Masako Natsume

Masako Natsume was a Japanese model and actress from Tokyo. Widely popular in Japan she gained worldwide recognition for her portrayal of Tripitaka in the TV series Monkey which is now considered a cult classic.

Masako was born Masako Odate in Roppongi, Tokyo, the only daughter of Sue and Kazu Odate. Raised in Nakaku, Yokohama, while in junior college in 1976 she auditioned for the lead in Nihon TVs Ai Ga Miemasu Ka. Chosen from 4,000 applicants, she dropped out of school to pursue an acting career, playing the part under her real name Masako Odate. Masakos mother initially objected to her choice of career and requested that she not use the Odate family name if she gained further work. In 1977, she changed her name to Natsume.

Source: Wikipedia