Koji Tanaka (田中 孝司, Tanaka Kōji; November 2, 1955 – May 26, 2026) was a Japanese football player and manager. He played…Koji Tanaka (田中 孝司, Tanaka Kōji; November 2, 1955 – May 26, 2026) was a Japanese football player and manager. He played for the Japan national team.
Masato Wakayama (Japanese: 若山 正人, romanized: Wakayama Masato; born November 1955) is a Japanese mathematician…Masato Wakayama (Japanese: 若山 正人, romanized: Wakayama Masato; born November 1955) is a Japanese mathematician specializing in representation theory, number theory, and mathematical physics. He is the Research Principal of the NTT Institute of Fundamental Mathematics, President of ZEN University and Professor Emeritus at Kyushu University. He worked to improve research collaboration in mathematics between academia and industry and the development of mathematics among young people in Japan.
Mikio Oyama (大山 三喜雄, Ōyama Mikio; born 29 October 1955) is a Japanese speed skater. He competed in two events at the…Mikio Oyama (大山 三喜雄, Ōyama Mikio; born 29 October 1955) is a Japanese speed skater. He competed in two events at the 1976 Winter Olympics.
Etsuko Shihomi (志穂美 悦子, Shihomi Etsuko), born October 29, 1955, in Okayama City, Japan, as Etsuko Shiomi (塩見 悦子, Shiomi…Etsuko Shihomi (志穂美 悦子, Shihomi Etsuko), born October 29, 1955, in Okayama City, Japan, as Etsuko Shiomi (塩見 悦子, Shiomi Etsuko), now known by her married name Etsuko Nagabuchi (長渕 悦子, Nagabuchi Etsuko), is a Japanese actress and martial artist who appeared in several Japanese martial arts films and samurai film and TV productions of the 1970s and 1980s.
Yuko Yamaguchi (山口 裕子, Yamaguchi Yūko; born October 24, 1955) is a Japanese character designer and illustrator. She is…Yuko Yamaguchi (山口 裕子, Yamaguchi Yūko; born October 24, 1955) is a Japanese character designer and illustrator. She is well known as the third character designer of Hello Kitty.
Setsuko Shinoda (篠田 節子, Shinoda Setsuko; born 1955) is a Japanese writer of the fiction genre. She has won the Shōsetsu…Setsuko Shinoda (篠田 節子, Shinoda Setsuko; born 1955) is a Japanese writer of the fiction genre. She has won the Shōsetsu Subaru Literary Prize for Newcomers, the Yamamoto Shūgorō Prize, the Naoki Prize, the Shibata Renzaburo Prize, a MEXT Award, and the Chuo Koron Literary Prize. Several of her works have been adapted for television.
Yasukazu Hamada (浜田 靖一, Hamada Yasukazu; born 21 October 1955) is a Japanese politician who served as the Minister of…Yasukazu Hamada (浜田 靖一, Hamada Yasukazu; born 21 October 1955) is a Japanese politician who served as the Minister of Defense of Japan from 2008 to 2009 and from 2022 to 2023. A member of the Liberal Democratic Party, he also serves in the House of Representatives, having taken office in 1993. In September 2008, under the Cabinet of Prime Minister Tarō Asō, Hamada was appointed Minister of Defense. This was Hamada's first Cabinet position. He was appointed to the same position under the Cabinet of Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in 2022. His father, Kōichi Hamada, also served in the House of Representatives.
Akio Ishii (Japanese: 石井朗夫, Hepburn: Ishii Akio; born October 19, 1955), known professionally as LaSalle Ishii (ラサール石井…Akio Ishii (Japanese: 石井朗夫, Hepburn: Ishii Akio; born October 19, 1955), known professionally as LaSalle Ishii (ラサール石井, Rasāru Ishii), is a Japanese TV personality, actor, director, writer, columnist, and politician. He named himself after his high school Japanese La Salle Academy. His best-known anime role is Kankichi Ryotsu the lead character in Kochira Katsushika-ku Kameari Kōen-mae Hashutsujo which ran from 1999 to 2004 for 373 episodes. In 2025, he ran in the House of Councillors election in the proportional representation district as a member of the Social Democratic Party, winning a seat. On September 24 the same year, the managerial committee of SDP announced it approved his inauguration as its Vice-Chairman.
Hiroshi Kajiyama (梶山 弘志, Kajiyama Hiroshi; born 18 October 1955) is a Japanese politician who served as Minister of…Hiroshi Kajiyama (梶山 弘志, Kajiyama Hiroshi; born 18 October 1955) is a Japanese politician who served as Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry from October 2019 to October 2021. He is a member of the House of Representative since 2000, representing the Ibaraki 4th district.
Hiromi Go (郷 ひろみ, Gō Hiromi; born October 18, 1955), is a Japanese singer, part of Sony Music Entertainment Japan. His…Hiromi Go (郷 ひろみ, Gō Hiromi; born October 18, 1955), is a Japanese singer, part of Sony Music Entertainment Japan. His real name is Hiromi Haratake (原武 裕美, Haratake Hiromi). In the 1970s, he was called the "New Big Three" (新御三家, shin gosanke) with Goro Noguchi and Hideki Saijo. He belonged to Johnny & Associates, but three years after debut in 1975, left the agency. He also effectively became the Japanese answer to Ricky Martin after his 1999 Japanese version of "Livin' la Vida Loca," which was called "Goldfinger '99". His stage name's initials are "HG", and that, combined with his remake of Ricky Martin's "Livin la Vida Loca" made him a direct and frequent target of comedian Hard Gay. Go featured Japanese hip hop musician Dohzi-T in his R&B-style song "Kimi Dake o," released on May 14, 2008. "Kimi Dake o" was included in his album Place to Be, and the remix of the song was included as a bonus track in Dohzi-T's album 12 Love Stories. Go appeared in the Canadian film Samurai Cowboy with Catherine Mary Stewart and Robert Conrad, which was released in 1993. He was also invited to the Japanese touring ice show Fantasy on Ice in 2014, where he performed live with figure skater and two-time Olympic champion, Yuzuru Hanyu, to the song "Ienai yo" (lit. "I can't say it") amongst others.
Yoji Muto (武藤 容治, Mutō Yōji; born 18 October 1955) is a Japanese politician of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), a…Yoji Muto (武藤 容治, Mutō Yōji; born 18 October 1955) is a Japanese politician of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), a member of the House of Representatives in the Diet (national legislature). A native of Gifu, Gifu and graduate of Keio University, he was elected to the House for the first time in 2005. His father is former foreign minister Kabun Muto, and his grandfather is former member of the House of Representatives Kaichi Muto. He served as state minister of economy, trade and industry.
Keiichi Oku (奥 慶一, Oku Keiichi; born October 14, 1955, in Shiga Prefecture, Japan) is a Japanese keyboardist, composer…Keiichi Oku (奥 慶一, Oku Keiichi; born October 14, 1955, in Shiga Prefecture, Japan) is a Japanese keyboardist, composer and arranger. He was the keyboardist in the Japanese band Spectrum from 1979 to 1981. In 2009, he won the JASRAC International Award for the background music used in the Ashita no Nadja anime television series from Toei Animation.
Megumi Asaoka (麻丘めぐみ, Asaoka Megumi) (born October 11, 1955) is a Japanese pop singer, and actress. Her real name is…Megumi Asaoka (麻丘めぐみ, Asaoka Megumi) (born October 11, 1955) is a Japanese pop singer, and actress. Her real name is Kayoko Fujii.
Tetsurō Amino (アミノ テツロー, Amino Tetsurō; birth name: 網野 哲郎) is a Japanese anime director, born on October 10, 1955, in…Tetsurō Amino (アミノ テツロー, Amino Tetsurō; birth name: 網野 哲郎) is a Japanese anime director, born on October 10, 1955, in Chiba Prefecture. In 1988, he started using his name in katakana.
Toshimitsu Motegi (茂木 敏充, Motegi Toshimitsu; born 7 October 1955) is a Japanese politician who is serving as Minister…Toshimitsu Motegi (茂木 敏充, Motegi Toshimitsu; born 7 October 1955) is a Japanese politician who is serving as Minister for Foreign Affairs and as a member of the House of Representatives. He has previously served as Minister for Foreign Affairs from 2019 to 2021, and as Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry from 2012 to 2014. He served as the Secretary-General of the Liberal Democratic Party from 2021 to 2024. He was the leader of the Heisei Kenkyūkai faction within the LDP, before its dissolution in 2024.
Teruaki Masumoto (増元照明; born October 5, 1955, in Kagoshima Prefecture) is the secretary general of the Japanese…Teruaki Masumoto (増元照明; born October 5, 1955, in Kagoshima Prefecture) is the secretary general of the Japanese Association of the Families of Victims Kidnapped by North Korea, which advocates for the return of Japanese citizens kidnapped by North Korea and calls for the Japanese government to impose sanctions on the country. His older sister Rumiko is one of the victims. On February 1, 2007, he married actress Yuuko Wakamiya. in May 2012 he testified at North Korean human rights in European Parliament about his sister and other abductees including Megumi Yokota and Yaeko Taguchi.
Kaoru Fukuda (福田 薫, Fukuda Kaoru; born 4 October 1955) is a Japanese speed skater. He competed in two events at the…Kaoru Fukuda (福田 薫, Fukuda Kaoru; born 4 October 1955) is a Japanese speed skater. He competed in two events at the 1980 Winter Olympics.
Takashi Ikenoue (池ノ上 孝司, Ikenoue Takashi; born 29 September 1955) is a Japanese former handball player who competed in…Takashi Ikenoue (池ノ上 孝司, Ikenoue Takashi; born 29 September 1955) is a Japanese former handball player who competed in the 1984 Summer Olympics.
Akio Ishii (石井 昭男, Ishii Akio; born September 26, 1955) is a Japanese former professional baseball outfielder. He…Akio Ishii (石井 昭男, Ishii Akio; born September 26, 1955) is a Japanese former professional baseball outfielder. He played for the Chunichi Dragons. He is currently the second team hitting coach for the Chunichi Dragons in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball.
Shinbo Nomura (のむら しんぼ, Nomura Shinbo; born Shin Nomura (野村 伸, Nomura Shin); 24 September 1955 in Minamikayabe, now…Shinbo Nomura (のむら しんぼ, Nomura Shinbo; born Shin Nomura (野村 伸, Nomura Shin); 24 September 1955 in Minamikayabe, now part of Hakodate, Hokkaido) is a Japanese manga artist. He is best known as the author of the yonkoma manga Tsurupika Hagemaru (つるピカハゲ丸; lit. 'Little Baldy Hagemaru'), which was adapted as a 58-episode anime television series and for which he received the 1988 Shogakukan Manga Award for children's manga. He also later created a manga adaption of Ratchet & Clank. He began his career as an assistant to Kenshi Hirokane.
Atsuko Tokuda (徳田 敦子, Tokuda Atsuko; born 15 September 1955) is a retired badminton player of Japan who won Japanese…Atsuko Tokuda (徳田 敦子, Tokuda Atsuko; born 15 September 1955) is a retired badminton player of Japan who won Japanese national and international titles in the late 1970s and the 1980s. Her international victories included the All-England women's doubles with Mikiko Takada in 1978 and the Danish Open women's doubles in 1978 and 1987 with Takada and Yoshiko Yonekura Tago respectively. Though most of Tokuda's international success came in doubles, she won the Japanese national singles title in 1978. She earned a bronze medal at the 1980 IBF World Championships in women's doubles with Yonekura. Tokuda helped Japan win world team titles in the Uber Cup competitions of 1978 and 1981 with a strong winning record in her individual matches. Tokuda and Takada were the first ever women's doubles world number ones in the first IBF world rankings released in 1978.
Matsuyoshi Takahashi (高橋 松吉, Takahashi Matsuyoshi; born 3 September 1955) is a Japanese former cyclist. He competed in…Matsuyoshi Takahashi (高橋 松吉, Takahashi Matsuyoshi; born 3 September 1955) is a Japanese former cyclist. He competed in the individual road race event at the 1984 Summer Olympics. He also competed at the 1982 and 1986 Asian Games. He served as one of the coaches for the Japanese cycling team at the 2012 Summer Olympics.
Hiromi Itō (伊藤 比呂美, Itō Hiromi; born September 13, 1955) is a Japanese poet, novelist and essayist. Having won two…Hiromi Itō (伊藤 比呂美, Itō Hiromi; born September 13, 1955) is a Japanese poet, novelist and essayist. Having won two Akutagawa Prizes and a Mishima Yukio Prize, she is considered one of the most prominent women writers of contemporary Japan. She is currently teaching at School of Culture, Media and Society in Waseda University.
Yoshitami Kameoka (亀岡 偉民, Kameoka Yoshitami; born 10 September 1955) is a former Japanese politician of the Liberal…Yoshitami Kameoka (亀岡 偉民, Kameoka Yoshitami; born 10 September 1955) is a former Japanese politician of the Liberal Democratic Party, who served as a member of the House of Representatives in the Diet (national legislature). A native of Tochigi Prefecture and graduate of Waseda University, he was elected for the first time in 2005 after unsuccessful runs in 2000 and 2003.
Hiromi Mitsubayashi (三ッ林 裕巳, Mitsubayashi Hiromi; born 7 September 1955) is a Japanese politician of the Liberal…Hiromi Mitsubayashi (三ッ林 裕巳, Mitsubayashi Hiromi; born 7 September 1955) is a Japanese politician of the Liberal Democratic Party, who serves as a member of the House of Representatives.
Mayumi Asaka (朝加 真由美 or あさか まゆみ, Asaka Mayumi) (born September 6, 1955) is a Japanese actress. One of her television…Mayumi Asaka (朝加 真由美 or あさか まゆみ, Asaka Mayumi) (born September 6, 1955) is a Japanese actress. One of her television roles was as the ninja Sagiri in the jidaigeki Abarenbo Shogun. As of 2005, she is still active in television commercials. On August 31, 2006, she played a guest-star role in the prime-time series Shin Kasōken no Onna File 8 on TV Asahi. She also guest-starred in the episode of Mito Komon for broadcast on August 20, 2007 (season 37, episode 20). A year later, Mayumi appeared in a TV Tokyo Wednesday night mystery show, Ryokō Sakka Chaya Jirō #8.
Yoshinori Oguchi (大口 善徳, Ōguchi Yoshinori; born 5 September 1955) is a former Japanese politician who served as a…Yoshinori Oguchi (大口 善徳, Ōguchi Yoshinori; born 5 September 1955) is a former Japanese politician who served as a member of the House of Representatives in the Diet for the Komeito Party. A native of Osaka and graduate of Soka University, he was elected to the House of Representatives for the first time in 1993.
Kazuhiro Yamakura (山倉 和博, born September 2, 1955) is a Japanese former professional baseball catcher. He spent his…Kazuhiro Yamakura (山倉 和博, born September 2, 1955) is a Japanese former professional baseball catcher. He spent his entire 13-year playing career with the Yomiuri Giants of Nippon Professional Baseball. He was the 1987 Central League MVP.
Wang Junzhi (Chinese: 王军志; born September 1955) is a Chinese biological products testing expert and the deputy director…Wang Junzhi (Chinese: 王军志; born September 1955) is a Chinese biological products testing expert and the deputy director of National Institute for Food and Drug Control.
Kang Man-Soo (born 24 August 1955) is a South Korean former volleyball player who competed in the 1972 Summer Olympics…Kang Man-Soo (born 24 August 1955) is a South Korean former volleyball player who competed in the 1972 Summer Olympics, in the 1976 Summer Olympics, and in the 1984 Summer Olympics.
Shinji Hiramatsu (Japanese: 平松 伸二, Hepburn: Hiramatsu Shinji, born August 22, 1955) is a Japanese manga artist. He…Shinji Hiramatsu (Japanese: 平松 伸二, Hepburn: Hiramatsu Shinji, born August 22, 1955) is a Japanese manga artist. He hails from Takahashi City, Okayama Prefecture, and currently resides in Shibamata, Katsushika Ward, Tokyo. He is best known for works such as Doberman Deka, Black Angels, and Murder License Kiba. His wife is manga scriptwriter Uni Yasue. He serves as a councilor of the Japan Cartoonists Association.
Kazuo Azuma (東 和男, Azuma Kazuo; August 17, 1955) is a Japanese retired professional shogi player who achieved the rank…Kazuo Azuma (東 和男, Azuma Kazuo; August 17, 1955) is a Japanese retired professional shogi player who achieved the rank of 8-dan. He is a former senior managing director of the Japan Shogi Association.
Tomofumi Murata (村田 友文, Murata Tomofumi) (born August 17, 1955), better known by his ring name Takeshi Caesar (シーザー武志…Tomofumi Murata (村田 友文, Murata Tomofumi) (born August 17, 1955), better known by his ring name Takeshi Caesar (シーザー武志, Shīzā Takeshi), is a Japanese actor, retired kickboxer and the founder of shoot boxing.
Shishihō Yoshimasa (born Osamu Tanaka; August 14, 1955 – October 7, 2006) was a sumo wrestler from Moriyama, Nagasaki…Shishihō Yoshimasa (born Osamu Tanaka; August 14, 1955 – October 7, 2006) was a sumo wrestler from Moriyama, Nagasaki, Japan. He made his professional debut in January 1971, and became the first sekitori from Taiho stable when he reached the juryo division in July 1977. He reached the top division in September 1979. His highest rank was maegashira 2. His favourite techniques were migi-yotsu and uwatenage. Upon retirement in May 1987 he was hired by the Sumo Association as a wakaimonogashira. He left the sumo world in July 1991. He died of cancer in 2006.
Konuma Katsuyuki (born 14 August 1955 as Katsuyuki Konuma) is a former sumo wrestler from Kasukabe, Saitama, Japan. He…Konuma Katsuyuki (born 14 August 1955 as Katsuyuki Konuma) is a former sumo wrestler from Kasukabe, Saitama, Japan. He made his professional debut in July 1971, and reached the top division in March 1976. His highest rank was maegashira 9. He was a contemporary of Chiyonofuji, and the second man after him born in the Shōwa 30s (1955–1964) to reach the top division. He was talked of as a future yokozuna candidate and the "new Kitanoumi" but after breaking his leg in May 1976 his career never recovered. He retired from active competition in November 1978 at the age of just 23, due partly to the effects of his injury but also to a breakdown in relations with his stablemaster Kagamiyama, former yokozuna Kashiwado. After leaving sumo he ran a restaurant in his hometown of Kasukabe. His relationship with Kagamiyama later improved enough for the latter to attend his wedding ceremony.
Hideo Fukuyama (福山 英朗, Hideo Fukuyama; born August 13, 1955) is a Japanese former racing driver. A former competitor at…Hideo Fukuyama (福山 英朗, Hideo Fukuyama; born August 13, 1955) is a Japanese former racing driver. A former competitor at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, he attempted to compete in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series in the early 2000s, but only qualified for four races before leaving the series. He was the first Japanese driver to compete in NASCAR's top series. Fukuyama won the JGTC/Super GT title on three occasions, in 1992, 1997 and 2000, as well as the 2000 24 Hours of Le Mans in the GT3 class alongside Atsushi Yogo and Bruno Lambert.
Takahide Kimura (木村 隆秀, Kimura Takahide; born 10 August 1955) is a former Japanese politician of the Liberal Democratic…Takahide Kimura (木村 隆秀, Kimura Takahide; born 10 August 1955) is a former Japanese politician of the Liberal Democratic Party, who served as a member of the House of Representatives in the Diet (national legislature). A native of Nagoya, Aichi and graduate of Tokyo Keizai University, he was elected to the House of Representatives for the first time in 1996 after having served in the Aichi Prefectural Assembly for three terms since 1983.
Yaeko Taguchi (田口 八重子, Taguchi Yaeko; born August 10, 1955) is a Japanese citizen, one of several kidnapped by North…Yaeko Taguchi (田口 八重子, Taguchi Yaeko; born August 10, 1955) is a Japanese citizen, one of several kidnapped by North Korea in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
Kaneshige Wakamatsu (born 5 August 1955, in Fukushima Prefecture, Japan) is a Japanese politician and accountant who…Kaneshige Wakamatsu (born 5 August 1955, in Fukushima Prefecture, Japan) is a Japanese politician and accountant who served as a member of the House of Councillors of Japan from 2013 to 2025. He previously served as a member of the House of Representatives of Japan from 1993 to 2003. He represents the National proportional representation block as a member of Komeito. As of 24 June 2023, he is a member of the following committees: Committee on Health, Labor, and Welfare Committee on the Budget Additionally, he serves as the director of the House of Councillors Special Committee on Reconstruction after the Great East Japan Earthquake.
Jun Sawada (澤田 純, Sawada Jun, born 30 July 1955) is a Japanese businessman, the Chairman (and former CEO) of Nippon…Jun Sawada (澤田 純, Sawada Jun, born 30 July 1955) is a Japanese businessman, the Chairman (and former CEO) of Nippon Telegraph and Telephone (NTT), the sixth largest telecommunications company in the world in terms of revenue, since June 2022.
Eiko Nagashima (永島暎子, Nagashima Eiko) is a Japanese actress. She won the award for best actress at the 5th Yokohama…Eiko Nagashima (永島暎子, Nagashima Eiko) is a Japanese actress. She won the award for best actress at the 5th Yokohama Film Festival and the award for best supporting actress at the 8th Hochi Film Award for Ryuji.
Masahiro Miki (Japanese: 三木正浩; born 26 July 1955) is a Japanese billionaire businessman, and the founder and largest…Masahiro Miki (Japanese: 三木正浩; born 26 July 1955) is a Japanese billionaire businessman, and the founder and largest shareholder of Tokyo-based shoemaker ABC-Mart. Miki is of Korean descent. In 1985, Miki founded shoe and apparel company Kokusai Boeki Shoji. The company was renamed ABC-Mart in 1990 and went public in 2002. Miki acted as chairman of the company from 2004 to 2007. As of November 2025, Miki has an estimated net worth of $3.9 billion. In addition to his business, Miki is also a successful racehorse owner, who owns several notable horses including Justin Milano (2024 Satsuki Shō) and Justin Palace (2024 Spring Tenno Sho).
Harumi Naitō (内藤 はるみ, Naitō Harumi) (born July 26, 1955) also known professionally as Ai Asatsuki (朝月 愛, Asatsuki Ai)…Harumi Naitō (内藤 はるみ, Naitō Harumi) (born July 26, 1955) also known professionally as Ai Asatsuki (朝月 愛, Asatsuki Ai) and Harumi Komiyama (小見山はるみ, Komiyama Harumi) is a Japanese singer from Gifu City, Gifu Prefecture, Japan. She graduated from Horikoshi High School. She is best known for performing the opening theme song "Doraemon" and the ending theme song "Doraemon Rumba" for the Doraemon anime series.
Hoshiiwato Yūji (born 25 July 1955 as Yūji Noguchi) is a former sumo wrestler from Kaimon, Kagoshima, Japan. He made…Hoshiiwato Yūji (born 25 July 1955 as Yūji Noguchi) is a former sumo wrestler from Kaimon, Kagoshima, Japan. He made his professional debut in May 1970 and reached the top division in July 1989, 115 tournaments later. This was the slowest ever rise to the top division. His highest rank was maegashira 14. Upon retirement from active competition after the January 1991 tournament, where he faced demotion to the makushita division, he became an elder in the Japan Sumo Association and took over as head coach at Michinoku stable. He oversaw the promotion to the jūryō division of two wrestlers from Argentina, Hoshitango and Hoshiandesu. He left the Sumo Association in December 1997 and was succeeded as head coach by former ōzeki Kirishima. He ran a restaurant in Kagoshima city after leaving sumo. Throughout his long career, Hoshiiwato changed his shikona or fighting name eight times, making his debut under his family name of Noguchi and then being variously known as Kaimondake, Hoshikabuto, Satsumafuji, Hoshisatsuma, Oiwato, Hoshiiwato, Hoshikabuto (again) and finally Hoshiiwato again. This is believed to be a record.
Katsuya Uga (born July 21, 1955) is a Japanese jurist who served as an associate justice of the Supreme Court of Japan…Katsuya Uga (born July 21, 1955) is a Japanese jurist who served as an associate justice of the Supreme Court of Japan from 2019 to 2025.
