Michiko Nishiwaki

is a Japanese actress, stunt woman, martial artist, fight choreographer, former female bodybuilder and powerlifter. She performed the high-risk stunts as a double for Lucy Liu in the film Charlie's Angels. Early life Michiko Nishiwaki was born on November 21, 1957, in Funabashi, Chiba. As a teenager growing up in Tokyo, she was interested in gymnastics and volleyball. She became interested in bodybuilding when she grew dissatisfied with her body image, regarding her legs as too heavy compared to her upper body. Another turning point was her father's death, which motivated her to have her own say in the planning of her future. Career Sports Unusual for Japanese society at the time, Nishiwaki became a powerlifter and eventually Japan's first female powerlifting champion and first female bodybuilding champion. She opened three fitness clubs co-owned by her brother.