Akio Usami (宇佐美 彰朗, Usami Akio; born 31 May 1943) is a Japanese long-distance runner. He competed in the marathon at…Akio Usami (宇佐美 彰朗, Usami Akio; born 31 May 1943) is a Japanese long-distance runner. He competed in the marathon at the 1968, 1972 and the 1976 Summer Olympics. His most important win in his marathoning career occurred at the prestigious 1970 Fukuoka Marathon, in which he ran a personal best 2:10:37.8 (also setting a Japanese record at the time). He beat runner-up Kenny Moore by nearly a minute. Usami won the British AAA Championships title at the 1974 AAA Championships.
Junko Miyazono (宮園 純子, born 30 May 1943) is a Japanese actress. In 1960, Miyazano passed Toei's 7th "New Faces"…Junko Miyazono (宮園 純子, born 30 May 1943) is a Japanese actress. In 1960, Miyazano passed Toei's 7th "New Faces" audition, a process that began the careers of many famous Japanese film stars. Akemi Misawa, Yuriko Mishima, and Yuki Mieko and a few others also passed the audition that year. In 2004, Miyazono featured in actress, politician, and singer Tamaki Sawa's omnibus album, "Sawa Tamaki & Play Girl Music Collection." Miyazano's song is titled "A Woman's Justice" (女の仁義).
Noriko Nakayama (中山 紀子, Nakayama Noriko; née Takagi; born 30 May 1943) is a Japanese former badminton player, the first…Noriko Nakayama (中山 紀子, Nakayama Noriko; née Takagi; born 30 May 1943) is a Japanese former badminton player, the first true international badminton star from that nation, who won numerous Japanese national and major international titles from the mid-1960s to the early 1970s. Nakayama claimed seven of these at the Danish Open, two in singles and five in women's doubles. She was the champion at World Invitational Championships held in Glasgow, in 1969 in Women's doubles category with Hiroe Amano. At the prestigious All-England Championships she shared the women's doubles title with her compatriot and singles rival Hiroe Yuki in 1971, and won the singles title over Yuki in 1972, having previously lost twice in the finals. She also won the women's singles event at the Olympic Games Demonstration in 1972. In four successive Uber Cup (women's international team) competitions, between 1965 and 1975 she was unbeaten in singles, thus leading the way to three world team titles for Japan. With the birth of her eldest daughter, she hung her racket in 1975. As of 2017, she is still actively associated with the sport, coaching at the local level.
Yasunori Honda (本田 保則, Honda Yasunori; born May 30, 1943) is a Japanese anime sound director who was born in Toyama…Yasunori Honda (本田 保則, Honda Yasunori; born May 30, 1943) is a Japanese anime sound director who was born in Toyama Prefecture. He studied in the economics department at the Toyama University. After graduating, he moved to Tokyo with the aim of becoming a theatre director. He joined Zoukei Theater Company, which was supervised by Ushio Shima, and worked as an assistant director. In November 1966, he joined Tatsunoko Production. After becoming independent, he worked as a contractor for Tohokushinsha Film before founding Arts Pro in September 1974. In 2014, at his own discretion, Arts Pro dissolved and he went freelance. He has been an honorary member of the Japan Audio Producers' Association since June 2014. Currently, he works mainly on productions by Madhouse and Toei Animation.
Yosuke Kamide (1943–2021) was a Japanese physicist. He co-founded the Asia Oceania Geosciences Society and served as…Yosuke Kamide (1943–2021) was a Japanese physicist. He co-founded the Asia Oceania Geosciences Society and served as vice-president of the International Association of Geomagnetism and Aeronomy from 2003 to 2007. He was a fellow of the American Geophysical Union and the Japan Geoscience Union. He won a Price Medal from the Royal Astronomical Society. He taught at Nagoya University.
Kenzo Oshima (大島 賢三, Ōshima Kenzō; 14 May 1943 – 29 May 2021) was a Japanese diplomat who served as Permanent…Kenzo Oshima (大島 賢三, Ōshima Kenzō; 14 May 1943 – 29 May 2021) was a Japanese diplomat who served as Permanent Representative to the United Nations from 2004 to 2007.
Kanji Kubomura (久保村 寛, Kubomura Kan; born 11 May 1943) is a former Japanese cyclist. He competed in the team pursuit at…Kanji Kubomura (久保村 寛, Kubomura Kan; born 11 May 1943) is a former Japanese cyclist. He competed in the team pursuit at the 1960 Summer Olympics.
Fujio Masuoka (舛岡 富士雄, Masuoka Fujio; born May 8, 1943) is a Japanese engineer, who has worked for Toshiba and Tohoku…Fujio Masuoka (舛岡 富士雄, Masuoka Fujio; born May 8, 1943) is a Japanese engineer, who has worked for Toshiba and Tohoku University, and is currently chief technical officer (CTO) of Unisantis Electronics. He is best known as the inventor of flash memory, including the development of both the NOR flash and NAND flash types in the 1980s. He also invented the first gate-all-around (GAA) MOSFET (GAAFET) transistor, an early non-planar 3D transistor, in 1988.
Mitsuko Kandori (Japanese:香取光子; born 5 May 1943) is a Japanese gymnast. She competed in six events at the 1968 Summer…Mitsuko Kandori (Japanese:香取光子; born 5 May 1943) is a Japanese gymnast. She competed in six events at the 1968 Summer Olympics.
Yukio Hashi (Japanese: 橋 幸夫; 3 May 1943 – 4 September 2025) was a Japanese enka singer and actor. His real name is…Yukio Hashi (Japanese: 橋 幸夫; 3 May 1943 – 4 September 2025) was a Japanese enka singer and actor. His real name is Yukio Hashi (橋 幸男), using a different kanji. He died on 4 September 2025, at the age of 82.
Teruo Nimura (二村 昭雄, Nimura Teruo; born May 2, 1943) is a former Japanese football player and manager. He played for…Teruo Nimura (二村 昭雄, Nimura Teruo; born May 2, 1943) is a former Japanese football player and manager. He played for Japan national team.
Yūji Akiyama (Japanese: 秋山 勇二, Hepburn: Akiyama Yūji; April 27, 1943 – May 12, 2020), better known as George Akiyama…Yūji Akiyama (Japanese: 秋山 勇二, Hepburn: Akiyama Yūji; April 27, 1943 – May 12, 2020), better known as George Akiyama (ジョージ秋山, Jōji Akiyama), was a Japanese manga artist known for dealing with controversial and incendiary topics in many of his works. He was born the second boy of five siblings. He had an older brother and older sister, as well as a younger brother and younger sister. His father was Korean and an artificial flower craftsman.
Kenji Yamaoka (山岡 賢次, Yamaoka Kenji; born 25 April 1943) is a former Japanese politician of the Democratic Party of…Kenji Yamaoka (山岡 賢次, Yamaoka Kenji; born 25 April 1943) is a former Japanese politician of the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ), who served as a member of the House of Councillors and the House of Representatives in the Diet (national legislature).
Mutsuo Tahara (田原 睦夫, Tahara Mutsuo; April 23, 1943 – February 19, 2016) was a Japanese judge who was a member of the…Mutsuo Tahara (田原 睦夫, Tahara Mutsuo; April 23, 1943 – February 19, 2016) was a Japanese judge who was a member of the Supreme Court of Japan. He is notable in Japan for his contributions to bankruptcy law.
Koichi Wajima (輪島 功一, born 21 April 1943) is a Japanese former professional boxer who was the undisputed…Koichi Wajima (輪島 功一, born 21 April 1943) is a Japanese former professional boxer who was the undisputed light-middleweight champion. He held the WBA and WBC titles from 1971 and 1974, he regained the titles in January 1975 that included The Ring title but lost it right away on June of the same year. He once again won the WBA and The Ring title in 1976.
Hirotake Yano (矢野 博丈; April 19, 1943 – February 12, 2024) was a Japanese businessman who was the founder of the Daiso…Hirotake Yano (矢野 博丈; April 19, 1943 – February 12, 2024) was a Japanese businessman who was the founder of the Daiso discount retail chain.
Jitsuko Yoshimura (吉村実子, Yoshimura Jitsuko; born 18 April 1943) is a Japanese film and television actress. She was…Jitsuko Yoshimura (吉村実子, Yoshimura Jitsuko; born 18 April 1943) is a Japanese film and television actress. She was discovered by Shōhei Imamura as a newcomer and cast in the film Pigs and Battleships. She went on to appear in films like Imamura's The Insect Woman, Kaneto Shindō's Onibaba, for which she received the Blue Ribbon Award for Best Supporting Actress, and Akira Kurosawa's Dodes'ka-den. She retired from acting in 1970, but returned in 1980 and continues to work to this day. Yoshimura was married to actor Tetsuo Ishidate from 1968 to 1999. Her sister is actress Mari Yoshimura (1935–).
Tadao Onishi (大西 忠生, Ōnishi Tadao; April 18, 1943 – June 29, 2006) was a Japanese football player and manager. He…Tadao Onishi (大西 忠生, Ōnishi Tadao; April 18, 1943 – June 29, 2006) was a Japanese football player and manager. He played for the Japan national team.
Wakamiyama Kōhei (born 16 April 1943 as Toshihiko Kumano) is a former sumo wrestler from Toyama City, Japan. He made…Wakamiyama Kōhei (born 16 April 1943 as Toshihiko Kumano) is a former sumo wrestler from Toyama City, Japan. He made his professional debut in November 1957, and reached the top division in January 1964. His highest rank was sekiwake. He retired in November 1969.
Noriichi Yoshino (芳野 法一, Yoshino Noriichi; born 8 April 1943) is a Japanese rower. He competed in the men's coxed four…Noriichi Yoshino (芳野 法一, Yoshino Noriichi; born 8 April 1943) is a Japanese rower. He competed in the men's coxed four event at the 1964 Summer Olympics.
Sadahiko Hirose (廣瀬 禎彦; born April 4, 1943 in Shimane Prefecture) is the president of Columbia Music Entertainment. He…Sadahiko Hirose (廣瀬 禎彦; born April 4, 1943 in Shimane Prefecture) is the president of Columbia Music Entertainment. He received both undergraduate and master's degrees from Keio University. Mr. Hirose, who was formerly CEO and President of NetHome, became the CEO of Columbia as of January 1, 2004. Sadahiko Hirose started out his career with IBM in a computer business. He was then engaged in publishing with a venture business named ASCII and later in the video game business with Sega. Not long before accepting the job at Columbia, he had been running a broadband Internet business.
Hikaru Saeki (佐伯 光, Saeki Hikaru; 3 April 1943 –) is the first female admiral of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force…Hikaru Saeki (佐伯 光, Saeki Hikaru; 3 April 1943 –) is the first female admiral of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) and the first female in the entire Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) to achieve star rank. Originally an obstetrician-gynecologist with the degree of M.D., Saeki joined the JMSDF in 1989. After her service in several military hospitals and medical rooms aboard naval vessels, she became the first woman to head a JSDF hospital in 1997, promoted to rear admiral in 2001, and retired in 2003.
Kazuo Ueda (born 1943) is a Japanese linguist and scholar. He is Japan's leading Yiddishist. Ueda graduated from Kōchi…Kazuo Ueda (born 1943) is a Japanese linguist and scholar. He is Japan's leading Yiddishist. Ueda graduated from Kōchi University and received a master's degree in German literature from the University of Tokyo. While studying German-language Jewish writer Franz Kafka in graduate school, he learned of Yiddish. He said it fascinated him because reading it felt like solving a puzzle. He was mostly self-taught, with some aid from Japan's limited Jewish community and multiple visits to Israel. One of two scholars to introduce the study of Yiddish to Japan, Ueda published the first Japanese examination of Yiddish grammar and literature in 1970, the first Japanese book on Yiddish in 1985, and the first Japanese dictionary on Yiddish in 2010. His Yiddish dictionary was the first in a non-European language, besides Hebrew. Ueda also worked on Ladino, as a scholar of Kafka, and on Jewish studies. Beginning in 1969 and until he retired in 2012, Ueda was a German studies professor at Ehime, Kōchi, and Fukuoka University.
Taniko Nakamura-Mitsukuri (中村-三栗 多仁子, born March 23, 1943) is a retired Japanese gymnast. She competed in all artistic…Taniko Nakamura-Mitsukuri (中村-三栗 多仁子, born March 23, 1943) is a retired Japanese gymnast. She competed in all artistic gymnastics events at the 1964 and 1968 Olympics and won a team bronze medal in 1964 + bronze at the asymmetric bar during the 1966 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships. Her best individual achievement was seventh place on uneven bars in 1968. Born Taniko Nakamura she changed her last name after marrying Takashi Mitsukuri, a fellow Olympic gymnast.
Sadayuki Sakakibara (榊原定征, Sakakibara Sadayuki; born 22 March 1943) is a Japanese businessman who served as chairman of…Sadayuki Sakakibara (榊原定征, Sakakibara Sadayuki; born 22 March 1943) is a Japanese businessman who served as chairman of Toray Industries from 2010 to 2015 and chairman of the Japan Business Federation from 2014 to 2018. He is currently Commissioner of Nippon Professional Baseball and chairman of the Kansai Electric Power Company.
Shuta Yoshino (吉野 洲太, Yoshino Shūta; born 20 March 1943) is a Japanese boxer. He competed in the men's flyweight event…Shuta Yoshino (吉野 洲太, Yoshino Shūta; born 20 March 1943) is a Japanese boxer. He competed in the men's flyweight event at the 1964 Summer Olympics. At the 1964 Summer Olympics, he lost to Otto Babiasch from the United Team of Germany by decision in the Round of 16 after receiving a bye in the Round of 32.
Nobuko Imai (今井 信子, Imai Nobuko; born March 18, 1943) is a Japanese classical violist with a career as soloist and…Nobuko Imai (今井 信子, Imai Nobuko; born March 18, 1943) is a Japanese classical violist with a career as soloist and chamber musician. Since 1988 she has played a 1690 Andrea Guarneri instrument.
Midori Matsuya, 松谷翠 (18 March 1943 – 9 January 1994) was a Japanese pianist, graduated from Tokyo National University…Midori Matsuya, 松谷翠 (18 March 1943 – 9 January 1994) was a Japanese pianist, graduated from Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music, studied under Kichigoro Sato, Noboru Toyomasu, Naoya Fukai and Lay Lev. His father was a Japanese Jazz pianist, Minoru Matsuya (1910–1995). He taught him how to play the piano since he was a child. He was brought up in an environment to learn both classical and jazz music since his childhood. Also, he learned harmony and composition under Roh Ogura (1916–1990) in Kamakura. In 1973, he left to Germany to study at Universität der Künste Berlin. In 1975, he returned to Japan and engaged in concert, broadcasting and recording activities. He was a professor in Nihon University, Music Department. He was a piano teacher of Hiroaki Zakoji (1958–1987). Composer and vocalist, Fuyuta Matsuya and vocalist, Leo Matsuya are his sons. He recorded his last CD, Light Colored Album, a short time before his death.
Takao Fujii (藤井 孝男, Fujii Takao; 14 March 1943 – 13 April 2026) was a Japanese politician, who was an independent…Takao Fujii (藤井 孝男, Fujii Takao; 14 March 1943 – 13 April 2026) was a Japanese politician, who was an independent member of the House of Councillors in the Diet (national legislature).
Taira Hara (はら たいら, Hara Taira; 8 March 1943 – 10 November 2006) was a Japanese manga artist and tarento born in…Taira Hara (はら たいら, Hara Taira; 8 March 1943 – 10 November 2006) was a Japanese manga artist and tarento born in Tosayamada (now part of Kami), Kōchi Prefecture, Japan. He was a long-time resident of Koishikawa, Bunkyō, Tokyo, Japan. He made his professional manga debut in 1963 with his story Shinjuku BB (新宿B·B, Shinjuku Bebe), published in Weekly Manga Times.
Katsuto Momii (籾井 勝人, Momii Katsuto; born 4 March 1943) is a Japanese businessman who was elected as NHK's 21st…Katsuto Momii (籾井 勝人, Momii Katsuto; born 4 March 1943) is a Japanese businessman who was elected as NHK's 21st Director-General on 20 December 2013. He worked for Mitsui & Co. from 1965 until 2005. From 2005 until 2011, he worked as President and representative director of Unisys Japan.
Akinori Nakayama (中山 彰規, Nakayama Akinori; March 1, 1943 – March 9, 2025) was a Japanese gymnast and Olympic gold…Akinori Nakayama (中山 彰規, Nakayama Akinori; March 1, 1943 – March 9, 2025) was a Japanese gymnast and Olympic gold medalist. Nakayama was born in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, and is a graduate of Chukyo University in Nagoya. Nakayama is one of only three gymnasts to become an Olympic Champion in rings twice.
Cha Katō (加藤 茶, Katō Cha; born 1 March 1943), also known as Kato-chan, is a Japanese comedian and actor. His real name…Cha Katō (加藤 茶, Katō Cha; born 1 March 1943), also known as Kato-chan, is a Japanese comedian and actor. His real name is Hideyuki Katō (加藤英文). Cha is one of the members of The Drifters and plays drums. His work with Ken Shimura, another Drifter, is well known in Japan.
Akira Hosomi (1943 – 9 September 2018) was a Japanese chemist. He was professor emeritus at Tsukuba University, a…Akira Hosomi (1943 – 9 September 2018) was a Japanese chemist. He was professor emeritus at Tsukuba University, a fellow of the Chemical Society of Japan, a visiting professor at Chuo University, and an academic advisor at Kyushu University.
Satoshi Hiyamizu (冷水 佐壽, Hiyamizu Satoshi; 25 February 1943 - 7 February 2019) was a Japanese professor of electrical…Satoshi Hiyamizu (冷水 佐壽, Hiyamizu Satoshi; 25 February 1943 - 7 February 2019) was a Japanese professor of electrical engineering. Dr. Hiyamizu won the 1982 Japanese Journal of Applied Physics Paper Award as lead author of a paper on mobility in two-dimensional electron gases while at Fujitsu Laboratories Limited, received the 1990 IEEE Morris N. Liebmann Memorial Award with Takashi Mimura "for outstanding contributions to the epitaxial growth of compound semiconductor materials and devices," and in 2001 was named an IEEE Fellow "for contributions to the realization of the first high electron mobility transistor (HEMT)". He served as dean of the Osaka University Graduate School of Engineering from 2000 to 2002. He died in February 2019 at the age of 75.
Toshiei Mizuochi (水落 敏栄, Mizuochi Toshiei; born February 24, 1943) is a Japanese politician of the Liberal Democratic…Toshiei Mizuochi (水落 敏栄, Mizuochi Toshiei; born February 24, 1943) is a Japanese politician of the Liberal Democratic Party, a member of the House of Councillors in the Diet (national legislature). A native of Tokamachi, Niigata and high school graduate, he was elected for the first time in 2004. Mizuochi, whose father was killed in action during the Pacific War, serves as the president of the Japan War-Bereaved Families Association since 2015.
Kenichi Ohmae (大前 研一, Ōmae Ken'ichi; born February 22, 1943) is a Japanese organizational theorist, management…Kenichi Ohmae (大前 研一, Ōmae Ken'ichi; born February 22, 1943) is a Japanese organizational theorist, management consultant, former Professor and Dean of UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs, and author, known for developing the 3Cs model. He has argued that Japan's prolonged economic stagnation stems from a societal shift he terms a "low-desire society", characterized by declining ambition and consumption, particularly among younger generations.
Yoshiharu Yamaguchi (山口 良治, Yamaguchi Yoshiharu; 15 February 1943 – 29 May 2026) was a Japanese rugby union player. He…Yoshiharu Yamaguchi (山口 良治, Yamaguchi Yoshiharu; 15 February 1943 – 29 May 2026) was a Japanese rugby union player. He made his debut for Japan against a touring New Zealand Universities team in Osaka on 12 March 1967. He last appeared for Japan against England's under 23 team in Twickenham on 13 October 1973. Yamaguchi inspired the Japanese television series School Wars and the film School Wars: Hero which are based on his true story. Yamaguchi died from a stroke on 29 May 2026, at the age of 83.
Taisaku Akino (Japanese: 秋野 太作, Hepburn: Akino Taisaku; born Masaaki Tsusaka, February 14, 1943 in Tokyo, Japan) is a…Taisaku Akino (Japanese: 秋野 太作, Hepburn: Akino Taisaku; born Masaaki Tsusaka, February 14, 1943 in Tokyo, Japan) is a Japanese actor. He grew up in Komagome, Toshima ward. In 1967, he made his acting debut in the Kinoshita Keisuke Theater production of "Kinenju". In 1974, he married the actress Kiwako Taichi. They quickly divorced. In 1975, he married a former Takarasienne singer Hekiren On (Mandarin: 温 碧蓮, Pinyin: Wēn Bìlián) whose father had migrated from Taipei to Osaka. Hekiren Tsusaka was then renamed Akiko Tsusaka. They raised three children: Takuji W. Tsusaka, Yuri Okumoto, and Saki Tsusaka.
Masao Nakabori (中堀 正夫, なかぼり まさお) is a Japanese cinematographer, known as DP of Koreeda's Maborosi. He won the Golden…Masao Nakabori (中堀 正夫, なかぼり まさお) is a Japanese cinematographer, known as DP of Koreeda's Maborosi. He won the Golden Osella for the film.
Akio Sato (佐藤 昭郎, Satō Akio; born February 10, 1943) is a Japanese politician. He served two terms in the House of…Akio Sato (佐藤 昭郎, Satō Akio; born February 10, 1943) is a Japanese politician. He served two terms in the House of Councillors in the Diet (national legislature) from 1998 until 2010 as a member of the Liberal Democratic Party. A native of Hiroshima Prefecture and graduate of the University of Tokyo, he worked at the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries from 1966 to 1996. Sato was born in Hiroshima Prefecture and graduated from Aomori Prefectural Hirosaki High School and the University of Tokyo, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Agricultural Engineering. He joined the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries in 1966, where he served as Director and Deputy Director of the Rural Development Bureau. In the 18th House of Councillors regular election in 1998, he ran from a proportional representation district with the National Land Development Corporation as his support group and was elected. He served as Parliamentary Vice-Minister for the Director-General of the Defense Agency in the first Koizumi Cabinet and the first reshuffled Cabinet. Regarding the unpaid pension issue of politicians, he was unpaid for 1 year and 7 months. Sato did not run in the 22nd House of Councillors regular election in 2010 and retired.
Takashi Fujisawa (藤沢 隆, Fujisawa Takashi; born February 7, 1943) is a retired Japanese ski jumper and Nordic combined…Takashi Fujisawa (藤沢 隆, Fujisawa Takashi; born February 7, 1943) is a retired Japanese ski jumper and Nordic combined skier. He won a silver medal in the individual large hill event at the 1966 FIS Nordic World Ski Championships in Oslo, becoming the first Japanese ski jumper to win a medal at the world championships. He placed 20th in the Nordic combined at the 1964 Winter Olympics and 8th–18th in the large hill event at the 1968–1976 Olympics.
Takuro Shintani (新谷 卓郎, Shintani Takurō; 4 February 1943 – 14 November 1980) was a Japanese mathematician working in…Takuro Shintani (新谷 卓郎, Shintani Takurō; 4 February 1943 – 14 November 1980) was a Japanese mathematician working in number theory who introduced Shintani zeta functions and Shintani's unit theorem. Shintani died by suicide at the age of 37.
Sakuji Yoshimura (吉村 作治, Yoshimura Sakuji; born 1 February 1943) is a Japanese Egyptologist. He currently works at the…Sakuji Yoshimura (吉村 作治, Yoshimura Sakuji; born 1 February 1943) is a Japanese Egyptologist. He currently works at the Higashi Nippon International University. He is a university president, professor emeritus at Waseda University, and visiting professor at Cyber University and TV personality. In 1978, Yoshimura and his team built a miniature pyramid for a Nippon Television documentary series. They originally planned to build a scaled-down model of the Cheops Pyramid, but the cost of limestone forced them to reduce the size. He was the first president of an online college Cyber University.
Masahiro Morioka (森岡 正宏, Morioka Masahiro) is a former Japanese politician who served in the House of Representatives…Masahiro Morioka (森岡 正宏, Morioka Masahiro) is a former Japanese politician who served in the House of Representatives as a member of the Liberal Democratic Party. He was the secretary for the Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare. He claimed that family is the foundation of securing the nation of Japan. He disputed the legitimacy of the International Military Tribunal for the Far East, saying that the tribunal helped place a masochistic view of history in the Japanese people's minds.
