" (2004),Tian Zhuangzhuang's "The Go Master" (2006),and Kazuyoshi Kumakiri's "Sketches of Kaitan City" (2010).
In her personal life, Minami has been married to actor Ken Watanabe from 2005 until 2018. She has also been actively involved in various volunteer projects, including sharing her experiences as a breast cancer survivor to raise awareness and support for others who have faced similar challenges. Her influence on Japanese females has been profound, earning her a reputation as one of the most powerful and respected figures in the industry.
Minami's international appearances are equally impressive, with notable roles in films such as "Oh, Lucy!" (2018) alongside Josh Hartnett, "Gensan Punch" (2022) directed by Philippines' master Brillante Mendoza, and "Pachinko" (2022),an Apple TV+ drama based on Min Jin Lee's original book.
