Tetsuya Tanaka (田中哲也, Tanaka Tetsuya, born 16 December 1965) is a Japanese racing driver. Since 1996, he has competed…Tetsuya Tanaka (田中哲也, Tanaka Tetsuya, born 16 December 1965) is a Japanese racing driver. Since 1996, he has competed in the Japanese Grand Touring Championship for a variety of teams, and has won the Tokachi 24 Hours five times.
Shinichiro Furumoto (古本 伸一郎, Furumoto Shinichirō; born 11 March 1965) is a former Japanese politician of the Democratic…Shinichiro Furumoto (古本 伸一郎, Furumoto Shinichirō; born 11 March 1965) is a former Japanese politician of the Democratic Party of Japan, who served as a member of the House of Representatives in the Diet (national legislature). A native of Takamatsu, Kagawa and graduate of Ritsumeikan University, he was elected to the House of Representatives for the first time in 2003. As a member of the Diet, he represents the 11th District of Aichi prefecture, which includes the cities of Toyota and Miyoshi.
Takanori Kawai (川合 孝典, Kawai Takanori; born January 29, 1964) is a Japanese politician of the Democratic Party of…Takanori Kawai (川合 孝典, Kawai Takanori; born January 29, 1964) is a Japanese politician of the Democratic Party of Japan, a member of the House of Councillors in the Diet (national legislature). A native of Kyoto, Kyoto and graduate of Ritsumeikan University, he was elected for the first time in 2007 after working at Teijin since 1987.
Toshiro Tsuchida (土田 俊郎, Tsuchida Toshirō) (born 1964) is a Japanese game director and game producer. He currently…Toshiro Tsuchida (土田 俊郎, Tsuchida Toshirō) (born 1964) is a Japanese game director and game producer. He currently works for Japanese Social Game company GREE. He formerly worked for Square Enix Co., Ltd. (formerly Square Co., Ltd.). He is most notably credited for creating the Front Mission and Arc the Lad media franchises.
Ryo Mizuno (水野 良, Mizuno Ryō; born July 13, 1963) is a Japanese author and game designer. Mizuno created Record of…Ryo Mizuno (水野 良, Mizuno Ryō; born July 13, 1963) is a Japanese author and game designer. Mizuno created Record of Lodoss War, Sword World RPG, Legend of Crystania, Rune Soldier, Starship Operators, Record of Grancrest War, and was the general supervisor of Galaxy Angel.
Utako Yamada (山田詩子, Yamada utako) is a Japanese writer, illustrator and translator from Tokyo, Japan. She is the author…Utako Yamada (山田詩子, Yamada utako) is a Japanese writer, illustrator and translator from Tokyo, Japan. She is the author of 3 official children's books, on which the most notable were The Story of Cherry the Pig and Buzzy the Honeybee. She also owns a tea shop named Karel Capek located in Kokubunji, Tokyo. She is married in Tokyo and has two sons.
Masaya Matsuura (松浦 雅也, Matsūra Masaya) (born June 16, 1961) is a Japanese musician and video game designer based in…Masaya Matsuura (松浦 雅也, Matsūra Masaya) (born June 16, 1961) is a Japanese musician and video game designer based in Tokyo, Japan. He was born in Osaka on June 16, 1961, and majored in Industrial Society at Ritsumeikan University. He has worked extensively with music production, sound design, and visuals, and has been active with the J-pop duo Psy-S. He has also been credited with popularizing the modern music video game at his studio NanaOn-Sha. In 2009, he was chosen by IGN as one of the top 100 game creators of all time.
Hideo Tarumi (垂秀夫) (born May 23, 1961) is a Japanese diplomat who served as the Ambassador to China, from November 2020…Hideo Tarumi (垂秀夫) (born May 23, 1961) is a Japanese diplomat who served as the Ambassador to China, from November 2020 to December 2023.
Daisuke Nishio (西尾 大介, Nishio Daisuke; born April 1, 1959) is a Japanese animator and director. He joined Toei Doga…Daisuke Nishio (西尾 大介, Nishio Daisuke; born April 1, 1959) is a Japanese animator and director. He joined Toei Doga (now Toei Animation) as animator in 1981. After doing several TV series, he was promoted to assistant director on Dr. Slump - Arale-chan in 1982. He debuted as director for Dragon Ball in 1986 and made his film debut that same year with Dragon Ball: The Legend of Shenlong. Nishio also directed its sequel TV series, Dragon Ball Z, and several of its films.
Nakayama Zenji (中山 善司, January 16, 1959) is the fourth and current Shinbashira of Tenrikyo. He has held the office…Nakayama Zenji (中山 善司, January 16, 1959) is the fourth and current Shinbashira of Tenrikyo. He has held the office since October 25, 1998.
Reiko Terashima (寺島令子, Terashima Reiko) is a Japanese yonkoma manga artist and illustrator born on 8 September 1958 in…Reiko Terashima (寺島令子, Terashima Reiko) is a Japanese yonkoma manga artist and illustrator born on 8 September 1958 in Kyoto, Japan. She graduated from Ritsumeikan University with a degree in psychology, and was a member of the manga club while there. Terashima made her professional debut in 1979 with Children Play (チルドレンプレイ, Chirudoren Purei), published in the manga magazine Young Magazine. She has illustrated multiple cards for the Japanese edition of Magic: The Gathering. Terashima is divorced. She has a close friendship with manga artist and illustrator Naoko Kanazawa, and her younger sister is manga artist Yoshiko Terakawa.
Tomohiro Kojiri (Japanese: 小尻知博; December 12, 1957 – May 4, 1987) was a Japanese journalist for the Tokyo-based…Tomohiro Kojiri (Japanese: 小尻知博; December 12, 1957 – May 4, 1987) was a Japanese journalist for the Tokyo-based newspaper Asahi Shimbun. Kojiri was killed in Nishinomiya, Hyōgo Prefecture, near Osaka, during a shooting at the Asahi Shimbun bureau; the shooter also fired at two other people, injuring one. Investigators believed that Kojiri was targeted by a right-wing, political extremist group known as Sekihōtai (Japanese: 赤報隊), as Kojiri had written a story about Japanese discrimination against the Korean minority, and typed letters were sent in the group's name claiming responsibility. It was the first attack on a newspaper in Japan since 1972. The attack is known in Japan as the Asahi Shimbun Hanshin bureau attack [ja].
Kaizo Hayashi (林 海象, Hayashi Kaizō; born July 15, 1957) is a Japanese film director and screenwriter. He made his…Kaizo Hayashi (林 海象, Hayashi Kaizō; born July 15, 1957) is a Japanese film director and screenwriter. He made his directorial debut with To Sleep so as to Dream (1986). He is best known for his neo-noir Maiku Hama trilogy, The Most Terrible Time in My Life (1994), Stairway to the Distant Past (1995) and The Trap (1996). In addition to film, Hayashi served as creative director on the 2000 Konami video game 7 Blades for the PlayStation 2, and was director for two episodes of Power Rangers: Time Force.
Shuichi Toyama (外山 秀一, Toyama Shūichi; born June 1954) is a Japanese archaeologist and historian, Professor in the…Shuichi Toyama (外山 秀一, Toyama Shūichi; born June 1954) is a Japanese archaeologist and historian, Professor in the Faculty of Letters at Kogakkan University. He specializes in archaeological geography, environment archeology, geomorphology, and the history of geography, and is an expert in ancient Japanese farming practices and the history of the Yamanashi Prefecture. He has conducted much research into rice cultivation in ancient Japan in particular, which has been quoted in numerous publications. In his work related to the environment and archaeology, he has examined the relationship history between nature and human beings, which was the subject of a 2008 book. In 2009 he was a co-author of a book on archaeology of the Jōmon period.
Daisaku Kadokawa (門川 大作, Kadokawa Daisaku) is a Japanese politician and former mayor of Kyoto City, the capital city of…Daisaku Kadokawa (門川 大作, Kadokawa Daisaku) is a Japanese politician and former mayor of Kyoto City, the capital city of Kyoto Prefecture.
Takashi Yamamoto (山本 孝史, Yamamoto Takashi; 7 July 1949 – 22 December 2007) was a Japanese politician of the Democratic…Takashi Yamamoto (山本 孝史, Yamamoto Takashi; 7 July 1949 – 22 December 2007) was a Japanese politician of the Democratic Party of Japan, a member of the House of Councillors in the Diet (national legislature).
Hiroshi Okada (岡田 広, Okada Hiroshi; born January 31, 1947) is a Japanese politician of the Liberal Democratic Party…Hiroshi Okada (岡田 広, Okada Hiroshi; born January 31, 1947) is a Japanese politician of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), a former member of the House of Councillors in the Diet (national legislature) affiliated to the revisionist lobby Nippon Kaigi. A native of Mito, Ibaraki and graduate of Ritsumeikan University, Okada had served in the assembly of Ibaraki Prefecture since 1986 and as mayor of Mito for three terms since 1993. In 2003 he was elected to the House of Councillors for the first time. He also held the following political positions: State Minister of Cabinet Office; State Minister for Reconstruction; Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare; Chief Director, Committee on Financial Affairs, HC; Chairperson, Committee on Cabinet, HC; and Director, Cabinet Division, LDP.
Keiji Kokuta (穀田 恵二, Kokuta Keiji; born 11 January 1947) is a Japanese politician and a former member of the House of…Keiji Kokuta (穀田 恵二, Kokuta Keiji; born 11 January 1947) is a Japanese politician and a former member of the House of Representatives for the Japanese Communist Party. He served 10 terms in the Japanese House of Representatives. He has served as a member of various committees, including the Budget Committee, the Committee on Local Administration, the Special Committee on Disaster Prevention, and the Special Committee on Ethical Elections. He is currently the Chairman of the Party's Diet Strategy Committee, Chairman of the Election Strategy Committee, a member of the Permanent Executive Committee, and the head of the Committee for the Promotion of Traditional Crafts.
Suh Sung (Korean: 서승; born 3 April 1945) is a Zainichi Korean academic and writer. He was previously a Professor of…Suh Sung (Korean: 서승; born 3 April 1945) is a Zainichi Korean academic and writer. He was previously a Professor of International Studies at Ritsumeikan University and a research advisor at the Ritsumeikan Center for Korean Studies. His specializations include contemporary Korean law and politics, human rights law in East Asia, and comparative human rights law. Born in Kyoto to Zainichi Korean parents, Suh spent his early life in Japan before moving to South Korea to continue his postgraduate studies. In 1971, after returning from a trip to Japan to see his family, Suh was arrested by South Korean authorities and accused of being a North Korean spy. He was subsequently sentenced to life imprisonment and spent the next 19 years in prison before being released in 1990.
Tenzo Okumura (奥村 展三, Okumura Tenzō; born 10 August 1944) is a former Japanese politician of the Democratic Party of…Tenzo Okumura (奥村 展三, Okumura Tenzō; born 10 August 1944) is a former Japanese politician of the Democratic Party of Japan, who served as a member of both the House of Councillors and the House of Representatives in the Diet (national legislature). A native of Kōsei Town (today's Konan City, Shiga Prefecture) and dropout of Ritsumeikan University, he was elected to the town assembly of Kōsei, Shiga (serving for one term), to the Shiga Prefectural Assembly in 1979 (serving for four terms) and to the House of Councillors for the first time in 1995.
Tadayoshi Ichida (市田 忠義, Ichida Tadayoshi; born December 28, 1942) is a Japanese politician who served as a member of…Tadayoshi Ichida (市田 忠義, Ichida Tadayoshi; born December 28, 1942) is a Japanese politician who served as a member of the House of Councillors for the proportional district from 1998 to 2022. He was the Secretary General of the Japanese Communist Party from 2000 to 2014.
Kyosuke Kinoshita (木下 恭輔, Kinoshita Kyōsuke; born 1941) is the chairman of Acom Co., Ltd., a major consumer loan…Kyosuke Kinoshita (木下 恭輔, Kinoshita Kyōsuke; born 1941) is the chairman of Acom Co., Ltd., a major consumer loan company in Japan. He is the eldest son of Masao Kinoshita, founder of Acom. He graduated from Ritsumeikan University with a bachelor's degree.
Hiroyuki Nagato (長門裕之, Nagato Hiroyuki; 10 January 1934 – 21 May 2011), stage name of Akio Kato (加藤晃夫), was a Japanese…Hiroyuki Nagato (長門裕之, Nagato Hiroyuki; 10 January 1934 – 21 May 2011), stage name of Akio Kato (加藤晃夫), was a Japanese actor. He starred in Season of the Sun, Endless Desire, My Second Brother, Stolen Desire, and Sukeban Deka, and Yo-Yo Girl Cop.
Kyogon Hagiyama (萩山 教嚴, Hagiyama Kyōgon; 20 March 1932 – 13 October 2015) was a Japanese politician of the Liberal…Kyogon Hagiyama (萩山 教嚴, Hagiyama Kyōgon; 20 March 1932 – 13 October 2015) was a Japanese politician of the Liberal Democratic Party, a member of the House of Representatives in the Diet (national legislature). A native of Himi, Toyama and graduate of Ritsumeikan University, he was elected to the assembly of Toyama Prefecture for the first time in 1971. From 1979 to 1986 he ran four times for seats in the House of Representatives, albeit unsuccessfully. He was elected for the first time in 1990.
Harue Kitamura (Kitamura, Harue (北村 春江) 11 July 1928 – 13 March 2022) was a Japanese politician, lawyer, and feminist.…Harue Kitamura (Kitamura, Harue (北村 春江) 11 July 1928 – 13 March 2022) was a Japanese politician, lawyer, and feminist. She is the first woman to be elected mayor of a Japanese city, serving three terms as the mayor of Ashiya, Hyōgo.
Yoshiyuki Kuroda (Japanese: 黒田 義之, Hepburn: Kuroda Yoshiyuki; March 4, 1928 – January 22, 2015) was a Japanese…Yoshiyuki Kuroda (Japanese: 黒田 義之, Hepburn: Kuroda Yoshiyuki; March 4, 1928 – January 22, 2015) was a Japanese filmmaker and special effects director responsible for many Japanese science-fiction films and television shows.
Hiroshi Enatsu (12 September 1922 – 4 August 2019) was a Japanese theoretical physicist who contributed to a…Hiroshi Enatsu (12 September 1922 – 4 August 2019) was a Japanese theoretical physicist who contributed to a relativistic Hamiltonian formalism in quantum field theory.
Kenji Misumi (三隅 研次, Misumi Kenji) (2 March 1921 – 24 September 1975) was a Japanese film director. He created film…Kenji Misumi (三隅 研次, Misumi Kenji) (2 March 1921 – 24 September 1975) was a Japanese film director. He created film series such as Lone Wolf and Cub and the initial film in the long-running Zatoichi series, and also directed Hanzo the Razor: Sword of Justice, starring Shintaro Katsu. He died at age 54. In 2012, his 1973 film Sakura no Daimon was voted for by Makoto Shinozaki at the BFI The Top 50 Greatest Films of All Time.
Masamine Sumitani (隅谷正峯; born Sumitani Yoichiro; 14 January 1921 – 12 December 1998) was a Japanese swordsmith.…Masamine Sumitani (隅谷正峯; born Sumitani Yoichiro; 14 January 1921 – 12 December 1998) was a Japanese swordsmith. Sumitani's family ran a soy-sauce manufacturing business, but rather than entering the family trade, Masamine opted to study at Ritsumeikan University, with a view to becoming a swordsmith, graduating in 1941 with a degree in mechanical engineering. After his graduation, Sumitani remained at Kyoto, studying (alongside Masayuki Nagare) under Sakurai Masayuki. When the University's sword studio was destroyed in a fire in 1942, Sumitani moved to Onomichi to continue his education at the Foundation of National Japanese Sword Studies and the Kokoku Japanese Sword Temper Workshop there. Sumitani settled in Mattō, Ishikawa. He worked in the Bizen tradition, and was noted for his choji midare or "clove patterns" along the hamon of his blades. As well as swords, Sumitani also specialised in the forging of tosu knives and was a practitioner of bachiru. In 1975 he co-founded the Zen Nihon Toshokai ("Japanese Swordsmith's Association"), and served as the group's Vice-Secretary.
Usaburō Chisaki III (Japanese: 地崎宇三郎 (三代); 1919–1987) was a Japanese politician. He was a member of the House of…Usaburō Chisaki III (Japanese: 地崎宇三郎 (三代); 1919–1987) was a Japanese politician. He was a member of the House of Representatives of Japan from Hokkaido. He was the son of Usaburō Chisaki II.
Tsutomu Mizukami (水上勉, Mizukami Tsutomu; 8 March 1919 – 8 September 2004), also known as Tsutomu Minakami, was a…Tsutomu Mizukami (水上勉, Mizukami Tsutomu; 8 March 1919 – 8 September 2004), also known as Tsutomu Minakami, was a Japanese writer of novels, biographies, and plays. Mizukami's major works include The Temple of the Wild Geese, Kiga kaikyō and Bamboo Dolls of Echizen. His writings earned him, among other awards, the Tanizaki Prize and the Naoki Prize.
Masao Ichihara (市原 正雄, Ichihara Masao; 7 November 1913 – 1977) was a Japanese sprinter. He competed in the men's 4 ×…Masao Ichihara (市原 正雄, Ichihara Masao; 7 November 1913 – 1977) was a Japanese sprinter. He competed in the men's 4 × 400 metres relay at the 1936 Summer Olympics.
Isaji Tanaka (田中 伊三次, Tanaka Isaji, 3 January 1906 – 11 April 1987) was a Japanese politician, cabinet minister, and…Isaji Tanaka (田中 伊三次, Tanaka Isaji, 3 January 1906 – 11 April 1987) was a Japanese politician, cabinet minister, and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives. First elected in 1942, Ishii served 15 terms in the Japanese House of Representatives until retiring in 1983. From 1963 to 1965, he served as the 44th Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, and later served two stints as Minister of Justice under prime ministers Eisaku Satō and Kakuei Tanaka.
Gordon Goichi Nakayama (Goichi Nakayama, 中山吾一, 16 November 1900 – 8 October 1995) was a Japanese Canadian Anglican…Gordon Goichi Nakayama (Goichi Nakayama, 中山吾一, 16 November 1900 – 8 October 1995) was a Japanese Canadian Anglican priest, author and pedophile. He was active in his ministry in Western Canada and the Pacific Rim (notably Okinawa, Southern Japan) for 62 years from 1932 to 1994. Goichi Nakayama has been the subject of controversy surrounding the Anglican Church and their handling of child abuse claims. In 2015 the Anglican Church of Canada revealed that it had received a written confession from Nakayama of his abuse in 1994, and apologizing for withholding the information from the public and the police for over 20 years.
Ōnogi Hidejirō (大野木 秀次郎; 25 November 1895 – 4 March 1966) was a politician of the Liberal Party, representing Kyoto in…Ōnogi Hidejirō (大野木 秀次郎; 25 November 1895 – 4 March 1966) was a politician of the Liberal Party, representing Kyoto in the House of Councillors for four consecutive terms.
Momofuku Ando (Japanese: 安藤 百福, Hepburn: Andō Momofuku; March 5, 1910 – January 5, 2007), born Go Pek-Hok (Chinese…Momofuku Ando (Japanese: 安藤 百福, Hepburn: Andō Momofuku; March 5, 1910 – January 5, 2007), born Go Pek-Hok (Chinese: 吳百福; Pe̍h-ōe-jī: Gô͘ Pek-hok; Tâi-lô: Gôo Pik-hok), was a Taiwanese-born, ethnic Chinese, Japanese inventor and businessman who founded Nissin Food Products Co., Ltd. He is known as the inventor of Nissin Chikin Ramen, the first brand of commercially available prepackaged instant noodles, and the creator of the brands Top Ramen and Cup Noodles.
Shiori Takei (竹井 詩織里, Takei Shiori) is a former Japanese pop singer and songwriter from Nishinomiya, Hyogo. She was…Shiori Takei (竹井 詩織里, Takei Shiori) is a former Japanese pop singer and songwriter from Nishinomiya, Hyogo. She was signed to Giza Studio and Tent House after she came in second place on fifth season of Super Starlight Contest, the audition hosted by Being. Her debut extended play The Note of My Eighteen Years was released in 2003, and her debut studio album My Favorite Things was released on September 5, 2004. In August 2005, Takei released the single "Sekai Tomete", which served as the ending theme song for the Japanese animated television series, Case Closed. The song reached number 27 in Japan and became her best-selling single in her career. In February 2008, Takei released her first compilation album Shiori Takei Best to a moderate commercial success, reaching number 69 in Japan. She reportedly retired from the music industry in 2009 and her name was removed from the artist list of her former label.
Shuhei Naruse (Japanese: 鳴瀬 シュウヘイ, Hepburn: Naruse Shūhei) is a Japanese musician, composer, and music arranger from…Shuhei Naruse (Japanese: 鳴瀬 シュウヘイ, Hepburn: Naruse Shūhei) is a Japanese musician, composer, and music arranger from Kyoto Prefecture. Naruse attended Ritsumeikan University. His major debut as a musician was in the rock band DEVELOP=FRAME where he played keyboards. He has since worked on the composition and arrangement for various Avex Trax musical artists, including the soundtracks of Kamen Rider Den-O, Kamen Rider Kiva, and Kamen Rider Fourze. He also composed the soundtracks for the anime series MegaMan NT Warrior, Mega Man Star Force, and Sket Dance. For his work on Kamen Rider Kiva, he plays keyboard in the "limited rock unit" Tetra-Fang as SHUHEI.
Umeji Sasaki (佐々木梅治, Sasaki Umeji) is a Japanese actor and voice actor from Oketo, Hokkaido attached to Gekidan Mingei.…Umeji Sasaki (佐々木梅治, Sasaki Umeji) is a Japanese actor and voice actor from Oketo, Hokkaido attached to Gekidan Mingei. He is a graduate of Hokkaidō Kitami Hokuto High School and Ritsumeikan University's College of Business Administration.
Rokurō Naya (納谷 六朗, Naya Rokurō; 20 October 1932 – 17 November 2014) was a Japanese actor, voice actor, narrator and…Rokurō Naya (納谷 六朗, Naya Rokurō; 20 October 1932 – 17 November 2014) was a Japanese actor, voice actor, narrator and the younger brother of voice actor Gorō Naya (1929–2013). He was a lifelong resident of Tokyo and was affiliated with Mausu Promotion at the time of his death.
Ikuo Yamahana (Japanese: 山花 郁夫, Hepburn: Yamahana Ikuo; born 18 January 1967) is a Japanese politician of the…Ikuo Yamahana (Japanese: 山花 郁夫, Hepburn: Yamahana Ikuo; born 18 January 1967) is a Japanese politician of the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, who served as a member of House of Representatives in the Diet (national legislature).
Yoshifu Arita (有田芳生, Arita Yoshifu; born 20 February 1952) is a Japanese writer, journalist and politician from the…Yoshifu Arita (有田芳生, Arita Yoshifu; born 20 February 1952) is a Japanese writer, journalist and politician from the Constitutional Democratic Party, who is currently serving as a member of the House of Representatives. He previously served two terms as a member of the House of Councillors after being elected in 2010 and in 2016 and serving as Chair of the Special Committee on Political Ethics and Election System, but lost his seat in 2022. Before he was elected, he was a regular commentator of Nippon Television's The Wide. He is one of the most prominent anti-racism activists in Japan. He is also known for his investigations into religious groups such as Unification Church and Aum Shinri-kyo.
Keika Kitamura (北村 桂香, Kitamura Keika; born November 14, 1995) is a Japanese women's professional shogi player ranked…Keika Kitamura (北村 桂香, Kitamura Keika; born November 14, 1995) is a Japanese women's professional shogi player ranked 2-dan.
Mai Kuraki (倉木 麻衣, Kuraki Mai) (born October 28, 1982) is a Japanese pop and R&B singer. After releasing her US debut…Mai Kuraki (倉木 麻衣, Kuraki Mai) (born October 28, 1982) is a Japanese pop and R&B singer. After releasing her US debut single "Baby I Like" in 1999, Kuraki signed with Giza Studio and released her Japanese debut single "Love, Day After Tomorrow" in 1999. In 2000, she released her debut album, Delicious Way, which debuted at number-one and sold over 2.2 million copies in its first week. The album has spawned four top-three singles, "Love, Day After Tomorrow", "Stay by My Side", "Secret of My Heart", and "Never Gonna Give You Up". Eventually, the album sold over 3.5 million copies nationwide and became the best-selling album in Japan of 2000, and has been the ninth best-selling album in Japan of all-time. Her second album, Perfect Crime (2001) debuted atop in Japan and has sold over 1.3 million copies nationwide. After the success in Japan, Kuraki targeted the American market again, with the English-language studio album Secret of My Heart (2002), however it failed to enter any charts in the United States. Her third Japanese album, Fairy Tale was released in 2002 and topped the Oricon albums chart. The album has spawned one number-one song, "Winter Bells". Her fourth album, If I Believe become her fourth consecutive number-one album in Japan. Her first compilation album, Wish You the Best (2004) sold nearly a million copies and became the seventh best-selling album of 2004 in Japan. Kuraki's succeeding albums, Fuse of Love (2005), Diamond Wave (2006), and One Life (2008) were released to less commercial success. In 2009, Kuraki saw a revival in her popularity with the increased television appearances and the promotion. Her eighth studio album, Touch Me!, debuted atop in Japan, becoming her first number-one album in five years. Her second compilation album, All My Best (2009) topped the chart in Japan, making her one of the two artists who sent two albums at the top spot on the chart in the year. Her next studio albums, Future Kiss (2010) and Over the Rainbow (2012) both reached top three in Japan. Her third compilation album, Mai Kuraki Best 151A: Love & Hope (2014) managed to peak at number two in Japan and became the ninety-fifth best-selling album in Japan of the year. Her eleventh studio album, Smile (2017) sold less than her previous albums, partly due to the lack of the promotion. Released in 2017, the single "Togetsukyo (Kimi Omou)" peaked at number two in Japan and became the best-selling single for a solo female artist in 2017. The single marked Kuraki's second revival in charts, succeeded by the compilation album, Mai Kuraki x Meitantei Conan Collaboration Best 21: Shinjitsu wa Itsumo Uta ni Aru! (2017), which peaked at number four in Japan and charted on the year-end album chart in 2017 and 2018. Her twelfth and thirteenth albums, Kimi Omou: Shunkashūtō (2018) and Let's Goal!: Barairo no Jinsei (2019) were both moderate success, reaching top three in Japan. Her fifth compilation album, Mai Kuraki Single Collection: Chance for You was released in 2019, in celebration of her 20th anniversary. In 2021, Kuraki released her fourteenth studio album Unconditional Love, which peaked at number four in Japan and spawned a number-one single "Zero kara Hajimete". Her first extended play Forever for You was released in 2024 to commercial success, reaching number three in Japan. Kuraki is best known for singing theme songs for the Japanese television anime series, Case Closed aka detective conan. As of October 2020, she has recorded twenty-three songs for the series and earning her a Guinness World Record for singing the most theme songs for the same television series. Kuraki also holds the record for being the only female artist to have all of her singles consecutively debut in the Top 10 since her debut in 1999, and is the 38th best-selling Japanese music artist of all time. To date, Kuraki has seven number-one albums (five originals and two compilations) and two number-one singles.
