Shunsuke Nakamura (中村俊介, Nakamura Shunsuke; born 8 June 2005) is a Japanese figure skater. He is a five-time ISU Junior…Shunsuke Nakamura (中村俊介, Nakamura Shunsuke; born 8 June 2005) is a Japanese figure skater. He is a five-time ISU Junior Grand Prix medalist and the 2023 Japanese Junior National champion.
Ichika Kajimoto (梶本 一花, Kajimoto Ichika; born 7 March 2004) is a Japanese swimmer. She competed at the 2025 World…Ichika Kajimoto (梶本 一花, Kajimoto Ichika; born 7 March 2004) is a Japanese swimmer. She competed at the 2025 World Aquatics Championships, winning the gold medal in the women's 3 km knockout sprints event.
Yume Goto (後藤 夢, born 25 February 2000) is a Japanese middle distance runner. She was a silver medalist at the Asian…Yume Goto (後藤 夢, born 25 February 2000) is a Japanese middle distance runner. She was a silver medalist at the Asian Indoor Athletics Championships and Asian Athletics Championships in 2023 in the 1500 metres.
Honoka Hayashi (林 穂之香, Hayashi Honoka; IPA: [hajaɕiꜜ honoka]; born 19 May 1998) is a Japanese professional footballer…Honoka Hayashi (林 穂之香, Hayashi Honoka; IPA: [hajaɕiꜜ honoka]; born 19 May 1998) is a Japanese professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Women's Super League club Everton and the Japan national team. A full international since 2019, she represented Japan at the 2020 Olympics and the 2023 FIFA World Cup.
Kazuki Tomono (友野一希, Tomono Kazuki; born May 15, 1998) is a Japanese figure skater. He is the 2022 Four Continents…Kazuki Tomono (友野一希, Tomono Kazuki; born May 15, 1998) is a Japanese figure skater. He is the 2022 Four Continents silver medalist and a five-time Grand Prix medalist. He has represented Japan at three World Championships, achieving his best placement, fifth, at the 2018 World Championships. He is also the 2016–17 Japan Junior national champion.
Junki Kono (河野 純喜, Kōno Junki; born January 20, 1998) is a Japanese singer and actor. He debuted as a member and vocal…Junki Kono (河野 純喜, Kōno Junki; born January 20, 1998) is a Japanese singer and actor. He debuted as a member and vocal leader of the Japanese boy band JO1 in 2020, after placing ninth in the first season of Produce 101 Japan. He was featured in SawanoHiroyuki[nZk]'s single "Outsiders" in 2022 and the Japanese voice dub for Jonathan in Snow White (2025).
Miho Yoshimura (吉村美穂, Yoshimura Miho; born 14 October 1997) is a Japanese fencer. She competed at the 2024 Summer…Miho Yoshimura (吉村美穂, Yoshimura Miho; born 14 October 1997) is a Japanese fencer. She competed at the 2024 Summer Olympics in the Women's épée, where she defeated Sun Yiwen, the 2020 Summer Olympics gold medalist, in the second round. She was defeated by Vlada Kharkova in the round of 16.
Mariko Kihara (born September 4, 1997) is a Japanese figure skater. She has won three senior internationals – the 2014…Mariko Kihara (born September 4, 1997) is a Japanese figure skater. She has won three senior internationals – the 2014 Coupe du Printemps, 2015 Bavarian Open, and 2016 Triglav Trophy.
Timothy Shiraoka (白岡 ティモシィ, Shiraoka Teimosii; born 8 September 1996) is a Japanese professional footballer who plays…Timothy Shiraoka (白岡 ティモシィ, Shiraoka Teimosii; born 8 September 1996) is a Japanese professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Philippines Football League club Aguilas–UMak. He has represented Japan at the U17 level and is also known for being the first keeper to score a goal in the PFL.
Hiromi Wajima (born 23 February 1995) is a Japanese kickboxer, currently competing in the featherweight division of ONE…Hiromi Wajima (born 23 February 1995) is a Japanese kickboxer, currently competing in the featherweight division of ONE Championship. Previously, he competed in the super welterweight division of K-1, where he was K-1 Super Welterweight champion. He is the finalist of the 2020 K-1 Super Welterweight Grand Prix. He was ranked as the tenth-best lightweight (-71 kg) kickboxer in the world by Beyond Kick in December 2023.
Chihito Matsui (Japanese: 松井千士, born 11 November 1994) is a Japanese rugby sevens player. He competed in the men's…Chihito Matsui (Japanese: 松井千士, born 11 November 1994) is a Japanese rugby sevens player. He competed in the men's tournament at the 2020 Summer Olympics.
Aya Takano (高野 綾, Takano Aya; born May 14, 1994) is a Japanese swimmer, who was selected to the national team to…Aya Takano (高野 綾, Takano Aya; born May 14, 1994) is a Japanese swimmer, who was selected to the national team to qualify for the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, after having accepted an invitation from FINA, based on her B-standard time. She competed in the women's 400 m freestyle, where she placed twenty-sixth in the heats, with a time of 4:12.33. She also joined the women's national team for the women's freestyle relay events, where she and her teammates finished in seventh and eighth place, respectively. Takano is a sports science student at Doshisha University in Kyoto, Japan, and is currently a member of Itoman Club, being trained by Masato Nishiwaki.
Yūma Koishi (小石 祐馬, Koishi Yūma; born 15 September 1993) is a Japanese cyclist, who currently rides for UCI Continental…Yūma Koishi (小石 祐馬, Koishi Yūma; born 15 September 1993) is a Japanese cyclist, who currently rides for UCI Continental team Kinan Racing Team.
Ao Omae (大前 粟生, Ōmae Ao; born 1992) is a Japanese fiction writer. Born in Hyōgo Prefecture, he lived in Kyoto until…Ao Omae (大前 粟生, Ōmae Ao; born 1992) is a Japanese fiction writer. Born in Hyōgo Prefecture, he lived in Kyoto until 2022, when he relocated to Tokyo.
Sakura Kokumai (born October 2, 1992) is an American karateka. She won the gold medal in the women's individual kata…Sakura Kokumai (born October 2, 1992) is an American karateka. She won the gold medal in the women's individual kata event at the 2019 Pan American Games in Lima, Peru and the 2023 Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile. She represented the United States in the women's kata event at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan.
Kengo Kitagawa (北川 賢吾, Kitagawa Kengo; born 27 Aug 1992) is a Japanese rugby union player who plays as a Prop. He…Kengo Kitagawa (北川 賢吾, Kitagawa Kengo; born 27 Aug 1992) is a Japanese rugby union player who plays as a Prop. He currently plays for Kubota Spears in Japan's domestic Top League.
Satoru Uyama (宇山 賢, Uyama Satoru, born 10 December 1991) is a Japanese right-handed épée fencer, 2016 team Asian…Satoru Uyama (宇山 賢, Uyama Satoru, born 10 December 1991) is a Japanese right-handed épée fencer, 2016 team Asian champion, and 2021 team Olympic champion. Along with Koki Kano, Masaru Yamada, and Kazuyasu Minobe, Uyama was a member of the Japanese team that won gold in the team men's épée event at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. It was Japan's first Olympic gold medal in fencing.
Misato Ugaki (宇垣 美里, Ugaki Misato; born 16 April 1991) is a Japanese freelance announcer, model, actress, and…Misato Ugaki (宇垣 美里, Ugaki Misato; born 16 April 1991) is a Japanese freelance announcer, model, actress, and television personality. Previously she was a Tokyo Broadcasting System Television announcer.
Akitoshi Oka (岡 亮聡, Oka Akitoshi; born July 3, 1989), known professionally by the stage name Taiiku Okazaki (岡崎 体育…Akitoshi Oka (岡 亮聡, Oka Akitoshi; born July 3, 1989), known professionally by the stage name Taiiku Okazaki (岡崎 体育, Okazaki Taiiku), is a Japanese musician and songwriter who is signed to SME Records. Beginning his career as an independent musician in 2012, he made his major debut with the release of his first major album Basin Techno in 2016. The album includes the song "Music Video", which became a viral hit in Japan for parodying common tropes used in music videos. That same year, he performed the song "Pose", which was used as the first closing theme for the anime series Pokémon: Sun & Moon. He has also written music for commercials and for other musicians.
Tomoki Yoshikawa (吉川 智貴, Yoshikawa Tomoki; born 3 February 1989) is a Japanese futsal player who plays for Nagoya…Tomoki Yoshikawa (吉川 智貴, Yoshikawa Tomoki; born 3 February 1989) is a Japanese futsal player who plays for Nagoya Oceans and the Japanese national futsal team.
Tomomi Abiko (我孫子 智美, Abiko Tomomi; born 17 March 1988) is a Japanese track and field athlete who competes in the pole…Tomomi Abiko (我孫子 智美, Abiko Tomomi; born 17 March 1988) is a Japanese track and field athlete who competes in the pole vault. She won at the 2012 Japan Championships. She is Japanese record holder in the Women's pole vault. She competed in the Women's pole vault at the 2012 Summer Olympics.
Sotokanda Icchome (外神田いっちょめ), formerly known as Bakusute Sotokanda Icchome (バクステ外神田一丁目), is a Japanese idol girl group…Sotokanda Icchome (外神田いっちょめ), formerly known as Bakusute Sotokanda Icchome (バクステ外神田一丁目), is a Japanese idol girl group established in December 2011. Their singles "Baitofaitaa" and "Otomegokoro no kagi/The kagayakeru" reached the third place on the weekly Oricon Singles Chart.
Jumpei Kusukami (楠神 順平, Kusukami Jumpei; born 27 August 1987) is a Japanese footballer currently playing for Nankatsu…Jumpei Kusukami (楠神 順平, Kusukami Jumpei; born 27 August 1987) is a Japanese footballer currently playing for Nankatsu SC.
Yukina Ōta (太田 由希奈, Ōta Yukina; born November 26, 1986 in Kyoto) is a Japanese figure skater. She is the 2003 World…Yukina Ōta (太田 由希奈, Ōta Yukina; born November 26, 1986 in Kyoto) is a Japanese figure skater. She is the 2003 World Junior champion and the 2004 Four Continents champion. She announced her retirement from competitive skating in November 2008, due to injury.
Ryōko Fuda (不田涼子, Fuda Ryōko) (born 25 October 1986) is a retired Japanese tennis player. She turned professional in…Ryōko Fuda (不田涼子, Fuda Ryōko) (born 25 October 1986) is a retired Japanese tennis player. She turned professional in December 2003.
Aiko Okazaki (born 10 January 1986) is a Japanese Paralympic archer who competes in international archery competitions.…Aiko Okazaki (born 10 January 1986) is a Japanese Paralympic archer who competes in international archery competitions. She is a World bronze medalist in the mixed team. She competed at the 2020 Summer Paralympics where she reached the quarterfinals in both the individual and team events.
Yuki Ota (太田 雄貴, Ōta Yūki; born 25 November 1985) is a Japanese foil fencer, gold medallist at the 2006 Asian Games…Yuki Ota (太田 雄貴, Ōta Yūki; born 25 November 1985) is a Japanese foil fencer, gold medallist at the 2006 Asian Games, silver medallist at the 2008 Summer Olympics, team silver medallist at the 2012 Summer Olympics, and individual gold medallist at the 2015 World Fencing Championships. He is a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Takehisa Usuzuki (宇薄岳央, Usuzuki Takehisa) is a Japanese rugby union player. Usuzuki has played seven tests for the…Takehisa Usuzuki (宇薄岳央, Usuzuki Takehisa) is a Japanese rugby union player. Usuzuki has played seven tests for the Japan national rugby union team. Usuzuki was a member of the Japan national rugby union team at the 2011 Rugby World Cup.
Alex Saito (斎藤 アレックス, Saitō Arekkusu, born 30 June 1985) is a Spanish-Japanese politician who has served as a member of…Alex Saito (斎藤 アレックス, Saitō Arekkusu, born 30 June 1985) is a Spanish-Japanese politician who has served as a member of the House of Representatives of Japan since 2021. A member of Ishin no Kai (Japan Innovation Party) since 2024, Saito represented the Kinki proportional representation block from 2021 to 2024 as member of the Democratic Party For the People (DPFP), and has represented Shiga 1st district since 2025.
Kazlaser (カズレーザー, Kazurēzā; born 4 July 1984, in Kazo, Saitama) is a Japanese comedian. He performs boke in the comedy…Kazlaser (カズレーザー, Kazurēzā; born 4 July 1984, in Kazo, Saitama) is a Japanese comedian. He performs boke in the comedy duo Maple Chogoukin. His real name is Kazunori Kaneko (金子 和令, Kaneko Kazunori). He is represented by Sun Music Production. Kazlaser is known for his red clothing and gold hair. He stated that the look was inspired by the 80's anime series Space Cobra. Kazlaser's parents were both civil servants and his family are strawberry farmers.
Mariko Adachi (足立 真梨子, Adachi Mariko; born 21 July 1983) is a Japanese triathlete. She competed in the Women's event at…Mariko Adachi (足立 真梨子, Adachi Mariko; born 21 July 1983) is a Japanese triathlete. She competed in the Women's event at the 2012 Summer Olympics.
Kanae Ikehata (池端 花奈恵, Kanae Ikehata) is a Japanese female Foil fencer. She competed at the 2012 Summer Olympics in the…Kanae Ikehata (池端 花奈恵, Kanae Ikehata) is a Japanese female Foil fencer. She competed at the 2012 Summer Olympics in the individual event and the team event. In the individual event she was eliminated in the quarterfinals by Nam Hyun-Hee. In the team event the Japanese team was eliminated in the second round by Russia.
Ryo Watanabe (渡辺 亮, Watanabe Ryō; real name: 渡邊 亮, born February 10, 1982, in Naruto, Tokushima, Japan) is a retired…Ryo Watanabe (渡辺 亮, Watanabe Ryō; real name: 渡邊 亮, born February 10, 1982, in Naruto, Tokushima, Japan) is a retired Nippon Professional Baseball pitcher who spent 10 years with the Hanshin Tigers in Japan's Central League.
Daisuke Arakawa (荒川 大輔, Arakawa Daisuke; born 19 September 1981) is a Japanese athlete specialising in the long jump.…Daisuke Arakawa (荒川 大輔, Arakawa Daisuke; born 19 September 1981) is a Japanese athlete specialising in the long jump. He twice represented his country at World Championships, in 2007 and 2009, failing to reach the final. His personal bests are 8.09 metres outdoors (2008) and 7.77 metres indoors (2003). He also holds the Japanese masters record (M35) with 7.33 metres outdoors (2017).
Shōbun Nitta (新田 章文, Nitta Shōbun; born 20 May 1981) is a Japanese politician of the Liberal Democratic Party, who…Shōbun Nitta (新田 章文, Nitta Shōbun; born 20 May 1981) is a Japanese politician of the Liberal Democratic Party, who serves as a member of the House of Representatives.
Kaori Fujino (藤野 可織, Fujino Kaori) is a Japanese writer from Kyoto. Her work has won the 103rd Bungakukai Prize and the…Kaori Fujino (藤野 可織, Fujino Kaori) is a Japanese writer from Kyoto. Her work has won the 103rd Bungakukai Prize and the 149th Akutagawa Prize.
Aoko Matsuda (松田青子 Matsuda Aoko; born October 11, 1979) is a Japanese writer and translator. She is the winner of the…Aoko Matsuda (松田青子 Matsuda Aoko; born October 11, 1979) is a Japanese writer and translator. She is the winner of the 2021 World Fantasy Award—Collection.
Tetsuya Matsunaga (松永 鉄也, Matsunaga Tetsuya; born 15 April 1979 in Kyoto) is a Japanese sailor, who specialized in…Tetsuya Matsunaga (松永 鉄也, Matsunaga Tetsuya; born 15 April 1979 in Kyoto) is a Japanese sailor, who specialized in two-person dinghy (470) class. He represented Japan, along with his partner Taro Ueno, at the 2008 Summer Olympics, and has also been training for Three Bond Sailing Team in Kyoto throughout most of his sporting career under his longtime coach and mentor Kenji Nakamura. As of September 2014, Matsunaga is ranked twenty-sixth in the world for two-person dinghy class by the International Sailing Federation, following his successes at the South American Championships, ISAF Sailing World Cup Series, and 2014 ISAF Sailing World Championships in Santander, Spain. Matsunaga qualified as a skipper for the Japanese squad in the men's 470 class at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing by placing fifteenth and receiving a berth from the World Championships in Melbourne, Australia. Teaming with crew member Taro Ueno in the eleven-race series, the Japanese duo mounted a marvelous lead in the opening leg, but came up short for the medal with a net score of 97 and a seventh-place finish in a fleet of twenty-nine boats. At the 2014 ISAF Sailing World Championships, Matsunaga and his new partner Yugo Yoshida set a career record with a sixth-place finish in the men's 470 class to secure their spot on the Japanese sailing team for the 2016 Summer Olympics.
Shotaro Onishi (大西将太郎, Ōnishi shōtarō; born 18 November 1978) is a former Japanese rugby union player who played as a…Shotaro Onishi (大西将太郎, Ōnishi shōtarō; born 18 November 1978) is a former Japanese rugby union player who played as a centre. He spent his whole career playing for both Kintetsu Liners and Toyota Industries Shuttles in Japan's domestic Top League, playing over 560 times. He was named in the Japan squad for the 2007 Rugby World Cup, making 3 appearances in the tournament. He made a further 30 appearances for Japan in his career, scoring 71 points.
Koji Kakamu (各務 耕司 (Kakamu Kōji, born June 7, 1977)) is a Japanese judo coach and former judoka. He is the current head…Koji Kakamu (各務 耕司 (Kakamu Kōji, born June 7, 1977)) is a Japanese judo coach and former judoka. He is the current head coach of the Saudi Arabia national judo team. He is notable for his successful tenure as a coach for the All Japan Judo Federation (AJJF), particularly as the head coach for the junior national team, leading them to numerous gold medals at the World Judo Juniors Championships.
Tsuneyasu Miyamoto (宮本 恒靖, Miyamoto Tsuneyasu; born 7 February 1977) is a Japanese former football coach and former…Tsuneyasu Miyamoto (宮本 恒靖, Miyamoto Tsuneyasu; born 7 February 1977) is a Japanese former football coach and former player who last coached Gamba Osaka. He played for Japan national team and is the current president of the Japan Football Association. A central defender, Miyamoto went on to make 71 international appearances and led the Japan national team in the 2002 and 2006 World Cups as well as the 2004 Asian Cup. Miyamoto also captained Gamba Osaka during their 2005 J1 League championship season. He is also a graduate of the 13th edition of FIFA Master.
Saori Yoshikawa (吉川 沙織, Yoshikawa Saori; born 9 October 1976) is a Japanese politician of the Constitutional Democratic…Saori Yoshikawa (吉川 沙織, Yoshikawa Saori; born 9 October 1976) is a Japanese politician of the Constitutional Democratic Party and a member of the House of Councillors in the Diet (national legislature).
Masaki Sumitani (住谷 正樹, Sumitani Masaki; born December 18, 1975) a Japanese comedian, television personality, and…Masaki Sumitani (住谷 正樹, Sumitani Masaki; born December 18, 1975) a Japanese comedian, television personality, and retired professional wrestler. He is best known for creating and portraying Razor Ramon HG (レイザーラモンHG, Reizā Ramon Eichi Jī; also known as Hard Gay), a satirical fictional character who became known through appearances on the Japanese variety show Bakusho Mondai no Bakuten!
