Ryoko Eda (née Kitajima, Japanese: 北島 良子, romanized: Kitajima Ryoko; born 12 June 1976) is a Japanese marathon runner.…Ryoko Eda (née Kitajima, Japanese: 北島 良子, romanized: Kitajima Ryoko; born 12 June 1976) is a Japanese marathon runner. Her personal best time is 2:24:54 hours, achieved at the 2005 Nagoya Marathon.
Rie Ueno (born June 11, 1976) is a female long-distance runner from Japan, who is best known for winning the women's…Rie Ueno (born June 11, 1976) is a female long-distance runner from Japan, who is best known for winning the women's 5,000 metres at the 1999 Summer Universiade. She won the first ever women's race at the Kagawa Marugame Half Marathon in 2000, finishing in a time of 1:09:57.
Sonoko Kato (加藤 園子, Katō Sonoko; born June 11, 1976) is a Japanese retired professional wrestler. She made her debut in…Sonoko Kato (加藤 園子, Katō Sonoko; born June 11, 1976) is a Japanese retired professional wrestler. She made her debut in April 1995, working for Gaea Japan, where she became one half of the inaugural AAAW Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions. After becoming a two-time winner of the High Spurt 600 Tournament, Kato's career came to a halt following multiple injuries. After being sidelined for five years, Kato returned to the ring in October 2006, following the folding of Gaea Japan, and found a new home in the Oz Academy promotion, where she is a former two-time Oz Academy Openweight Champion and seven-time Oz Academy Tag Team Champion. Kato has also wrestled in the US for World Championship Wrestling (WCW) and in Mexico for Lucha Libre AAA World Wide (AAA).
Ryuji Yokoyama (横山 竜士, Yokoyama Ryuji; born June 11, 1976 in Katsuyama, Fukui, Japan) is a professional Japanese…Ryuji Yokoyama (横山 竜士, Yokoyama Ryuji; born June 11, 1976 in Katsuyama, Fukui, Japan) is a professional Japanese baseball player. He plays pitcher for the Hiroshima Toyo Carp.
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.
Jūmonji Tomokazu (born 9 June 1976) is a former sumo wrestler from Aomori, Japan. Joining the professional ranks in…Jūmonji Tomokazu (born 9 June 1976) is a former sumo wrestler from Aomori, Japan. Joining the professional ranks in 1992, he reached the top division in 2000 and was ranked there for 34 tournaments until 2007. His highest rank was maegashira 6. He was forced to retire in April 2011 after an investigation by the Japan Sumo Association found him guilty of match-fixing.
Kyoko Uchida (内田 恭子, Uchida Kyōko; born 9 June 1976, in Düsseldorf, West Germany) is a Germany born-Japanese free…Kyoko Uchida (内田 恭子, Uchida Kyōko; born 9 June 1976, in Düsseldorf, West Germany) is a Germany born-Japanese free announcer. She is a former announcer for Fuji Television. Her real name is Kyoko Kimoto (木本 恭子, Kimoto Kyoko) née Uchida (内田). She is nicknamed Ucchī (ウッチー). She grew up in Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture and Chicago. She graduated from Keio University College of Commerce.
Hisato Yasui (安井 久登, Yasui Hisato) (born June 8, 1976, in Osaka Prefecture, Japan) is a retired Japanese male freestyle…Hisato Yasui (安井 久登, Yasui Hisato) (born June 8, 1976, in Osaka Prefecture, Japan) is a retired Japanese male freestyle swimmer. He represented Japan at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia. He is best known for winning a gold and a bronze medal at the 1995 Summer Universiade in Fukuoka.
Kenji Johjima (城島 健司, Jōjima Kenji; born June 8, 1976) is a Japanese former professional baseball player. He was a…Kenji Johjima (城島 健司, Jōjima Kenji; born June 8, 1976) is a Japanese former professional baseball player. He was a catcher for the Seattle Mariners of Major League Baseball (MLB) from 2006 to 2009, playing for the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) prior to playing in the United States, then returning to Japan and to play for the Hanshin Tigers for three seasons. Johjima also played for the Japan national team in the in the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens and 2006 World Baseball Classic.
Takayuki Suzuki (鈴木 隆行, Suzuki Takayuki; born 5 June 1976) is a Japanese former professional footballer who played as a…Takayuki Suzuki (鈴木 隆行, Suzuki Takayuki; born 5 June 1976) is a Japanese former professional footballer who played as a forward. He made over 50 appearances for the Japan national team and he played professionally for two decades in Japan, Brazil, Belgium, Serbia and the United States.
Chigusa Ikeda (池田千草, Ikeda Chigusa; born June 5, 1976), also known under the name Miruku Uchimura (内村みるく, Uchimura…Chigusa Ikeda (池田千草, Ikeda Chigusa; born June 5, 1976), also known under the name Miruku Uchimura (内村みるく, Uchimura Miruku), is a Japanese voice actress from Tokyo, Japan, and is employed by Aoni Production.
Satoshi Osaki (大崎悟史, Osaki Satoshi; born 4 June 1983) is a Japanese long-distance runner who specializes in the…Satoshi Osaki (大崎悟史, Osaki Satoshi; born 4 June 1983) is a Japanese long-distance runner who specializes in the marathon.
Tomo Sugawara (菅原 智, Sugawara Tomo; born June 3, 1976) is a former Japanese football player, he is currently assistant…Tomo Sugawara (菅原 智, Sugawara Tomo; born June 3, 1976) is a former Japanese football player, he is currently assistant manager of Vissel Kobe.
Hitomi Mitsunaga (満永 ひとみ, Mitsunaga Hitomi; born (1976-06-03)3 June 1976) is a retired Japanese female volleyball…Hitomi Mitsunaga (満永 ひとみ, Mitsunaga Hitomi; born (1976-06-03)3 June 1976) is a retired Japanese female volleyball player. She was part of the Japan women's national volleyball team at the 1998 FIVB World Championship in Japan.
Yoshinobu Minowa (箕輪 義信, Minowa Yoshinobu; born June 2, 1976) is a former Japanese football player. He played for Japan…Yoshinobu Minowa (箕輪 義信, Minowa Yoshinobu; born June 2, 1976) is a former Japanese football player. He played for Japan national team.
Kohei Murakami (村上 幸平, Murakami Kōhei; born June 1, 1976) is a Japanese actor from Tokyo. He graduated from Keio…Kohei Murakami (村上 幸平, Murakami Kōhei; born June 1, 1976) is a Japanese actor from Tokyo. He graduated from Keio University's business school. He is known for his portrayal of Masato Kusaka/Kamen Rider Kaixa in Kamen Rider 555 and as Yuji Nakajo/Hikomaro/Giza/Hikaru in Cutie Honey: The Live. He also had a regular role as Kent Kiba/Dimensional Investigator Kent in Jikuu Keisatsu Wecker D-02. He also has a role as SpaMurasaki on Nippon Television's parodic Bihada Sentai Sparanger which looks at various onsen throughout Japan.
Atsushi Maruyama (丸山 敦, Maruyama Atsushi; born on June 14, 1976) is a Japanese professional wrestler, currently signed…Atsushi Maruyama (丸山 敦, Maruyama Atsushi; born on June 14, 1976) is a Japanese professional wrestler, currently signed to All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW). He previously worked for Osaka Pro Wrestling under the ring name Tigers Mask (タイガースマスク, Taigāsu Masuku). His ring name and original wrestling attire were inspired by the Hanshin Tigers baseball team.
Saburo Ohmura (大村 三郎, Ohmura Saburo; born June 1, 1976) also known as Saburo (サブロー) is a Japanese former professional…Saburo Ohmura (大村 三郎, Ohmura Saburo; born June 1, 1976) also known as Saburo (サブロー) is a Japanese former professional baseball outfielder who currently serves as the manager for the Chiba Lotte Marines of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). He played in NPB for the Marines and the Yomiuri Giants from 1995 to 2016.
Noriko Anno (阿武 教子, born 23 May 1976, in Fukue, Yamaguchi) is a Japanese judoka who won the gold medal in the women's…Noriko Anno (阿武 教子, born 23 May 1976, in Fukue, Yamaguchi) is a Japanese judoka who won the gold medal in the women's –78 kg at the 2004 Summer Olympics. She is a four times World Champion, having won the championships in 1997, 1999, 2001 and 2003. Anno married judoka Ryuji Sonoda in 2010.
Bushūyama Takashi (武州山 隆士; born May 21, 1976) is a Japanese former sumo wrestler from Aomori, Aomori Prefecture. He…Bushūyama Takashi (武州山 隆士; born May 21, 1976) is a Japanese former sumo wrestler from Aomori, Aomori Prefecture. He made his professional debut in January 1999. At the age of 32, he was promoted to the top makuuchi division in the November 2008 tournament. His highest rank was maegashira 3. He is now a sumo coach.
Naoko Imoto (井本 直歩子, Imoto Naoko; born May 20, 1976) is a former freestyle swimmer from Japan, who competed for her…Naoko Imoto (井本 直歩子, Imoto Naoko; born May 20, 1976) is a former freestyle swimmer from Japan, who competed for her native country at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia. There she finished in fourth place in the 4 × 200 m freestyle relay, alongside Aiko Miyake, Eri Yamanoi, and Suzu Chiba. In 2020, Imoto received the Olympic Flame in a ceremony in Greece to be transferred to Japan for the 2020 Summer Olympics.
Tomoya Satozaki (里崎 智也, Satozaki Tomoya; born May 20, 1976, in Naruto, Tokushima, Japan) is a former Japanese…Tomoya Satozaki (里崎 智也, Satozaki Tomoya; born May 20, 1976, in Naruto, Tokushima, Japan) is a former Japanese professional baseball catcher. He played his entire career in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) for the Chiba Lotte Marines. He played for Japan in the 2006 World Baseball Classic, and made the 2006 All-World Baseball Classic team.
Yoshihiko Inohara (Japanese: 井ノ原快彦, Hepburn: Inohara Yoshihiko) (born May 17, 1976) is a Japanese actor, singer and…Yoshihiko Inohara (Japanese: 井ノ原快彦, Hepburn: Inohara Yoshihiko) (born May 17, 1976) is a Japanese actor, singer and host. He is a former member of boy band V6 and a member of 20th Century. His nickname is "Inocchi". Born in Asakusa, Taitō, Tokyo and raised in Yashio, Shinagawa, Tokyo. He belongs to Starto Entertainment and formerly served as CMO (Chief marketing officer) until June 27, 2025. His wife is actress Asaka Seto.
Takamisakari Seiken (born May 12, 1976 as Seiken Katō) is a former sumo wrestler from Aomori Prefecture, Japan. A…Takamisakari Seiken (born May 12, 1976 as Seiken Katō) is a former sumo wrestler from Aomori Prefecture, Japan. A former amateur champion, he turned professional in 1999 and established himself in the top division in 2002 after a brief appearance in 2000. He received five special prizes for his achievements in tournaments and earned two gold stars for defeating yokozuna. The highest rank he reached was komusubi, which he held on two occasions. He was one of the most popular wrestlers in sumo in his time, largely due to his eccentric warm-ups before his matches. He retired in January 2013 to become a coach at Azumazeki stable, having taken the toshiyori-kabu Furiwake-oyakata. In January 2020 he became head coach of Azumazeki stable, following the death of the former Ushiomaru.
Youichi Imamura (今村陽一, Imamura Yôichi; 11 May 1976, Yamanashi) is a Japanese professional drifting driver, currently…Youichi Imamura (今村陽一, Imamura Yôichi; 11 May 1976, Yamanashi) is a Japanese professional drifting driver, currently serving as a judge in Formula Drift Japan after he stopped competing in 2019. Besides driving and drifting, his other passion is flowers as his parents ran a florist business. When he is not drifting he is working as a florist in Yamanashi. His favourite time of the week is when he and his wife drive out to collect stock. Imamura has been competing in the D1 Grand Prix series since it began in October 2000. His first successful year was the 2003 season where he won the series title in his A'PEXi Mazda RX-7 (FD3S). After A'PEXi left the series he switched to ORC and has been working with the team to improve the performance of the Nissan Fairlady Z coming in sixth in the 2007 series. In 2008, he switched to the newly formed team Auto Produce Boss with Potenza D-1 Project, driving their Nissan Silvia S15 which was actually Yasuyuki Kazama's 2005 Championship car. He went on to win the 2009, 2010 and 2011 Series Championship in this car, making him the only driver with the most championship titles at four, the first driver to win titles in consecutive years, the second driver with the most wins at 16 after Daigo Saito. He remained compete in D1 driving for Nichiei Racing, OTG Motorsports and MMM Racing, he stopped competing after 2019 season and now became one of the judge for Formula Drift Japan. Like rival drifter who he was team mate to, Ryuji Miki, Imamura also competed in the Net'z Cup, a one make series for the Toyota Altezza between 2005 and its final season in 2006, his racing antics were documented twice on Video Option.
Yukihiko Sato (佐藤 由紀彦, Satō Yukihiko; born May 11, 1976) is a former Japanese football player and he is the currently…Yukihiko Sato (佐藤 由紀彦, Satō Yukihiko; born May 11, 1976) is a former Japanese football player and he is the currently assistant coach J1 League club of FC Tokyo.
Hidenori Kuramoto (蔵本 英智, Kuramoto Hidenori; born May 9, 1976) also known as Hidenori (英智) is a Japanese former…Hidenori Kuramoto (蔵本 英智, Kuramoto Hidenori; born May 9, 1976) also known as Hidenori (英智) is a Japanese former professional baseball outfielder for the Chunichi Dragons in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball. Hidenori played for the Dragons from 2001 to 2012. He is currently employed with the Dragons as the second team outfield and base-running coach.
Daniel Njenga Muturi (born 7 May 1976) is a Kenyan long-distance runner, who specializes in the marathon. He had his…Daniel Njenga Muturi (born 7 May 1976) is a Kenyan long-distance runner, who specializes in the marathon. He had his first successes in 1995 as he won the steeplechase gold medal at the 1995 Summer Universiade and also the Chiba International Cross Country meeting. He was based in Japan from early on in his early career and won the steeplechase at the Japanese Championships on three occasions. Njenga turned to marathon running and made his debut in 1995 at the Saitama Marathon in Ageo, Saitama, Japan, placing first, and then coming in tenth in his second marathon at the 1999 Fukuoka Marathon. His breakthrough year came in 2002 when he was the runner-up at the Beppu-Oita Marathon and Chicago Marathon. His time of 2:06:16 hours in Chicago made him the third fastest runner in the world for 2002, behind only Khalid Khannouchi and Paul Tergat. He is known for his consistent, close finishes in the Chicago Marathon, finishing as runner-up three times and third on two occasions, between 2003 and 2007. He was the 2006 winner of the Sendai Half Marathon. He won the Tokyo International Marathon in 2004 and then the reformed Tokyo Marathon in 2007. Njenga is a featured subject in the 2007 marathon documentary Spirit of the Marathon. Njenga was victorious at the 2009 Hokkaido Marathon and took consecutive runner-up spots at the Beppu-Ōita Marathon in 2010 and 2011.
Anza Ohyama (Japanese: 大山 アンザ, Hepburn: Ōyama Anza; born May 4, 1976), also known as simply Anza (stylized in all…Anza Ohyama (Japanese: 大山 アンザ, Hepburn: Ōyama Anza; born May 4, 1976), also known as simply Anza (stylized in all caps), is a Japanese singer and theater actress best known as vocalist of the heavy metal band Head Phones President and for playing Sailor Moon in thirteen separate musical productions.
Yasuhiro Hato (波戸 康広, Hato Yasuhiro; born 4 May 1976) is a former Japanese football player. He played for Japan…Yasuhiro Hato (波戸 康広, Hato Yasuhiro; born 4 May 1976) is a former Japanese football player. He played for Japan national team.
Mayumi Ichikawa (Japanese: 市河 麻由美; born May 3, 1976) is a female long-distance runner from Japan. She set her personal…Mayumi Ichikawa (Japanese: 市河 麻由美; born May 3, 1976) is a female long-distance runner from Japan. She set her personal best in the women's marathon on March 11, 2001 in Nagoya, clocking 2:27:22.
Noriyo Hiroi (廣井 法代, Hiroi Noriyo) (born 1976) is a Japanese alpine skier. Hiroi made her World Cup debut in the…Noriyo Hiroi (廣井 法代, Hiroi Noriyo) (born 1976) is a Japanese alpine skier. Hiroi made her World Cup debut in the 1996–97 season, in Sölden where she was disqualified. After being disqualified or not finishing in twelve consecutive races, she finally collected her first World Cup points later that same season, finishing 25th in the slalom race in Laax. In the 1997–98 and 1998–99 World Cup she did not finish either of the eleven races she started in; and in 1999–2000 she failed to finish ten more races, but did finish three, slightly improving her career best placement to 23rd in the December 1999 slalom in Lienz. The 30th place in giant slalom in March 2000 was her only World Cup point in this discipline, starting 32 giant slalom races in the World Cup throughout her career. During the 2000–01 World Cup, Hiroi achieved another 23rd place before improving steadily to 17th in Sestriere and 10th in Semmering, both in the slalom in December 2000. In 2001 she also recorded a 16th, 12th and 14th place in Ofterschwang, Garmisch-Partenkirchen and Åre. In 2001–02 her best World Cup placement was 19th, and in 2003–04 it was 22nd. In 2004–05 she only finished one race, a 27th place, whereas her best placement in the 2005–06 World Cup was 18th. Her last World Cup race was in March 2006 in Levi, Finland. She competed at the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano, and also at the 2002 and 2006 Winter Olympics. Her best outing was the 14th place in slalom at the 2002 Olympics. She competed at the 1997, 2001, 2003 and 2005 World Alpine Skiing Championships. Her best placement here was the 26th place in St. Anton in 2001, in the giant slalom. She took up residence in Niigata and represented the clubs Kandatsu Kogen and Albirex Niigata during her career.
Mitsunori Yabuta (藪田 光教, Yabuta Mitsunori; born 2 May 1976) is a Japanese football manager and former footballer who is…Mitsunori Yabuta (藪田 光教, Yabuta Mitsunori; born 2 May 1976) is a Japanese football manager and former footballer who is manager of J3 League club FC Osaka.
Kosaku Masuda (増田 功作, Masuda Kōsaku; born April 30, 1976) is a Japanese football manager and former player who is the…Kosaku Masuda (増田 功作, Masuda Kōsaku; born April 30, 1976) is a Japanese football manager and former player who is the manager of J2 League club Tokushima Vortis.
Tomokazu Matsuyama (松山智一 Matsuyama Tomokazu, born April 30, 1976, in Takayama, Gifu, Japan) is a Japanese contemporary…Tomokazu Matsuyama (松山智一 Matsuyama Tomokazu, born April 30, 1976, in Takayama, Gifu, Japan) is a Japanese contemporary visual artist. Matsuyama lives and works in Brooklyn, New York. Matsuyama is influenced by a variety of subjects, including Japanese art from the Edo and Meiji eras, classical Greek and Roman statuary, French Renaissance painting, postwar contemporary art, and the visual language of global, popular culture as embodied by mass-produced commodities.
Ryūji Chiyotaikai (千代大海 龍二, Chiyotaikai Ryūji; born April 29, 1976) is a Japanese former sumo wrestler. He made his…Ryūji Chiyotaikai (千代大海 龍二, Chiyotaikai Ryūji; born April 29, 1976) is a Japanese former sumo wrestler. He made his professional debut in 1992 and reached the top makuuchi division in 1997. He held the second highest rank of ōzeki or champion for 65 consecutive tournaments from 1999 until 2009, making him the longest serving ōzeki in the modern era. He won three top division yūshō or tournament championships, and was a runner-up on seven other occasions. However, he also held the dubious record of being in danger of demotion from ōzeki fourteen times. He wrestled for Kokonoe stable until his retirement in January 2010 at the age of 33. He remained in sumo as a coach at Kokonoe stable, and became the head coach in August 2016 following the death of Chiyonofuji.
Tomohiro Nioka (二岡 智宏, born April 29, 1976, in Miyoshi, Hiroshima, Japan) is a Japanese former professional baseball…Tomohiro Nioka (二岡 智宏, born April 29, 1976, in Miyoshi, Hiroshima, Japan) is a Japanese former professional baseball player. He previously played for the Yomiuri Giants and Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters. Nioka batted and threw right-handed.
Kinya Oyanagi (大柳 錦也, Ōyanagi Kinya) (born April 26, 1976) is a Japanese retired professional wrestler. He has worked…Kinya Oyanagi (大柳 錦也, Ōyanagi Kinya) (born April 26, 1976) is a Japanese retired professional wrestler. He has worked extensely in Toryumon Japan and Michinoku Pro Wrestling, where he is a former Tohoku Tag Team champion along with Kesen Numajiro.
Tomu Tanigawa (谷川とむ, Tanigawa Tomu; born 27 April 1976) is a Japanese politician. He has been a member of the House of…Tomu Tanigawa (谷川とむ, Tanigawa Tomu; born 27 April 1976) is a Japanese politician. He has been a member of the House of Representatives since 2026, having previously served from 2014 to 2024. He is the son of Shuzen Tanigawa.
Kazuo Misaki (Japanese: 三崎和雄, born April 25, 1976) is a retired Japanese professional mixed martial artist. A…Kazuo Misaki (Japanese: 三崎和雄, born April 25, 1976) is a retired Japanese professional mixed martial artist. A professional competitor from 2001 until 2013, he was the 2006 PRIDE Welterweight (183 lbs) Grand Prix Champion, and also competed in Sengoku, Pancrase, DEEP, and Strikeforce. His 2010 bout with Jorge Santiago for the Sengoku Middleweight Championship was InsideMMA's "Fight of the Year."
Naotaro Moriyama (Japanese: 森山直太朗, Hepburn: Moriyama Naotarō; born April 23, 1976) is a Japanese singer-songwriter and…Naotaro Moriyama (Japanese: 森山直太朗, Hepburn: Moriyama Naotarō; born April 23, 1976) is a Japanese singer-songwriter and actor. His mother is Ryōko Moriyama, a well-known folk singer. Moriyama came out with the album "Kawaita Uta wa Sakana no Esa ni Chōdo Ii" in 2002, including the song "Sakura".
Mami Tamura (たむら まみ, Tamura Mami; born 23 April 1976) is a Japanese politician who is a member of the House of…Mami Tamura (たむら まみ, Tamura Mami; born 23 April 1976) is a Japanese politician who is a member of the House of Councillors of Japan.
Itsuki Toyama (外山 斎, Toyama Itsuki; born 1976) is a Japanese politician, an independent and member of the House of…Itsuki Toyama (外山 斎, Toyama Itsuki; born 1976) is a Japanese politician, an independent and member of the House of Councillors in the Diet (national legislature). He was elected to the House of Councillors for the first time in 2007 after running unsuccessfully for the House of Representatives in 2005.
Mari Okada (Japanese: 岡田 麿里, Hepburn: Okada Mari; born 23 April 1976) is a Japanese screenwriter, director, and manga…Mari Okada (Japanese: 岡田 麿里, Hepburn: Okada Mari; born 23 April 1976) is a Japanese screenwriter, director, and manga artist. She is one of the most prolific writers currently working in the anime industry. She won the 16th Animation Kobe Award. Among her credits, Okada is best known for her writing and producing work on acclaimed anime series and films, including Toradora!, Anohana, Gosick, The Pet Girl of Sakurasou, Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms, and her original manga series and its anime adaptation O Maidens in Your Savage Season.
