Mari Natsuki has faced a number of challenges throughout her diverse career but her latest role asked her to attempt something she's never confronted before — portray an ordinary person.
Previously, Natsuki has taken on roles as a singer, a dancer, an actor, a director and a philanthropist, among others. With such a broad portfolio already under her belt, it's virtually impossible to encapsulate the 65-year-old in a single word.
Speaking to The Japan Times in December, Natsuki prefers to describe herself as a pureiyā (player) — literally, "a person who plays."