She made only five sound films between 1950 and 1953. Director Yasujiro Ozu considered her for a role in Tokyo Story , but ultimately chose Setsuko Hara, reportedly because he felt Washio’s voice "disrupted the harmony of naturalism." This rejection broke her spirit.
For nearly a decade, her whereabouts were the subject of intense speculation in Japanese tabloids. Theories abounded: she had joined a Buddhist convent in the mountains of Koya-san; she had fled to Brazil with a Korean War veteran; she had died in a fire at a public bathhouse. None were true. Mei Washio
In her personal life, Mei Washio is known to be a kind and humble individual, cherished by her fans and colleagues alike. She continues to reside in Tokyo, where she remains actively involved in the entertainment industry, pursuing new projects and collaborations. She made only five sound films between 1950 and 1953