Naniwa Chieko (real name: Nanko Kikuno, November 19, 1907 – December 22 , 1973) was a Japanese actress. Due to poverty, she was unable to receive an elementary school education and struggled with being illiterate. Later, through her own efforts, she learned to read and write, and overcame illiteracy. She appeared in works such as A Geisha, Throne of Blood, Equinox Flower, and Twenty-Four Eyes. She appeared in films by many of the great directors of her time. She died of gastrointestinal bleeding on December 22, 1973, at the age of 66. After her death, she was awarded the Order of the Sacred Treasure , Fourth Class .