Her most famous film was The Million Ryo Pot, which records not only her remarkable natural acting skill, but numerous songs she sang accompanied by a shamisen.

Born with the name Yoshiko, the first daughter of nine children to her father Masayoshi and mother Chika, in the area of which is now known as Nishinoomote, Kagoshima.

They met at the ryotei where Kiyozō performed, and initially impressed by her talent, Nakayama decided to write for her unique and lovely voice.

In 1935, the increasingly popular artist performed as the lead actress in Yamanaka Sadao's film, The Million Ryo Pot.

In 1956, Kiyozō toured America, in San Francisco, New York, Washington and Chicago, to play the shamisen at various events promoting Kagoshima and Japanese culture.