Machiko Soga

She decided to pursue a career in acting to overcome stage fright after she failed a chemistry presentation at school.

From that night on, her life would forever change as she met many important figures in the world of Japanese television.

After appearing in NHK's radio drama Chorinmura to Kurumi no Ki (1961), she gained fame as the first voice actress to portray the lovable ghost Q-taro in Obake no Q-tarō (TBS, 1965–1968).

She appeared in numerous tokusatsu films and series and played many villainous roles[3] in the Super Sentai franchise such as Queen Hedrian in Denziman and Sun Vulcan.

She also appeared in Maskman portraying Tube Empire's field commander, Baraba's mother for one episode, as well as the evil sorceress Bandora in Zyuranger, better known to audiences in English speaking countries as Rita Repulsa in the American adaptation of Zyuranger, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers.

In an odd twist, she soon found herself re-dubbing her own lines as Rita when Power Rangers was broadcast in Japan after the show became a surprise hit in America.