Mari Natsuki, born Junko Nakajima on May 2, 1952, in Tokyo, Japan, is a multifaceted Japanese entertainer who has built a remarkable career spanning over five decades as a singer, dancer, actress, and philanthropist. Describing herself as a "person who plays," Natsuki first began her professional journey in the entertainment industry at a young age, launching her career as a singer before expanding into other artistic realms. She adopted the stage name Mari Natsuki, under which she would become a household name in Japan, known for her powerful presence both on stage and screen.

Natsuki's early work in music and dance laid the foundation for a diverse career that soon included significant roles in musical theatre. She became a celebrated figure in this medium, taking on iconic parts such as Madame Thenardier in the Japanese production of Les Miserables and Golde in Fiddler on the Roof, often working under the direction of the renowned Yukio Ninagawa. Her theatrical prowess extended beyond traditional musicals, showcasing her versatility and commanding stage presence. In 2007, Natsuki announced her engagement to percussionist Nobu Sait?, and the couple married in the spring of 2008.

Perhaps her most internationally recognized role came in 2001 when she provided the voice of the formidable witch Yubaba in Hayao Miyazaki's Oscar-winning animated film Spirited Away. Her distinctive vocal performance brought the character to life, earning her widespread acclaim and a lasting place in global pop culture. Natsuki also voiced the identical twin sister Zeniba in the same film. She later expanded her voice acting repertoire by playing the character Big Mama in the Japanese version of the video game Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots. On screen, she appeared in the 2005 television drama Nobuta o Produce, playing the Vice Principal, and also portrayed the young witch's mother in the Japanese TV remake of Bewitched. Her film work earned her two nominations for the Japanese Academy Award, solidifying her status as a respected actress.

In addition to her acting and singing, Natsuki has been active in philanthropy, using her platform to support various causes. In 2024, she reprised her iconic roles of Yubaba and Zeniba for a stage adaptation of Spirited Away, performing both in Japan and in London to great acclaim. This return to one of her most beloved characters highlighted her enduring talent and the timeless appeal of her work. Through a career defined by artistic risk-taking and a refusal to be confined to a single discipline, Mari Natsuki remains a singular and influential figure in Japanese entertainment.