Masanobu Ando (安藤 政信, Andō Masanobu; born May 19, 1975) is a Japanese actor. Ando has appeared in films such as Takeshi…Masanobu Ando (安藤 政信, Andō Masanobu; born May 19, 1975) is a Japanese actor. Ando has appeared in films such as Takeshi Kitano's Kids Return (1996), Kinji Fukasaku's Battle Royale (2000), Takashi Miike's Sukiyaki Western Django (2007), and Chen Kaige's Forever Enthralled (2008). He also appears in Tsai Ming-liang's award-winning film No No Sleep (2015), in a series of statically filmed urban scenes without dialogue.
Mitsutoshi Shimabukuro (島袋 光年, Shimabukuro Mitsutoshi; born May 19, 1975) is a Japanese manga artist. He first gained…Mitsutoshi Shimabukuro (島袋 光年, Shimabukuro Mitsutoshi; born May 19, 1975) is a Japanese manga artist. He first gained success with his comedy series Seikimatsu Leader den Takeshi! (1997–2002), but is better known for Toriko which was serialized from 2008 to 2016 and has over 25 million copies in circulation. He ranked 14th on Nikkei Entertainment's list of the most successful manga artists between 2010 and 2011.
Haneko Takayama (高山 羽根子, Takayama Haneko; born 1975) is a Japanese writer. She has won the Akutagawa Prize and the…Haneko Takayama (高山 羽根子, Takayama Haneko; born 1975) is a Japanese writer. She has won the Akutagawa Prize and the Fumiko Hayashi Literary Prize, and her work has been nominated for the Nihon SF Taisho Award.
Kaoru "Caol" Uno (宇野薫, Uno Kaoru) (born May 8, 1975) is a Japanese mixed martial artist and professional wrestler. He…Kaoru "Caol" Uno (宇野薫, Uno Kaoru) (born May 8, 1975) is a Japanese mixed martial artist and professional wrestler. He is the Co-Champion of the UFC 41 Lightweight Tournament and a former Shooto Lightweight Champion. As one of the early Ultimate Fighting Championship's elite Lightweight competitors, Uno competed for the UFC Lightweight Championship on two occasions. Despite falling short in both championship bouts; losing a five-round decision against Jens Pulver at UFC 30, to determine the inaugural UFC Lightweight Champion as well as a draw against B.J. Penn at UFC 41 (in a bout which would have determined the new UFC Lightweight Champion and UFC 41 Lightweight Tournament Winner), Uno is acknowledged as a pioneer for his impact and influence during the early era of the UFC Lightweight Division. In addition, Uno is a skilled submission grappler and won a silver medal on the 1999 ADCC Submission Fighting World Championship -77 kg category. Caol Uno also was a professional wrestler, having wrestled at Inoki Bom-Ba-Ye 2000 and at All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW) from 2002 to 2003.
Masae Komiya (小宮 正江, Komiya Masae; born 8 May 1975) is a Japanese goalball player with a congenital visual impairment.…Masae Komiya (小宮 正江, Komiya Masae; born 8 May 1975) is a Japanese goalball player with a congenital visual impairment. She was part of the bronze medal-winning Japanese women's team at the 2004 Summer Paralympics. At the 2012 Summer Paralympics she captained the gold medal-winning Japanese women's team. After the game she stated "The day [we waited for] finally came. I was so overcome with emotion that I couldn't finish singing the 'Kimigayo' national anthem." Her impairment was caused by retinitis pigmentosa, which destroyed her vision in both eyes when she was in primary school. She began playing in 2001. Her coach, Naoki Eguro, introduced her to the sport.
Takafumi Hirao (平尾 剛史, Hirao Takafumi), also known as Tsuyoshi Hirao (平尾剛, Hirao Tsuyoshi), (born Osaka, 3 May 1975) is…Takafumi Hirao (平尾 剛史, Hirao Takafumi), also known as Tsuyoshi Hirao (平尾剛, Hirao Tsuyoshi), (born Osaka, 3 May 1975) is a Japanese former rugby union player. He played as wing and as fullback. He is not related to the late Seiji Hirao. As of 2015 he works as teacher at Kobe Shinwa Women's University's Development and Education Faculty of Junior sports education Department, with "sports pedagogy", "kinematics" as field of specialization and "body and sports" and "sports education rooted in children's development" as research field.
Makoto Okubo (大久保 誠, Ōkubo Makoto; born 3 May 1975) is a Japanese former professional footballer who played as a…Makoto Okubo (大久保 誠, Ōkubo Makoto; born 3 May 1975) is a Japanese former professional footballer who played as a midfielder.
Kinjiro Nakamura (仲村 錦治郎, Nakamura Kinjirō; born 2 May 1975) is a Japanese table tennis player. He competed in the…Kinjiro Nakamura (仲村 錦治郎, Nakamura Kinjirō; born 2 May 1975) is a Japanese table tennis player. He competed in the men's doubles event at the 1992 Summer Olympics.
Sayuri Oyamada (小山田 サユリ, Oyamada Sayuri; born in Niigata Prefecture, Japan) is an actor and businesswoman. She began…Sayuri Oyamada (小山田 サユリ, Oyamada Sayuri; born in Niigata Prefecture, Japan) is an actor and businesswoman. She began her career in Japan, starring in Body Drop Asphalt, accruing acclaim in Japan and globally. Oyamada's work includes films produced in Japan and internationally, including leads in Bright Future (2003), Seventh Anniversary (2003), Miracle Banana (2005) (Haiti), Suki Da (2006), Watashi Dasuwa (2009), Insect Detective Yoshimi Yoshida (2010). In 2016, she played the leading role of Aya in While the Women Are Sleeping (女が眠る時) directed by Wayne Wang and also starring Takeshi Kitano, Hidetoshi Nishijima, and Shiori Kutsuna premiered at the 66th Annual Berlin International Film Festival. Oyamada's recent work includes leads in Bashira (2021) directed by Academy Award winner Nickson Fong, a short directed by Govind Rae, and a supporting role in the Japanese feature, Lady in White directed by Yuki Otsuka. The latter two were due for release in 2019. She is currently based in New York City and runs an onigiri business.
Taku Kishimoto (Japanese: 岸本卓, Hepburn: Kishimoto Taku) is a Japanese anime screenwriter. After leaving Studio Ghibli…Taku Kishimoto (Japanese: 岸本卓, Hepburn: Kishimoto Taku) is a Japanese anime screenwriter. After leaving Studio Ghibli, he was put in charge of screenwriting for Bunny Drop. Following its completion, he has worked on several series, some of which are Haikyu!!, Erased, and the remake of Fruits Basket.
Koichiro Katafuchi (片渕 浩一郎, Katafuchi Koichiro; born April 29, 1975) is a former Japanese football player and manager…Koichiro Katafuchi (片渕 浩一郎, Katafuchi Koichiro; born April 29, 1975) is a former Japanese football player and manager he is the current assistant manager of Sagan Tosu.
Yoshitomo Hori (Japanese: 堀 慶末; né Kim; born April 29, 1975) is a Korean-Japanese serial killer who killed a couple in…Yoshitomo Hori (Japanese: 堀 慶末; né Kim; born April 29, 1975) is a Korean-Japanese serial killer who killed a couple in Hekinan in 1998, and later participated in the murder of Rie Isogai in 2007. Sentenced to life imprisonment for the latter crime, he was linked to the double murder and another attempted murder in 2012, for which he was sentenced to death and currently awaits execution on death row.
Kazuyoshi Funaki (船木 和喜, Funaki Kazuyoshi) (born 27 April 1975) is a Japanese former ski jumper. He ranked among the…Kazuyoshi Funaki (船木 和喜, Funaki Kazuyoshi) (born 27 April 1975) is a Japanese former ski jumper. He ranked among the most successful sportsmen of its discipline, particularly in the 1990s. Funaki is known for his special variant of the V-style, in which the body lies flatter between the skis than usual.
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.
Masafumi Hirai (平井 正史, born April 21, 1975) is a Japanese former professional baseball pitcher. Hirai played in Nippon…Masafumi Hirai (平井 正史, born April 21, 1975) is a Japanese former professional baseball pitcher. Hirai played in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) for the Orix BlueWave/Buffaloes from 1994 to 2002 and from 2013 to 2014, and the Chunichi Dragons from 2003 to 2012.
Chikara Tanabe (田南部 力, Tanabe Chikara; born April 20, 1975) is a Japanese wrestler who competed in the Men's Freestyle…Chikara Tanabe (田南部 力, Tanabe Chikara; born April 20, 1975) is a Japanese wrestler who competed in the Men's Freestyle 55 kg at the 2004 Summer Olympics and won the bronze medal.
Daizo Kusuda (楠田 大蔵, Kusuda Daizō; born 20 April 1975) is a Japanese politician who served as a member of the House of…Daizo Kusuda (楠田 大蔵, Kusuda Daizō; born 20 April 1975) is a Japanese politician who served as a member of the House of Representatives in the Diet (national legislature) as a member of the Democratic Party of Japan. He was elected for the first time in 2003 and represents the 5th District of Fukuoka prefecture. He is a native of Chikushino, Fukuoka and graduated from the University of Tokyo.
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.
Takayoshi Tanimoto (谷本 貴義, Tanimoto Takayoshi; born April 14, 1975), is a Japanese vocalist known for his theme song…Takayoshi Tanimoto (谷本 貴義, Tanimoto Takayoshi; born April 14, 1975), is a Japanese vocalist known for his theme song performances in Digimon, Zatch Bell! and Dragon Ball Kai, the last of which he sang "Dragon Soul" and "Yeah! Break! Care! Break!" as one-half of a special unit, Dragon Soul.
Keiko Yoshitomi (吉冨 桂子, Yoshitomi Keiko; born April 8, 1975 in Fukuoka, Japan) is a female badminton player from Japan.…Keiko Yoshitomi (吉冨 桂子, Yoshitomi Keiko; born April 8, 1975 in Fukuoka, Japan) is a female badminton player from Japan. Yoshimoti competed in badminton at the 2004 Summer Olympics in women's doubles with partner Chikako Nakayama. They had a bye in the first round and were defeated by Saralee Thungthongkam and Sathinee Chankrachangwong of Thailand in the round of 16.
Seiji Matsuyama (松山 せいじ, Matsuyama Seiji; born April 28, 1975) is a Japanese manga artist from Fukuoka Prefecture. He…Seiji Matsuyama (松山 せいじ, Matsuyama Seiji; born April 28, 1975) is a Japanese manga artist from Fukuoka Prefecture. He is known for drawing many works featuring women with extremely large breasts, and he himself refers to himself as a "boobie manga artist" in his doujinshi and other publications. He is married to fellow manga artist Sayu Matsuyama (松山 紗夕, Matsuyama Sayu).
Shingo Ono (小野 晋吾, Ono Shingo; born April 7, 1975 in Nagaizumi, Shizuoka, Japan) is a Nippon Professional Baseball…Shingo Ono (小野 晋吾, Ono Shingo; born April 7, 1975 in Nagaizumi, Shizuoka, Japan) is a Nippon Professional Baseball pitcher for the Chiba Lotte Marines in Japan's Pacific League.
Aya Kawai (河合 彩, Kawai Aya; born April 4, 1975) is a Japanese former competitive ice dancer. She competed with Hiroshi…Aya Kawai (河合 彩, Kawai Aya; born April 4, 1975) is a Japanese former competitive ice dancer. She competed with Hiroshi Tanaka. They placed 23rd in the 1998 Winter Olympic Games. They were two-time Japanese national champions.
Satoshi Yagisawa (八木澤 教司, Yagisawa Satoshi; born 3 April 1975 in Tokyo, Japan) is a Japanese composer. He graduated…Satoshi Yagisawa (八木澤 教司, Yagisawa Satoshi; born 3 April 1975 in Tokyo, Japan) is a Japanese composer. He graduated from the Musashino Academy of Music. He also finished a master's courses and graduated with the master of music. He then worked for two years in music research. His work is varied and includes orchestral music, chamber music, choral music and music for traditional Japanese instruments. His compositions for winds, whose titles are self-descriptive, are kept in a dramatic musical language. Furthermore, he acts as a judge in competitions, as guest conductor with many orchestras and as the author of articles in professional journals ("The Flute", "The Clarinet", "The Sax"). He arranged in 2003 the theme of music (Music for planting and sowing by the Emperor and Empress of Japan) for the 54th National Arbor Day in Chiba Prefecture.
Yoshinobu Takahashi (高橋 由伸, born April 3, 1975) is a Japanese former professional baseball player and manager. He spent…Yoshinobu Takahashi (高橋 由伸, born April 3, 1975) is a Japanese former professional baseball player and manager. He spent his entire playing career with the Yomiuri Giants and served as the team's manager for three seasons. He graduated from Keio University. A superb contact hitter, he is also known for his exemplary defensive play. He won the Golden Glove award for six consecutive years between 1998 and 2003. Despite his brilliant records, Takahashi has injured himself numerous times over the years going after fly balls. The injuries primarily resulted from his play style, in which he does not give up on fly balls until they hit the ground. His first injury was on September 14, 1999, at a Chunichi Dragons game, where he jumped diagonally against the outfield fence, causing a fractured shoulder bone. He was selected to be part of the Japanese Olympic baseball team for the 2004 Summer Olympics and contributed to the team's bronze medal. Takahashi served as the Giants' manager from 2016 to 2018. After his departure, he stayed on with the Giants as a special adviser.
Koji Uehara (上原 浩治, Uehara Kōji; [ɯehara koːdʑi]; born April 3, 1975) is a Japanese former professional baseball…Koji Uehara (上原 浩治, Uehara Kōji; [ɯehara koːdʑi]; born April 3, 1975) is a Japanese former professional baseball pitcher. He played for the Yomiuri Giants of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), as well as the Baltimore Orioles, Texas Rangers, Boston Red Sox, and Chicago Cubs of Major League Baseball (MLB). A right-handed pitcher, Uehara has an MLB career strikeout rate of 10.7 K/9 innings and a walk rate of 1.5 BB/9 innings through the 2017 season. Through the 2017 season, his career 7.33 K/BB is the best in MLB history for a player with at least 100 innings pitched. Uehara won the 2013 ALCS MVP Award, and closed the final game of the 2013 World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals. With his World Series win, Uehara became one of sixteen players in history to have won both a World Series and a World Baseball Classic.
Hisanori Takahashi (高橋 尚成, Takahashi Hisanori; born April 2, 1975) is a Japanese former professional baseball pitcher.…Hisanori Takahashi (高橋 尚成, Takahashi Hisanori; born April 2, 1975) is a Japanese former professional baseball pitcher. He began his professional career in NPB with the Yomiuri Giants, and played in Major League Baseball for the New York Mets, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Chicago Cubs.
Shigekazu Wakisaka (脇阪薫一, Wakisaka Shigekazu; born 1 April 1975 in Nara) is a Japanese racing driver. A long-term…Shigekazu Wakisaka (脇阪薫一, Wakisaka Shigekazu; born 1 April 1975 in Nara) is a Japanese racing driver. A long-term Toyota factory driver, he raced in Formula Nippon in the late 1990s before establishing himself in Super GT. He has twice won the Suzuka 1000 km. He also competed in LMP1. In 2026, Wakisaka was appointed race advisor of OTG Motor Sports, the parent company of LM corsa. Wakisaka's older brother, Juichi, is a three-time Super GT champion.
Shunsuke Takei (武井 俊輔, Takei Shunsuke; born 29 March 1975) is a Japanese politician of the Liberal Democratic Party…Shunsuke Takei (武井 俊輔, Takei Shunsuke; born 29 March 1975) is a Japanese politician of the Liberal Democratic Party, who serves as a member of the House of Representatives.
Hanako Miura (三浦華子, Miura Hanako; born 28 March 1975) is a Japanese gymnast. She competed at the 1992 Summer Olympics…Hanako Miura (三浦華子, Miura Hanako; born 28 March 1975) is a Japanese gymnast. She competed at the 1992 Summer Olympics and the 1996 Summer Olympics.
Uno Nishimura (西村 うの, Nishimura Uno; born March 28, 1975, in Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan), better known as Uno Kanda (神田…Uno Nishimura (西村 うの, Nishimura Uno; born March 28, 1975, in Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan), better known as Uno Kanda (神田 うの, Kanda Uno), is a Japanese model, actress, tarento, and fashion designer represented by Space Craft.
Junko Yamakawa (山川 純子, Yamakawa Junko; born 28 March 1975 in Niigata Prefecture) is a Japanese alpine skier. She…Junko Yamakawa (山川 純子, Yamakawa Junko; born 28 March 1975 in Niigata Prefecture) is a Japanese alpine skier. She competed in slalom, giant slalom, and alpine combined at the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano.
Tomotaka Takahashi (高橋 智隆, Takahashi Tomotaka; born March 27, 1975) is a Japanese roboticist and founder of Kyoto…Tomotaka Takahashi (高橋 智隆, Takahashi Tomotaka; born March 27, 1975) is a Japanese roboticist and founder of Kyoto University's ROBO-GARAGE since 2018. Takahashi creates humanoid robots known for their smooth, fluid motions and sleek appearance. Having built many humanoid robots entirely by himself, from simple concepts to production, Takahashi's designs have been featured in several art exhibitions celebrating the creation of Astroboy, Time Magazine's Coolest Inventions of 2004, and promotions for Bandai, Panasonic, and Pepsi. He has also worked with toy companies to produce relatively inexpensive robots for the hobby market, including those for Kyosho (a Japanese toy manufacturer better known for their remote control cars). In early 2008, Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. (Panasonic) unveiled Takahashi's 4.5-ounce, 6.7-inch robot mascot for Panasonic's Evolta line of alkaline batteries (the longest lasting of its type according to the Guinness Book of World Records), which climbed a 1,500-ft. Grand Canyon cliff as a publicity stunt/demonstration on May 24, 2008. The robot was powered by a pair of Evolta batteries, and used a tiny rope to ascend the cliff face, which took approximately 6 hours and 45 minutes. Takahashi's largest robot to date is the Enryu T-52, which he designed for Tmsuk Co. Ltd. The Enryu (lit. "Support Dragon") is a 3.5m tall, 2.5m wide, 5t rescue robot that fully houses a human operator, but can also be controlled remotely if necessary via cameras located in the robot's head (including night vision), and on its front, back, and flanks. Its two, 10m long hydraulic arms have 6 degrees of freedom and are capable of lifting a car or other debris in the event of an earthquake, fire, or other disaster. The arms also come equipped with individual CCD cameras, useful when small, precise movements are necessary. It moves on caterpillar-style treads at approximately 3 km/h. As of 2006 the Enryu was still in the testing phase, and in July 2007 Tmsuk Co. Ltd. unveiled the completely redesigned Enryu T-53 (it is unclear what [if any] role Takahashi had in this redesign). He leads Team Osaka, a collaboration of: Osaka City, VSTONE Co. Ltd., Osaka University, Systec Akazawa, ROBO-GARAGE, and ATR Intelligent Robotics and Communication Laboratories, established in 2003 to develop robot technologies in Osaka Japan. Team Osaka competes in various robot competitions and events around the world, such as Robocup (robot soccer). Team Osaka has won the Louis Vuitton Humanoid Cup in 2004, 2005 and 2006. They lost to the German team NimbRo 5–7 in 2007.
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.
Kenji Takao (Japanese: 高尾 憲司; born 23 March 1975) is a Japanese running coach and former long-distance runner who…Kenji Takao (Japanese: 高尾 憲司; born 23 March 1975) is a Japanese running coach and former long-distance runner who competed mainly in the 10,000 metres. His personal best for the distance was 27:56.05 minutes, set in 1995. He was the 1998 Asian Games champion in the 10,000 m. Takao twice represented Japan at the World Championships in Athletics, running in 1995 and 1999. Other than his Asian Games title, he won two other international 10,000 m medals during his career: a silver at the 1994 World Junior Championships in Athletics and a second silver at the 1997 East Asian Games. He competed up to the marathon distance in the latter half of his career but retired in 2005 due to injury. He launched his own running club in 2006 (Running Club Blooming) and has since gone into coaching.
Hidekazu Ichinose (市瀬 秀和, Ichinose Hidekazu; born March 16, 1975 in Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan) is a Japanese voice…Hidekazu Ichinose (市瀬 秀和, Ichinose Hidekazu; born March 16, 1975 in Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan) is a Japanese voice actor. His most notable role was playing Hayato Gokudera in Reborn!.
Keiko Miura (三浦恵子, Miura Keiko; born 16 March 1975 in Gifu, Gifu Prefecture) is a female field hockey field player from…Keiko Miura (三浦恵子, Miura Keiko; born 16 March 1975 in Gifu, Gifu Prefecture) is a female field hockey field player from Japan, who is playing for Sony Bravia Ladies. She plays as a defender and is the striker of the penalty corner in her league team as well as the national team. She can strike the ball up to 120 km/h. She was the team captain of the women's national team that participated in the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, Greece as well as a member of the team of the women's national team that participated in the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, China.
Tak Sakaguchi (坂口 拓, Sakaguchi Taku; born March 15, 1975) is a Japanese actor, director, fight choreographer, stuntman…Tak Sakaguchi (坂口 拓, Sakaguchi Taku; born March 15, 1975) is a Japanese actor, director, fight choreographer, stuntman and martial artist. He is known for his role in Ryuhei Kitamura's Versus. Since his debut, Sakaguchi has worked with Kitamura several times, often appearing alongside fellow Kitamura staple Hideo Sakaki. He has also worked with frequent Kitamura collaborators Yudai Yamaguchi and Yuji Shimomura. Sakaguchi is a martial artist, and most often appears in films featuring fight scenes, usually performing all of his own stunts. He is reportedly skilled in Bajiquan, Shorinji Kempo, Boxing, Kickboxing, and while recently filming Re:Born learned Zero Range Combat developed by Yoshitaka Inagawa.
Masayoshi Shintani is a Japanese politician who is a member of the House of Representatives of Japan. He was a medical…Masayoshi Shintani is a Japanese politician who is a member of the House of Representatives of Japan. He was a medical doctor before he was elected in 2012, 2014, 2017, and 2021.
Tsuyoshi Kikuchihara (菊地原 毅, Kikuchihara Tsuyoshi; born March 7, 1975) is a Japanese former professional baseball…Tsuyoshi Kikuchihara (菊地原 毅, Kikuchihara Tsuyoshi; born March 7, 1975) is a Japanese former professional baseball pitcher. He played in the Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL) for the China Times Eagles, and in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) for the Hiroshima Toyo Carp and Orix Buffaloes.
