Risa Junna (純名りさ, Junna Risa; born March 15, 1971) is a Japanese actress, singer, and voice actress. She was part of…Risa Junna (純名りさ, Junna Risa; born March 15, 1971) is a Japanese actress, singer, and voice actress. She was part of Takarazuka Revue's Snow Troupe and Flower Troupe. During her time in the Revue, she specialized in female roles (musumeyaku). She was the musumeyaku top star from 1995 to 1996.
Ryu Fujisaki (藤崎 竜, Fujisaki Ryū) is a Japanese manga artist from Mutsu, Aomori Prefecture. He won prizes in the 39th…Ryu Fujisaki (藤崎 竜, Fujisaki Ryū) is a Japanese manga artist from Mutsu, Aomori Prefecture. He won prizes in the 39th and the 40th Tezuka Awards. He made his professional manga debut with WORLDS in 1990. All of his works are published by Shueisha under their Shōnen Jump labels. He has also illustrated four light novels and released two comprehensive art books across his career. Fujisaki is best known for the series Hoshin Engi, which was adapted into an anime series in 1999 and again in 2018 as well as several radio dramas and video games. He also adapted the novel Shiki written by Fuyumi Ono into a manga which in turn was adapted into an anime. More recently he is making a manga adaptation of the Legend of the Galactic Heroes novel series. Both Hōshin Engi and Wāqwāq were released in English by Viz Media.
Shinji Imanaka (今中 慎二, Imanaka Shinji; born March 6, 1971 in Kadoma, Osaka, Japan) is a former Nippon Professional…Shinji Imanaka (今中 慎二, Imanaka Shinji; born March 6, 1971 in Kadoma, Osaka, Japan) is a former Nippon Professional Baseball pitcher. Imanaka attended the Daitō campus of Osaka Sangyo University High School, which became Osaka Tōin High School in his final year. He was recognized as the school's ace pitcher and scouted by several clubs, including the Yomiuri Giants and his hometown team, the Hanshin Tigers. Despite being a Hanshin fan himself, Imanaka had his sights set solely on playing for the Chunichi Dragons, who had won the league pennant during his final year of high school. Imanaka went as far as declaring that he would not play professional baseball if another team drafted him. Chunichi obliged and selected him in the first round of the 1988 rookie draft.
Yasuyuki Honne (本根 康之, Honne Yasuyuki; born March 5, 1971) is a video game artist, director and producer. He was…Yasuyuki Honne (本根 康之, Honne Yasuyuki; born March 5, 1971) is a video game artist, director and producer. He was employed by Square from 1993 to 1999 and is now working at Monolith Soft. He is known for his work on the Chrono series, Xeno games and Baten Kaitos series.
Satoru Asako (浅子覚, Asako Satoru; born March 2, 1971) is a retired Japanese professional wrestler who worked for All…Satoru Asako (浅子覚, Asako Satoru; born March 2, 1971) is a retired Japanese professional wrestler who worked for All Japan Pro Wrestling and Pro Wrestling Noah.
Manami Toyota (豊田 真奈美, Toyota Manami; born March 2, 1971) is a Japanese retired professional wrestler, best known for…Manami Toyota (豊田 真奈美, Toyota Manami; born March 2, 1971) is a Japanese retired professional wrestler, best known for her work with All Japan Women's Pro-Wrestling (AJW). She is widely considered to be one of the greatest female professional wrestlers of all time. Following AJW's closure, Toyota continued to work in other joshi promotions such as GAEA Japan and NEO Japan Ladies Pro-Wrestling.
Misa Tamagawa (玉川 美沙) is a radio show host from Osaka, Japan. She is known for previously hosting "The Nutty Radio Show…Misa Tamagawa (玉川 美沙) is a radio show host from Osaka, Japan. She is known for previously hosting "The Nutty Radio Show Onitama" on NACK5 and "Misa Tamagawa's Tamanavi" on JOQR.
Tsutomu Nihei (弐瓶 勉, Nihei Tsutomu; born February 26, 1971) is a Japanese manga artist. Nihei has been drawing comics…Tsutomu Nihei (弐瓶 勉, Nihei Tsutomu; born February 26, 1971) is a Japanese manga artist. Nihei has been drawing comics professionally since the mid-1990s. In 1995, he was awarded the "Jiro Taniguchi Special Prize" in that year's Afternoon Four Seasons Award for his one-shot submission, Blame. After working as an assistant to veteran comic artist Tsutomu Takahashi, Nihei went on to launch his debut series Blame! in Monthly Afternoon in 1997. Following the success of Blame!, he next penned Wolverine: Snikt! (published by Marvel Comics) and Biomega. In 2009, Nihei returned to Monthly Afternoon to launch what would become his most successful series, Knights of Sidonia. An architectural student, Nihei's early works were mainly wordless, relying on visuals and backgrounds to tell their stories. His cyberpunk-influenced artwork has gained a strong cult following worldwide.
Rui Arai (新居 るい, Arai Rui, née Matsukawa, 松川; February 26, 1971) is a Japanese politician and diplomat who serves as a…Rui Arai (新居 るい, Arai Rui, née Matsukawa, 松川; February 26, 1971) is a Japanese politician and diplomat who serves as a member of the House of Councillors representing the Liberal Democratic Party. She previously served as Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Defense and Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Cabinet Office. She is the wife of diplomat Yūsuke Arai.
Kazumi Nakamura (Japanese: 中村 和美; born 24 February 1971) is a Japanese former volleyball player who competed in the…Kazumi Nakamura (Japanese: 中村 和美; born 24 February 1971) is a Japanese former volleyball player who competed in the 1992 Summer Olympics and in the 1996 Summer Olympics. In 1992, Nakamura finished fifth with the Japanese team in the Olympic tournament in Barcelona. Nakamura was a member of the Japanese team that was eliminated in the preliminary round of the 1996 Olympic tournament in Atlanta.
Ryohei Odai (小田井 涼平, Odai Ryōhei; born February 23, 1971 in Konohana-ku, Osaka and raised in Kawanishi, Hyogo)…Ryohei Odai (小田井 涼平, Odai Ryōhei; born February 23, 1971 in Konohana-ku, Osaka and raised in Kawanishi, Hyogo), otherwise known by his mononym Ryohei (涼平, Ryōhei), is a Japanese actor and voice actor probably best known for providing the voice of Orga Sabnak in Gundam Seed and portraying Shuichi Kitaoka/Kamen Rider Zolda in Kamen Rider Ryuki.
Ōtsukasa Nobuhide (皇司信秀 (Ōtsukasanobuhide), born February 18, 1971, as Nobuhide Ōuchi) is a former sumo wrestler from…Ōtsukasa Nobuhide (皇司信秀 (Ōtsukasanobuhide), born February 18, 1971, as Nobuhide Ōuchi) is a former sumo wrestler from Miki, Hyōgo, Japan. A former amateur champion, he made his professional debut in 1993. The highest rank he reached was maegashira 4. He retired in March 2009 and is now a sumo coach.
Nozomi Watanabe (渡辺 心, Watanabe Nozomi; born February 18, 1971 in Ōta, Tokyo) is a Japanese former ice dancer. She…Nozomi Watanabe (渡辺 心, Watanabe Nozomi; born February 18, 1971 in Ōta, Tokyo) is a Japanese former ice dancer. She regularly danced with Akiyuki Kido. They are the three time Japanese national champions. They placed 15th at the Torino Olympics.
Eiko Hiraiwa (平岩 英子, Hiraiwa Eiko; 17 February 1971 – 31 March 2021) was a Japanese singer-songwriter. After studying…Eiko Hiraiwa (平岩 英子, Hiraiwa Eiko; 17 February 1971 – 31 March 2021) was a Japanese singer-songwriter. After studying Dalcroze eurhythmics as a child and college student, she made her major-label debut in 1995. She released several singles and albums with Epic Records Japan and Village Records until 2000, entering into a hiatus afterwards.
Gaku Hasegawa (長谷川 岳, Hasegawa Gaku; born 16 February 1971) is a member of the House of Councillors of Japan from…Gaku Hasegawa (長谷川 岳, Hasegawa Gaku; born 16 February 1971) is a member of the House of Councillors of Japan from Hokkaido. He belongs to the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).
Noriko Sakai (酒井 法子, Sakai Noriko; born February 14, 1971) is a Japanese singer and actress. Under her former stage…Noriko Sakai (酒井 法子, Sakai Noriko; born February 14, 1971) is a Japanese singer and actress. Under her former stage name Nori-P (のりピー, Noripī), Sakai released her first single, "Otoko no Ko ni Naritai" (男のコになりたい; "I Want to Be a Boy") on February 5, 1987, nine days short of her sixteenth birthday. Over 40,000 copies of the single were sold. She is particularly popular in Hong Kong and Taiwan. Her best-selling single to date is "Aoi Usagi". In August 2009, Sakai was arrested on suspicion of possession and abuse of drugs and sentenced to probation for three years. She divorced her husband Yūichi Takasō (高相 祐一, Takasō Yūichi) after the incident and temporarily stayed away from the media circle until her probation ended, at which she began rehearsals for the theater, and signed on with Office Nigun Niiba, as a first step towards returning to the media community. On May 1, 2021, she left Office Nigun Niiba and joined Smile.
Masaki Tokudome (徳留 真紀, Tokudome Masaki; born 14 February 1971) is a Japanese occasional motorcycle racer. Tokudome…Masaki Tokudome (徳留 真紀, Tokudome Masaki; born 14 February 1971) is a Japanese occasional motorcycle racer. Tokudome competed in international Grand Prix motorcycle racing between 1994 and 2005, finishing second in the 125cc World Championship behind countryman Haruchika Aoki while riding for the Aprilia factory team in 1996. Tokudome won five Grand Prix races during his career. Tokudome was a longtime competitor in the All-Japan Road Race Championship after departing the international scene. He was the J-GP3 Champion in the class for the first time in 2012, after being runner up on three separate occasions, and again in 2016. Tokudome retired from full-time competition in 2024.
Makoto Iijima (飯島 誠, Iijima Makoto; born February 12, 1971) is a Japanese former professional road and track cyclist.…Makoto Iijima (飯島 誠, Iijima Makoto; born February 12, 1971) is a Japanese former professional road and track cyclist. Considered one of Japan's most successful cyclists in his decade, Iijima has claimed a total of nine track cycling medals (two golds, three silver, and four bronze) at the Asian Championships, two silvers at the Asian Games (1998 and 2002), and three national time trial titles at the Japanese Championships (1998, 2004, and 2005). He also represented his nation Japan in three editions of the Olympic Games (2000, 2004, and 2008). He announced his retirement from professional cycling in October 2010 as a member of the Bridgestone–Anchor team.
Mana Endo (遠藤 愛, Endō Mana) is a Japanese former professional tennis player. She was born on February 6, 1971, in…Mana Endo (遠藤 愛, Endō Mana) is a Japanese former professional tennis player. She was born on February 6, 1971, in Hiroshima and resides in Fukuyama, Hiroshima. She started playing tennis at age seven with her father and coach Hiroshi and played on the WTA Tour from 1991 until 1998. She graduated from the University of Tsukuba while on the tour in March 1993.
Keizoh Kawano (河野啓三, Kawano Keizō; born February 4, 1971) is a Japanese pianist, keyboardist, and composer who served…Keizoh Kawano (河野啓三, Kawano Keizō; born February 4, 1971) is a Japanese pianist, keyboardist, and composer who served as keyboardist and pianist for the band T-Square until August 2020.
Teppei Arita (有田 哲平, Arita Teppei; born 3 February 1971, in Higashi-ku, Kumamoto, Kumamoto Prefecture) is a Japanese…Teppei Arita (有田 哲平, Arita Teppei; born 3 February 1971, in Higashi-ku, Kumamoto, Kumamoto Prefecture) is a Japanese comedian, television presenter and television writer who performs boke of the comedy duo Cream Stew. His partner is Shinya Ueda. He is nicknamed Aripei (アリペイ) and Aripē (アリペー). Arita is represented by Natural Eight.
Sarutoki Minagawa (Japanese: 皆川 猿時, Hepburn: Minagawa Sarutoki; born 1 February 1971) is a Japanese actor. He worked…Sarutoki Minagawa (Japanese: 皆川 猿時, Hepburn: Minagawa Sarutoki; born 1 February 1971) is a Japanese actor. He worked with Suzuki Matsuo in the theater group, Otona Keikaku.
Tomomi Hayashi (林 知充, born February 1, 1971, in Toyama, Japan) is a Japanese-Estonian architect. From 1990 to 1994…Tomomi Hayashi (林 知充, born February 1, 1971, in Toyama, Japan) is a Japanese-Estonian architect. From 1990 to 1994 Tomomi Hayashi studied in the Yokohama National University (横浜国立大学 Yokohama Kokuritsu Daigaku) in the department of architecture. From 1995 to 1999 he studied in the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, at the Washington-Alexandria Architecture Center (WAAC). From 1994 to 1995 Tomomi Hayashi worked in the Maki and Associates architectural bureau as an assistant. From 1999 to 2001 he worked in the Rafael Viñoly Architects architectural bureau. From 2001 to present he works in Estonia - from 2001 to 2003 in HEAD Arhitektid OÜ architectural office, in 2003 in KOSMOS OÜ architectural office and from 2004 to present in Hayashi-Grossschmidt Arhitektuur (HGA). Most notable works of Tomomi Hayashi are the Lasnamäe track and field hall (2003), Museum of Occupations (2003), FOORUM department store (2007), the Rotermann's Old and New Flour Storage (reconstruction and extension of the Old Flour Storage in Rotermanni Quarter) (2009) as well as the renovation of Machinery Hall of the A. M. Lutheri Furniture Factory (2017). HGA was involved with the Estonian National Museum project from 2008 till its completion as the collaborating local architects. Tomomi Hayashi has received the annual architecture prize of the Cultural Endowment of Estonia in 2003 and 2009, and in 2017 architectural grand prize for the Estonian National Museum project. He was nominated for the Mies van der Rohe Prize in 2005, 2009 and 2019. Recently received the Gold prize in the Work category for the IFI Design Distinction Award and Special Mentions in 2020 European Heritage Awards – Europa Nostra Awards for the renovation of Machinery Hall of the A. M. Lutheri Furniture Factory. Since 2012 he has taught at TTK, Tallinn University of Applied Sciences. Between 2012 and 2017 lead the Institute of Architecture in Faculty of Architecture and Environmental Engineering. At the same institute he teaches as an associate professor (2016-2020) and then as a professor (2021-). Tomomi Hayashi is a member of the Union of Estonian Architects and Chartered architect-expert VIII.
Yasuo Manaka (眞中 靖夫, Manaka Yasuo; born January 31, 1971) is a former Japanese football player and manager. His elder…Yasuo Manaka (眞中 靖夫, Manaka Yasuo; born January 31, 1971) is a former Japanese football player and manager. His elder brother Mikio Manaka is also a former footballer.
Takeshi Yamanaka (山中 武司, Yamanaka Takeshi; born 30 January 1971) is a former professional Japanese ice hockey player…Takeshi Yamanaka (山中 武司, Yamanaka Takeshi; born 30 January 1971) is a former professional Japanese ice hockey player and current coach. He competed with Team Japan as a defenceman in the men's ice hockey tournament at the 1998 Winter Olympics. He also was the head coach of the women's ice hockey tournament Team Japan at the 2018 Winter Olympics. Having coached professionally in the Asia League and at the national level, he is currently the assistant coach for the Japanese Men's National Ice Hockey Team.
Yuji Yasuraoka (安良岡裕二 Yasuraoka Yuji) (born January 28, 1971) is a retired Japanese professional wrestler. He is best…Yuji Yasuraoka (安良岡裕二 Yasuraoka Yuji) (born January 28, 1971) is a retired Japanese professional wrestler. He is best known for his work in Wrestle Association R, where he became a one-time Tenryu Project International Junior Heavyweight Champion and a four-time Tenryu Project International Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champion.
Tomoefuji Toshihide (born 27 January 1971 as Toshihide Kurosawa) is a former sumo wrestler from Akita Prefecture…Tomoefuji Toshihide (born 27 January 1971 as Toshihide Kurosawa) is a former sumo wrestler from Akita Prefecture, Japan. His highest rank was komusubi.
Takanori Aki (安藝 貴範, Aki Takanori; born 26 January 1971), also known as 'Aki-san', is the president and CEO of Good…Takanori Aki (安藝 貴範, Aki Takanori; born 26 January 1971), also known as 'Aki-san', is the president and CEO of Good Smile Company. He was born in Sanuki, Kagawa Prefecture, Japan. As the CEO of Good Smile Company he works to provide new content to fans of character figures and goods. He has also been involved in the production and planning of a number of anime series and films, which has led him to become one of the founding board members of the Ultra Super Pictures animation studio.
Hideki Nagai (永井 秀樹, Nagai Hideki; born 26 January 1971) is a former Japanese football player and manager. He is…Hideki Nagai (永井 秀樹, Nagai Hideki; born 26 January 1971) is a former Japanese football player and manager. He is current manager of Tokyo Verdy. His younger brother Atsushi Nagai is also a former footballer.
Eri Imai (今井 恵理, Imai Eri; born January 26, 1971 in Yawata, Kyoto) is a Japanese actress and model. In April 1994, she…Eri Imai (今井 恵理, Imai Eri; born January 26, 1971 in Yawata, Kyoto) is a Japanese actress and model. In April 1994, she won the "Shape Up Girl Audition" Grand Prix, and made appearances with three other models under the "Shape Up Girl" name. She made numerous appearances on television, film, v-cinema, photobooks and on stage during the 1990s. She and her husband, actor Yūjin Nomura, announced the birth of their first child, a son, in October 2009. At the end of that year Imai appeared in the "Shape-Up Girl" calendar with her fellow alumni of that group. She returned for this calendar the following year.
Masayuki Izumikawa (泉川 正幸, Izumikawa Masayuki) (born 22 January 1971) is a Japanese former volleyball player who…Masayuki Izumikawa (泉川 正幸, Izumikawa Masayuki) (born 22 January 1971) is a Japanese former volleyball player who competed in the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona. He also competed in the Summer Universiade in 1993 as the main outside hitter of his national squad, winning a gold medal.
Mito Kakizawa (柿沢未途, Kakizawa Mito; born 21 January 1971) is a Japanese politician and former member of the House of…Mito Kakizawa (柿沢未途, Kakizawa Mito; born 21 January 1971) is a Japanese politician and former member of the House of Representatives. He represented the Tokyo 15th district in the House of Representatives. His father was Koji Kakizawa, a former foreign minister and member of both houses of the Diet, serving in the House of Representatives for seven terms until 2003.
Zentaro Kamei (亀井 善太郎, Kamei Zentarō; born January 20, 1971) is a Japanese politician of the Liberal Democratic Party…Zentaro Kamei (亀井 善太郎, Kamei Zentarō; born January 20, 1971) is a Japanese politician of the Liberal Democratic Party, a member of the House of Representatives in the Diet (national legislature). A native of Isehara, Kanagawa and graduate of Keio University, he was elected for the first time in 2006. In the 45th House of Representatives general election held on August 30, 2009, he ran unsuccessfully for re-election as a candidate endorsed by the Liberal Democratic Party. Prior to be in politics, he worked for Industrial Bank of Japan and Boston Consulting Group. He is the son of the late Japanese politician Yoshiyuki Kamei, who was Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries during the government of Junichiro Koizumi and Minister of Transport during the government of Ryutaro Hashimoto. In April 2026 he was appointed as a professor at the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies, a National University led by Hiroko Ota, formerly a minister in the government of Shinzo Abe.
Satoshi Yanagisawa (Japanese: 柳澤 哲; born January 19, 1971, in Nagano) is a retired male race walker from Japan. He set…Satoshi Yanagisawa (Japanese: 柳澤 哲; born January 19, 1971, in Nagano) is a retired male race walker from Japan. He set his personal best (1:19.29) in the men's 20 km on January 30, 2000, in Kobe.
Youki Kudoh (工藤 夕貴, Kudō Yūki; born 17 January 1971) is a Japanese actress and singer. She won the award for best…Youki Kudoh (工藤 夕貴, Kudō Yūki; born 17 January 1971) is a Japanese actress and singer. She won the award for best newcomer at the 6th Yokohama Film Festival for The Crazy Family. She also won the awards for best actress at the 16th Hochi Film Award and at the 1992 Blue Ribbon Award for War and Youth. Additionally, Kudoh has been nominated three times for Best Actress, in the 5th independent Spirit Award for Mystery Train, in the 15th Japanese Academy Prize for War and Youth, and in the 4th Golden Satellite Award for Snow Falling on Cedars.
Yusuke Naora (直良 有祐, Naora Yūsuke) (born January 9, 1971) is a Japanese video game art director and character designer…Yusuke Naora (直良 有祐, Naora Yūsuke) (born January 9, 1971) is a Japanese video game art director and character designer who worked for Square Enix (formerly Square). A former member of Toaplan, Naora served as the art director for several Final Fantasy and Compilation of Final Fantasy VII titles. He also served as the producer of the Code Age franchise. On October 1, 2016 he announced on Twitter that he had left the company, but would continue to contribute to Square Enix games as a freelancer.
Masako Asada (浅田雅子, Asada Masako; born 8 January 1971) is a Japanese diver. She competed in two events at the 1988…Masako Asada (浅田雅子, Asada Masako; born 8 January 1971) is a Japanese diver. She competed in two events at the 1988 Summer Olympics.
Mitsuru Manaka (真中 満, born January 6, 1971, in Tochigi, Tochigi, Japan) is a former Nippon Professional Baseball…Mitsuru Manaka (真中 満, born January 6, 1971, in Tochigi, Tochigi, Japan) is a former Nippon Professional Baseball outfielder. On October 8, 2014, he was named manager of the Tokyo Yakult Swallows, replacing Junji Ogawa. Manaka had previously been managing the Swallows' farm team.
Lynn Okamoto (岡本 倫, Okamoto Rin) is a Japanese manga artist and a former employee of Bandai and Arc System Works. His…Lynn Okamoto (岡本 倫, Okamoto Rin) is a Japanese manga artist and a former employee of Bandai and Arc System Works. His most famous work is the series Elfen Lied which was adapted into a 13-episode anime series by the studio Arms.
Mayuko Takata (高田万由子 Takata Mayuko, born January 5, 1971) is a Japanese actress, best known in the western world for…Mayuko Takata (高田万由子 Takata Mayuko, born January 5, 1971) is a Japanese actress, best known in the western world for her appearances on the Japanese TV show Iron Chef.
Takashi Koshimoto (越本 隆志, Koshimoto Takashi; born January 5, 1971, in Fukuoka) is a former Japanese professional boxer…Takashi Koshimoto (越本 隆志, Koshimoto Takashi; born January 5, 1971, in Fukuoka) is a former Japanese professional boxer in the featherweight (126 lb) division. He is a former WBC world featherweight champion.
Junichi Kakizaki (柿崎 順一, Kakizaki Jun'ichi; January 4, 1971 – June 2026) was a Japanese artist, sculptor, floral and…Junichi Kakizaki (柿崎 順一, Kakizaki Jun'ichi; January 4, 1971 – June 2026) was a Japanese artist, sculptor, floral and nature artist, land artist, environmental artist, and media artist. He exhibits regularly both in Japan and internationally, mainly in Sweden. Since 1992, he has mainly worked on scenography. He brought a floral design representation in area of contemporary art, and worked with several artists across different art fields. His daughter, Memi, is a former member of Japanese idol group Hinatazaka46.
Kenji Ogiya (Japanese: 扇谷 健司 Oogiya Kenji) is a Japanese association football referee who has refereed in the J-League…Kenji Ogiya (Japanese: 扇谷 健司 Oogiya Kenji) is a Japanese association football referee who has refereed in the J-League, J. League Division 2 as well as the Polish Ekstraklasa and I liga. He is also an international referee, having officiated two international games since 2007.