Miiko Taka

MIIKO TAKA autograph. Japanese American actress best known for co-starring with Marlon Brando as Hana-ogi in the 1957 film Sayonara. After director Joshua Logan's first choice for the role (Audrey Hepburn) turned him down, he looked to cast an unknown actress. Taka, who at the time was working as a clerk at a travel agency in Los Angeles was discovered by a talent scout at a local Nisei festival. Although she had no previous acting experience, Variety magazine gave her a positive review for her role in the film and Warner Brothers gave her a contract as a result.