Japanese Actress. Taira was a prominent actress who had a long career in film, television, and on the theatrical stage. After graduating from elementary school, she joined a theater troupe and from then on, continued performing in various productions through the years.  Taira later went into acting in both the big screen and television, appearing in such works as “Churasan” (2001), “Nabbie no koi” (1999), “Sushi oji!” (2007), “Nada so so” (2006), and “Paradise View”(1985).  She received a number of awards throughout her career and in 1998, was designated ,by her native Okinawa, “a Protector of Intangible Cultural Properties, Ryukyuan Song and Drama”.  Taira was always active in promoting her native land. (bio by: Mr. Badger Hawkeye)