
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】
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
99-year-old woman rescued while attempting to climb Mt. Fuji
New Shinkansen luggage drop-off system begins in Japan, making train travel even easier
Which country’s foreign tourists spend the most money per-person in Japan? Hint: Not the U..S. or China
Starbucks Japan adds a new summer Frappuccino to the menu, but is it as refreshing as it looks?
Kodama Shinkansen trains on popular Japan route get a whole new look this winter
Foreign hiker on Mt. Fuji loses consciousness and dies, becoming climbing season’s second fatality
Brand new Shinkansen bullet train unveiled in Japan… but it won’t carry passengers
Cup Noodle releases cold-water instant ramen in Japan, but can it really be made with just cold water?
Studio Ghibli releases anime T-shirts that pay homage to one of Hayao Miyazaki’s most personal films
Japan now has human refrigerators inspired by Japanese vending machines
Hatsune Miku collaborates with Hokusai’s art in new Vocaloid ukiyo-e illustration series [Pics]
Japanese convenience store releases Japanese convenience store-flavor fried chicken
Family Mart’s new Tokyo flagship convenience store doesn’t feel convenient, but is that a problem?
Starbucks Japan releases new Discovery Series collection celebrating local regions and traditions
Teen girl in Japan refuses to be victim, personally escorts train pervert to police for arrest
Is Japan’s tourism boom slowing down? Foreign visitor numbers fall for first time in five years
Starbucks Japan releases exclusive new Bearista collection…with beary cute details
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Japan triples departure tax, foreign tourists and locals now must pay more to leave country
Japan launches first overnight Shinkansen bullet train between Tokyo and Osaka this summer
Family Mart opens new “Famima” flagship store in Tokyo that’s like a tourist attraction
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa