Matsu Takako, born June 10, 1977 in Tokyo, Japan, is a Japanese stage and screen actress and pop singer/songwriter. She was born into a traditional Buyo house, and her Buyo name is Matsumoto Koka (Matsumoto Koka the First). Her father is Matsumoto Koshiro IX, Kabuki actor and head of the Buyo house; her uncle is Nakamura Kichiemon II; her older brother is Ichikawa Somegoro VII (now Matsumoto Koshiro X); her sister, six years her elder is Matsumoto Kio. Her mother's name is Matsumoto Noriko. She selected her last name as "Matsu" to honor her parents. Matsu Takako debuted in theater when she was sixteen years old, in Ninjo Hanashi Bun Nana Motoyu (Emotions Inscribed in Seven Hair-tying Paper Cords) at Tokyo Kabuki-za in 1993. Her first lead role in television was in the NHK Drama "Hana no Ran" (War of Roses) for child part of main character Hino Tomiko in 1994, and starred in the NHK Drama "Kura". Because Shirayuri Gakuen, her high school, prohibited working in the industry, she was transferred to Horikoshi High School. Matsu starred in the 1996 drama "Long Vacation" after her enrollment to Asia University. She later dropped out of college when the drama became a major hit, and this success led her to host the 47th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen and other opportunities. At the wrap-up ceremony of the drama "Long Vacation", Matsu sang karaoke which was heard by the director and suggested that she give singing a try. Though she refused at first, Matsu eventually accepted because she saw it as a chance that not everyone got. In 1997, she released the debut single "Ashita, Haru ga Kitara" and performed at the 48th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen. The same year, she played the lead role of drama "Love Generation", starring Kimura Takuya. "Love Generation" also became a hit drama, receiving an average of viewership rating of 30.8%. Matsu and Kimura reunited again in another iconic drama "HERO" in 2001. "HERO" achieved the highest Japanese T Watch drama online for free.