
Naoko Ken was the Japanese-dub voice actress for this classic antagonist, and she shows she can look the part too.
Respect for one’s elders is a tenet of Japanese society. Respect doesn’t always equal popularity, though, and so many Japanese celebrities, especially female ones, fade away into obscurity at a young age.
67-year-old Naoko Ken, though, is an exception. Debuting as a singer in 1971, the Shizuoka native later become a popular TV personality, and more recently has been wowing the Internet with her makeup videos. Earlier this month we took a look at how she creates her personal look, and now she’s back again, this time to cosplay as Disney villain Cruella de Vil, of 101 Dalmatians infamy.
▼ “I don’t know if I’ll be able to do a good job,” Ken says as she starts off.
Ken starts off with a hefty amount of foundation, adjusting her visual skin tone to match what she describes as Cruella’s “stark white” complexion. After that, she’s on to crafting the devious fashionista’s unnervingly long and expressive eyebrows.
“This would actually be easier if I didn’t have eyebrows of my own,” Ken murmurs, but she’s obviously not about to shave her natural ones clean off for a little Disney cosplay. So instead, she cleverly incorporates her actual eyebrows into Cruella’s heavily shadowed eyelids.
“This is starting to come together,” Ken self-evaluates while applying a pair of lavishly long eyelash extensions. Then it’s time for the finishing touch of attention-commanding bright red lipstick.
With her makeup sorted, Ken slips into costume and puts on her wig, and the transformation is complete, and also completely perfect.
▼ Though she does say that smiling like this gave her sore jaw muscles.
クルエラのコスプレしてみました🙋♀️ pic.twitter.com/6gs8IaIGfX
— 研ナオコ (@naokoken77) March 30, 2021
Reactions to the video have included:
“Whoa, she looks exactly like Cruella!”
“I figure she’s primarily going for comedy here, but she also looks incredibly fashionable.”
“When I watched the 101 Dalmatians cartoon, I remember thinking ‘Naoko Ken could play her in a live-action version.’”
“She should dress like this the next time she has a concert!”
Ken probably gets a bit of a boost from the fact that she’s served as the Japanese-dub voice actress for Cruella in the 101 Dalmatians animation. Even without that mental connection, though, her cosplay is convincing enough to leave Disney fans breathless, and dog-lovers worried that she might be scheming to get her hands on their pets.
Source: YouTube/研ナオコ Naoko Ken via Hachima Kiko, Crank In
Images: YouTube/研ナオコ Naoko Ken
● Want to hear about SoraNews24’s latest articles as soon as they’re published? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!





Disney villain-themed eyeglasses in four styles up for presale in Japan
Japanese star’s makeup transformation goes viral online 【Videos】
Unique inclined elevator in Japan leads to a town that inspired Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away
Real takoyaki is almost impossible to find in Tokyo, but this place has it, our hardliner says
Tokyo hotel lets you make your stay a Sanrio one with special My Melody and Kuromi rooms【Pics】
Never been into a girl’s room before? Then this reference photo book is for you
These beautiful Studio Ghibli 10,000-year calendar figures are actually good forever【Photos】
Virtual YouTuber anime girl offers breast milk feeding session as part of crowdfunding campaign
Hachiko, Japan’s most loyal dog, finally reunited with owner in heartwarming new statue in Tokyo
Live out Disney fantasies with the new “mermaid tour” experience in Japan
Top Japanese baby names for 2025 feature flowers, colors, and a first-time-ever favorite for girls
Coffin meditation sessions being offered by Tokyo relaxation parlor
Sanrio and Sonic the Hedgehog characters become fast friends with new plushie collection
Totoro fountain figurine recreates the sights and sounds of one of anime’s most memorable scenes
Step into Japanese culture with Converse’s new Japan-exclusive shoes featuring gods, sushi style
Starbucks Japan releases new Christmas drink that can be topped with whipped cream
New Kyoto experience package lets you film epic samurai battles with your friends
Beautiful Totoro bento box mixes classic and modern symbols of Japan
Kagawa’s Udon Gummies are so hard to chew they come with warning labels
This Japanese restaurant chain’s triple-decker sushi bowls are a crazy feast for the eyes/stomach
Human washing machine pods coming to Japanese hotels【Photos】
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys to brighten your days
JR Hokkaido train driver in trouble for reading book about trains on stopped train
Studio Ghibli releases new anime tea and mugs in Japan
Japanese hotel chain’s new service: A bed and pajamas for otaku travelers’ plushies
Tokyo bento boxed lunch shop charges different prices depending on how heavy your laptop is
Studio Ghibli anime stoles are here to keep you warm with a range of famous characters
Japan has vending machines that put protective film on your phone for you — Here’s how to use them
Starbucks Japan unveils new Christmas Frappuccino and holiday drinks for 2025
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Possessing Harry Potter’s Sword of Godric Gryffindor is now illegal in Japan
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
The top 10 annoying foreign tourist behaviors on trains, as chosen by Japanese people【Survey】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
One of Japan’s most beautiful hot spring towns announces new limits on number of day trippers
Leave a Reply