Takahiro Ueda (上田 岳弘, Ueda Takahiro) is a Japanese novelist. He won the 2019 Akutagawa Prize for his science-fiction…Takahiro Ueda (上田 岳弘, Ueda Takahiro) is a Japanese novelist. He won the 2019 Akutagawa Prize for his science-fiction novel Nimuroddo (Nimrod), which "depicts relations between the advancement of science and humanism with a focus on cryptocurrency". He also won the 2015 Mishima Prize for My One True Love. In 2016, he was named by Granta magazine as one of the best young Japanese novelists.
Tomohiro Nagatsuka (長塚智広, Nagatsuka Tomohiro; born November 28, 1978) is a Japanese cyclist. He won the silver medal in…Tomohiro Nagatsuka (長塚智広, Nagatsuka Tomohiro; born November 28, 1978) is a Japanese cyclist. He won the silver medal in the Men's team sprint in the 2004 Summer Olympics along with Toshiaki Fushimi and Masaki Inoue. In Japan, he is mostly known as a keirin cyclist.
Kazuki Namioka (波岡 一喜, Namioka Kazuki; born August 2, 1978) is a Japanese actor. He made his acting debut in the…Kazuki Namioka (波岡 一喜, Namioka Kazuki; born August 2, 1978) is a Japanese actor. He made his acting debut in the television series Pride. He appeared in Hiroshi Shinagawa's 2009 debut film Drop. He also co-starred with Kōji Yakusho in Takashi Miike's 13 Assassins.
Noriko Inada (稲田 法子, Inada Noriko) (born 27 July 1978 in Sōka, Saitama, Japan) is a Japanese swimmer who competed in…Noriko Inada (稲田 法子, Inada Noriko) (born 27 July 1978 in Sōka, Saitama, Japan) is a Japanese swimmer who competed in the 1992, 2000, and 2004 Summer Olympics. Inada retired after the 2004 Summer Olympics, though she joined the Phoenix Swim Club in 2008 and attempted to make a professional comeback in April 2010. In April 2012, she placed 3rd in the 100m backstroke in the Japan Championship, just missing out on a top 2 spot required for attending the 2012 Summer Olympics. 2014 saw her break three world records in the 35-39 age group at the 2014 FINA World Masters Championships. In 2015, she won the Japan Championship in the 50m backstroke time with a time of 28.36s, and placed second in the 100m backstroke with a time of 1m 1.27s. In 2017, she is still with the Phoenix Swim Club, as an assistant coach.
Kaori Aoba (青葉 かおり, Aoba Kaori; born July 11, 1978) is a female professional 5 dan Go player. She is currently an…Kaori Aoba (青葉 かおり, Aoba Kaori; born July 11, 1978) is a female professional 5 dan Go player. She is currently an affiliate of the Nihon Ki-in, the largest Go association of Japan, and was a student of Yasumasa Hane. On 4 September 2008, Aoba was defeated by Crazy Stone, a Monte-Carlo Tree Search Go playing engine, in an 8-stone handicap game in Tokyo, Japan. The exhibition match marks the earliest official defeat of a professional by a computer with a conventional handicap.
Atsushi Sato (佐藤 敦之, Satō Atsushi; born 8 May 1978) is a Japanese long-distance runner who competes in marathon races.…Atsushi Sato (佐藤 敦之, Satō Atsushi; born 8 May 1978) is a Japanese long-distance runner who competes in marathon races. He is the Asian record holder in the half marathon with his time of 60:25 minutes. His marathon best of 2:07:13 hours is the fourth fastest by a Japanese athlete. He is married to Miho Sato (née Sugimori), who was a 2004 Japanese Olympian. At major championships, he has twice finished in the top ten in the marathon at the World Championships in Athletics, including sixth at the 2009 World Championships marathon. He has also had two top ten finishes at the IAAF World Half Marathon Championships. He represented Japan at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, but was last in the marathon. He also competed for Japan in the 10,000 metres at the 2002 Asian Games.
Tomoko Ogawa (尾川 智子, Ogawa Tomoko; born April 14, 1978) is a Japanese boulderer. In 2012, she sent Catharsis, a boulder…Tomoko Ogawa (尾川 智子, Ogawa Tomoko; born April 14, 1978) is a Japanese boulderer. In 2012, she sent Catharsis, a boulder route in Shiobara established by Dai Koyamada, and confirmed by Daniel Woods, to become the first-ever woman to climb an 8B+ (V14) route. Ogawa began climbing in 2000, at age 22. Her other notable ascents of boulders include Caramba 8A+ (V12), Mutante 8A+ (V12), Akugeki 8A/8A+ , Atomic Playboy 8A (V11), Hatchling 8A (V11), and No Late Tenders 8A (V11).
Kyohei Sakaguchi (坂口 恭平, Sakaguchi Kyōhei; born 13 April 1978) is a Japanese artist and architect who was born in…Kyohei Sakaguchi (坂口 恭平, Sakaguchi Kyōhei; born 13 April 1978) is a Japanese artist and architect who was born in Kumamoto. He graduated from Waseda University's department of architecture in 2001. He is most known for his Zero Yen Project, which involves studying structures built at no cost, such as shanties made by the homeless. The Zero Yen Project involved building dwellings after the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant meltdowns following the March 2011 earthquake, and subsequent tsunami that devastated the Tohuku region. In response to the disaster, he created a suicide help line using his personal cell phone. Later he studied provisional dwellings made from scrap wood, discarded cardboard boxes and other scavenged materials. In 2004 is photographic book Zero Yen House was published. In 2013 his book, Build Your Own Independent Nation, was published. In 2014, he wrote a novel, Genjitsu Dasshutsuron (Thesis on Escaping Reality). In 2020 his book Kurushii Toki wa Denwa Shite (Call Me When You're in Pain) was published. Sakaguchi's work has been exhibited at the Watari Museum of Contemporary Art, the Trax Gallery in Yamanashi Prefecture, the Vancouver Art Gallery, as well as exhibitions in Nairobi, Berkeley, California, Philadelphia, Tokyo, the Walter Phillips Gallery at Banff Centre, Canada, Museo Desafinado / Casa Endeble in Mexico City, among other international venues
Toshihito Kumagai (熊谷俊人, Kumagai Toshihito; born 18 February 1978) is a Japanese politician who has served as governor…Toshihito Kumagai (熊谷俊人, Kumagai Toshihito; born 18 February 1978) is a Japanese politician who has served as governor of Chiba Prefecture since 2021. Governor Kumagai was re-elected as the governor of Chiba Prefecture for a second term on the 16th of March 2025.
Oki Sato (佐藤 オオキ, Satō Ōki, born 24 December 1977) is a Japanese architect, designer, and the founder of the Nendo…Oki Sato (佐藤 オオキ, Satō Ōki, born 24 December 1977) is a Japanese architect, designer, and the founder of the Nendo design studio. He was born in Toronto, Canada, attended Waseda University in Tokyo and graduated in 2002 with a Masters of Arts degree in architecture. He subsequently founded Nendo in his parents' garage in Tokyo. He has said that "Design is about making decisions. A person can only make a certain amount of decisions each day, and it's really important to keep your mind empty." Sato also mentions in several interviews that meeting Issey Miyake had a significant influence in his work and practice. His first exhibition, called "Streeterior", was introduced in Tokyo and then in Milan, Italy in 2003. Sato has received several prizes such as Good Design Award, German Design Award, Elle Deco International Design Award, and was named the "Designer of the Year" by Wallpaper magazine in 2012. He designed the cauldron for the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo.
Yoshihiro Sakai (坂井良宏, Sakai Yoshihiro; born November 5, 1977) is a Japanese professional wrestler, better known by his…Yoshihiro Sakai (坂井良宏, Sakai Yoshihiro; born November 5, 1977) is a Japanese professional wrestler, better known by his ring name Super Sasadango Machine (スーパー・ササダンゴ・マシン, Sūpā Sasadango Mashin) who works for the Japanese professional wrestling promotion DDT Pro-Wrestling (DDT).
Shintaro Yamada (Japanese: 山田 進太郎, Hepburn: Yamada Shintarō; born 1977/1978) is a Japanese businessman, and the…Shintaro Yamada (Japanese: 山田 進太郎, Hepburn: Yamada Shintarō; born 1977/1978) is a Japanese businessman, and the founder, CEO and one-third owner of the online marketplace Mercari.
Sakie Nobuoka (信岡 沙希重, Nobuoka Sakie; born 24 August 1977 in Yamaguchi Prefecture) is a Japanese former sprinter who…Sakie Nobuoka (信岡 沙希重, Nobuoka Sakie; born 24 August 1977 in Yamaguchi Prefecture) is a Japanese former sprinter who specialised in the 200 metres. She represented her country at three outdoor and one indoor World Championships. She held the national records in the 200 metres (23.33 seconds), the 4 × 100 metres relay (43.67 seconds) and the 4 × 400 metres relay (3:33.06 minutes).
Tōru Matsumoto (Japanese: 松本徹; Matsumoto Tōru; born 14 July 1977) is a retired Japanese badminton player from NTT East…Tōru Matsumoto (Japanese: 松本徹; Matsumoto Tōru; born 14 July 1977) is a retired Japanese badminton player from NTT East Badminton Club. He studied in Hieizan High School graduated from and Waseda University. After playing 8 years in club, he served as a manager for 3 years before finally retiring in 2015.
Shinji Nagatomo (長友 慎治, Nagatomo Shinji; born 22 June 1977) is a Japanese politician of the Democratic Party For the…Shinji Nagatomo (長友 慎治, Nagatomo Shinji; born 22 June 1977) is a Japanese politician of the Democratic Party For the People, who serves as a member of the House of Representatives.
Shugo Fujii (藤井 秀悟, Fujii Shūgo; born May 12, 1977 in Iyo, Ehime, Japan) is a former Nippon Professional Baseball…Shugo Fujii (藤井 秀悟, Fujii Shūgo; born May 12, 1977 in Iyo, Ehime, Japan) is a former Nippon Professional Baseball pitcher.
Tsuji Takashi (辻高志, Takashi Tsuji) (born 24 April 1977 in the Ibaraki Prefecture) is a Japanese former rugby union…Tsuji Takashi (辻高志, Takashi Tsuji) (born 24 April 1977 in the Ibaraki Prefecture) is a Japanese former rugby union player who played as scrum-half, he later became a coach, currently coaching NEC Green Rockets.
Mineo Fujino (Japanese: 藤野峰男, Hepburn: Fujino Mineo; born February 14, 1977, in Gifu Prefecture), known by his pen name…Mineo Fujino (Japanese: 藤野峰男, Hepburn: Fujino Mineo; born February 14, 1977, in Gifu Prefecture), known by his pen name Tow Ubukata (冲方 丁, Ubukata Tō), is a Japanese novelist and screenwriter. He primarily writes fantasy and science fiction. His major works include Mardock Scramble, Le Chevalier D'Eon and Heroic Age. He also did series composition for the Fafner in the Azure series, Ghost in the Shell: Arise, Psycho-Pass 2 and Psycho-Pass 3.
Takuma "Taku" Sato (Japanese: 佐藤 琢磨, Hepburn: Satō Takuma; born 28 January 1977) is a Japanese racing driver, who…Takuma "Taku" Sato (Japanese: 佐藤 琢磨, Hepburn: Satō Takuma; born 28 January 1977) is a Japanese racing driver, who competes part-time in the IndyCar Series for Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing. He competed in Formula One from 2002 to 2008. In American open-wheel racing, Sato is a two-time winner of the Indianapolis 500 winning in 2017 and 2020, and remains the only Asian driver to win the event. Born and raised in Tokyo, Sato began his career in karting before moving to Europe in 1999 with support from Honda. Progressing directly to Formula Three, Sato finished third in the British Championship in 2000 and dominated the series in 2001 with Carlin. With Carlin he also won the Macau Grand Prix and the Masters of Formula 3. Sato signed for Jordan in 2002, making his Formula One debut at the Australian Grand Prix, under Honda power. He moved with Honda to join BAR in 2003 as a reserve driver, replacing Jacques Villeneuve at his home Grand Prix in Japan and returning as a full-time driver in 2004. Sato achieved a podium at the United States Grand Prix as he finished a career-best eighth in the World Drivers' Championship. Following struggles at BAR in 2005, Sato moved to Super Aguri for his 2006 campaign onwards. Amidst financial troubles, Super Aguri withdrew from the sport after the 2008 Spanish Grand Prix, ending both Sato and teammate Anthony Davidson's driving careers in Formula One. After a year's hiatus, Sato returned to open-wheel racing in the IndyCar Series with KV in 2010. He took his maiden pole position at the Iowa Corn Indy 250 in 2011, and became the first Asian driver to win an IndyCar race at the Grand Prix of Long Beach in 2013 with Foyt. His one-off entry in Formula E at the 2014 Beijing ePrix marked the first—and to this date, only—time that Sato competed without a Honda power unit in his professional career, using a spec McLaren powertrain. Sato signed for Andretti in 2017, winning the Indianapolis 500 for the first time. He won several other times across his 2018 and 2019 seasons with RLL, before again winning at Indianapolis in 2020. Sato competed for Dale Coyne Racing in 2022, before moving in 2023 into part-time roles. Sato is a widely popular figure amongst fans and media worldwide, renowned for his aggressive driving style and motto No Attack, No Chance.
Rena Inoue (井上 怜奈, Inoue Rena; born October 17, 1976) is a Japanese-born American retired pair skater. With partner…Rena Inoue (井上 怜奈, Inoue Rena; born October 17, 1976) is a Japanese-born American retired pair skater. With partner John Baldwin, she is the 2004 and 2006 U.S. National Champion. Inoue previously competed for Japan as both a single skater and pair skater. Inoue and Baldwin are the first skaters to perform a throw triple Axel in competition.
Takashi Fukunishi (福西 崇史, Fukunishi Takashi; born September 1, 1976) is a Japanese former professional footballer who…Takashi Fukunishi (福西 崇史, Fukunishi Takashi; born September 1, 1976) is a Japanese former professional footballer who played as a midfielder. He played for Japan national team.
Kazuhiro Takahashi (高橋 和裕, Takahashi Kazuhiro; born 27 July 1976 in Nara Prefecture) is a Japanese retired sprinter. He…Kazuhiro Takahashi (高橋 和裕, Takahashi Kazuhiro; born 27 July 1976 in Nara Prefecture) is a Japanese retired sprinter. He currently holds the Asian indoor record in the 4 × 400 metres relay with 3:05.90 minutes, achieved with teammates Jun Osakada, Masayoshi Kan and Shunji Karube in March 1999 in Maebashi. He also formerly held the Japanese record in the 200 metres with 20.57 seconds. He is currently (2020) the athletic director at Hamamatsu Koto High School.
Hidetaka Yamada (山田 英孝, Yamada Hidetaka; born June 22, 1976 in Hyogo, Japan) is a male badminton player from Japan.…Hidetaka Yamada (山田 英孝, Yamada Hidetaka; born June 22, 1976 in Hyogo, Japan) is a male badminton player from Japan. Yamada played badminton at the 2000 Summer Olympics and 2004 Summer Olympics in men's singles, losing in the round of 32 to Taufik Hidayat of Indonesia in both times.
Tsuyoshi Ichinohe (一戸 剛, Ichinohe Tsuyoshi; born 9 June 1976) is a Japanese ski jumper. In the World Cup his highest…Tsuyoshi Ichinohe (一戸 剛, Ichinohe Tsuyoshi; born 9 June 1976) is a Japanese ski jumper. In the World Cup his highest place in an individual event was number 14 from January 2006 in Sapporo. He participated in the 2006 Winter Olympics held in Pragelato near Turin, where he finished 25th in the large hill and 6th in the team event.
Asako Toki (土岐麻子, Toki Asako; born March 22, 1976) is a Japanese singer-songwriter and lyricist. Born to jazz…Asako Toki (土岐麻子, Toki Asako; born March 22, 1976) is a Japanese singer-songwriter and lyricist. Born to jazz saxophonist Hidefumi Toki, she was the lead vocalist for the rock band Cymbals between 1997 and 2003. Following Cymbals' breakup, Toki began her solo career with the release of Standards in 2004 and made her major label debut under Avex's Rhythm Zone with Talkin in 2007. To date, she has released nine original albums and eight cover albums, many of which are performed in both Japanese and English. Named the “Queen of City Pop” by publications including Natalie, Toki has been praised for her contemporary interpretation of the genre and her contributions to its revival in the 2010s.
Nobuhiro Koyama (小山展弘, Koyama Nobuhiro; born 26 December 1975) is a Japanese politician. He served as a member of the…Nobuhiro Koyama (小山展弘, Koyama Nobuhiro; born 26 December 1975) is a Japanese politician. He served as a member of the House of Representatives from 2021 to 2026, having previously served from 2009 to 2012 and from 2014 to 2017. He previously worked at the Norinchukin Bank.
Yūto Yoshida (吉田 雄人, Yoshida Yūto; born 3 December 1975) is a Japanese politician who served as mayor of Yokosuka…Yūto Yoshida (吉田 雄人, Yoshida Yūto; born 3 December 1975) is a Japanese politician who served as mayor of Yokosuka, Kanagawa from 10 July 2009 to 9 July 2017.
Takayo Kondo (近藤 高代, Kondō Takayo; born 17 November 1975 in Ōtsu, Shiga) is a retired Japanese athlete specialising in…Takayo Kondo (近藤 高代, Kondō Takayo; born 17 November 1975 in Ōtsu, Shiga) is a retired Japanese athlete specialising in the pole vault. She competed at the 2004 Summer Olympics and three consecutive World Championships each time failing to qualify for the final. She was the gold medalist at the 2000 Asian Athletics Championships. She has personal bests of 4.35 metres outdoors and 4.20 metres indoors.
Taira Imata (井俣 太良, Imata Taira; born September 24, 1975) is a Japanese actor who is represented by the talent agencies…Taira Imata (井俣 太良, Imata Taira; born September 24, 1975) is a Japanese actor who is represented by the talent agencies Shōnen Shachu and Ace Agent.
Kyoko Kasuya (粕谷 恭子, Kasuya Kyōko; born 31 August 1975) is a Japanese former swimmer who competed in the 1992 Summer…Kyoko Kasuya (粕谷 恭子, Kasuya Kyōko; born 31 August 1975) is a Japanese former swimmer who competed in the 1992 Summer Olympics.
Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi (川口 能活, Kawaguchi Yoshikatsu; born 15 August 1975), also known as Yoshi Kawaguchi, is a Japanese…Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi (川口 能活, Kawaguchi Yoshikatsu; born 15 August 1975), also known as Yoshi Kawaguchi, is a Japanese former footballer who played as a goalkeeper. Kawaguchi spent most of his professional career in the Japanese J1 League, with brief spells in Europe as a reserve goalkeeper. He has earned 116 international caps for Japan, making him one of the ten most capped players in the history of the team. He additionally served as captain from 2006 to 2008. He was part of the Japanese squads at the 1998, 2002, 2006 and 2010 editions of the FIFA World Cups, the 2004 and 2007 editions of the AFC Asian Cups, as well as the 1999 Copa América.
Fumie Kurotori (黒鳥 文絵, Kurotori Fumie) (born August 6, 1975 in Funabashi, Chiba) is a retired female medley swimmer…Fumie Kurotori (黒鳥 文絵, Kurotori Fumie) (born August 6, 1975 in Funabashi, Chiba) is a retired female medley swimmer from Japan, who represented her native country at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia. She is best known for winning two gold medals at the 1995 Summer Universiade in Fukuoka.
Toshiro Tomochika (友近 聡朗, Tomochika Toshirō; born April 24, 1975) is a former Japanese football player and politician.…Toshiro Tomochika (友近 聡朗, Tomochika Toshirō; born April 24, 1975) is a former Japanese football player and politician. He is an independent member of the House of Councillors in the Diet (national legislature) and is a native of Matsuyama, Ehime. He graduated from Waseda University and was elected for the first time in 2007.
Kentarō Uesugi (上杉 謙太郎, Uesugi Kentarō; born 20 April 1975) is a Japanese politician of the Liberal Democratic Party…Kentarō Uesugi (上杉 謙太郎, Uesugi Kentarō; born 20 April 1975) is a Japanese politician of the Liberal Democratic Party, who serves as a member of the House of Representatives.
Nanae Tanaka (田中 奈々絵, Tanaka Nanae; born 26 March 1975) is a Japanese fencer. She competed in the women's individual…Nanae Tanaka (田中 奈々絵, Tanaka Nanae; born 26 March 1975) is a Japanese fencer. She competed in the women's individual and team épée events at the 1996 Summer Olympics.
Yutaka Arai (荒井 優, Arai Yutaka; 28 February 1975) is a Japanese politician of the CDP and a member of the House of…Yutaka Arai (荒井 優, Arai Yutaka; 28 February 1975) is a Japanese politician of the CDP and a member of the House of Representatives in the Diet from 2021 to 2026.
Hirofumi Yanagase is a Japanese politician who is a former member of the House of Councillors of Japan. He was a…Hirofumi Yanagase is a Japanese politician who is a former member of the House of Councillors of Japan. He was a representative member of the national proportional representation block.
Yoko Kando (漢人 陽子, Kando Yōko; born September 26, 1974) is a retired butterfly swimmer from Japan. She competed for her…Yoko Kando (漢人 陽子, Kando Yōko; born September 26, 1974) is a retired butterfly swimmer from Japan. She competed for her native country at the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, Spain.
Miwa Nishikawa (西川美和, Nishikawa Miwa; born July 8, 1974 in Asaminami-ku, Hiroshima) is a Japanese director and…Miwa Nishikawa (西川美和, Nishikawa Miwa; born July 8, 1974 in Asaminami-ku, Hiroshima) is a Japanese director and screenwriter. Nishikawa received a degree in literature from the University of Waseda, and after working on several independent films as well as catching the eye of Hirokazu Kore-eda, her film making career took off with her first film, Wild Berries, which won the award for best screenplay at the Mainichi Film Award. In addition to her film making career, Nishikawa has also written a book titled The Long Excuse.
Taido Tanose (田野瀬太道, Tanose Taido; born 4 July 1974) is a Japanese politician serving as a member of the House of…Taido Tanose (田野瀬太道, Tanose Taido; born 4 July 1974) is a Japanese politician serving as a member of the House of Representatives since 2012. He is the son of Ryotaro Tanose.