Yorie Yamashita is a Japanese actress and voice actress, born on September 29, 1964, in Fujisawa, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. She began her career with a strong foundation in theater, having completed her training with the prestigious Theatre Company Bungakuza in 1984. In 1986, she became a member of the influential theater group Yume no Yuminsha, where she distinguished herself in various stage productions until the group disbanded in 1992.

Following her theater work, Yamashita shifted her focus primarily to television and film, becoming a familiar face in Japanese dramas and movies. While she is widely recognized for her extensive work in live-action, she has also made significant contributions as a voice actress in anime. Her most notable voice role is Shiho Tsukishima, the elder sister of the protagonist, in the acclaimed Studio Ghibli film Whisper of the Heart (1995). This role remains one of her most recognized performances in animation. Her collaboration with Studio Ghibli also includes voice roles in two other landmark films: Only Yesterday (1991), where she voiced Nanako, and Pom Poko (1994).

Throughout her career, Yamashita has been known for her versatility and natural acting style, frequently taking on supporting roles in a wide range of genres, from heartfelt dramas to mystery thrillers. She has been a recurring presence in the work of screenwriter Shinji Nojima, which solidified her status in prime-time television dramas. Her career demonstrates a successful balance between stage, live-action film and television, and voice acting for major animated features. Her enduring presence in the competitive Japanese entertainment industry, including her long-standing association with the talent agency Sis Company, stands as a notable achievement in itself.