Shota Emi (翔太江見, Shōta Emi; born 8 December 1991) is a Japanese rugby union player who plays as a wing. He currently…Shota Emi (翔太江見, Shōta Emi; born 8 December 1991) is a Japanese rugby union player who plays as a wing. He currently plays for Suntory Sungoliath in Japan's domestic Top League. He represented the Sunwolves in the 2017 Super Rugby season, scoring a try after just 24 seconds in a match against the Cheetahs, the fastest try recorded in an 18-team Super Rugby competition. Emi also represented Japan at rugby sevens, playing for them at the 2013 World Cup.
Chisato (千聖; stylized in all caps) (born on August 4, 1971) is a Japanese guitarist and singer. Originally known for…Chisato (千聖; stylized in all caps) (born on August 4, 1971) is a Japanese guitarist and singer. Originally known for being the guitarist of visual kei band Penicillin since 1992, in 1996 he started a solo career that has been successful in Japan. In 2003, he founded the solo project Crack6.
Jun Tsushima (Japanese: 津島 淳, Hepburn: Tsushima Jun; born 18 October 1966) is a Japanese politician affiliated with the…Jun Tsushima (Japanese: 津島 淳, Hepburn: Tsushima Jun; born 18 October 1966) is a Japanese politician affiliated with the Liberal Democratic Party. He is a member of House of Representatives of Japan from Aomori Prefecture since 16 December 2012. He previously served as Vice-Minister of Land, Transport, Infrastructure and Tourism and also served as Vice-Minister of Cabinet Office in Third Abe Cabinet. Tsushima's grandfather Osamu Dazai was a novelist and his father Yuji Tsushima was the member of House of Representatives (Japan), Minister of Health and Welfare and member of Liberal Democratic Party. His aunt Yūko Tsushima was a novelist like her father. His cousin Kyōichi Tsushima was a member of Democratic Party and member of House of Representatives of Japan from Tohoku Proportional District from 2009 to 2012
Fumihito, Crown Prince Akishino (秋篠宮皇嗣文仁親王, Akishino-no-miya Kōshi Fumihito Shinnō; born 30 November 1965, Japanese…Fumihito, Crown Prince Akishino (秋篠宮皇嗣文仁親王, Akishino-no-miya Kōshi Fumihito Shinnō; born 30 November 1965, Japanese: [ɸɯ̟mʲiꜜçi̥to̞]) is the heir presumptive to the Japanese throne. He is the younger brother of Emperor Naruhito, and the younger son of Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko. Since his marriage in June 1990, he has had the title Prince Akishino (秋篠宮, Akishino-no-miya) and has headed the Akishino branch of the Imperial House of Japan. Fumihito has a bachelor's degree in political science from Gakushuin University and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in ornithology from the Graduate University for Advanced Studies. In 1990, he married Kiko Kawashima, with whom he has three children: Mako, Kako, and Hisahito. In November 2020, Fumihito was officially declared the heir presumptive to the throne, during the Ceremony for Proclamation of Crown Prince (Rikkōshi-Senmei-no-gi) in Tokyo. Preceding his investiture as Crown Prince, the ongoing Japanese imperial succession debate had resulted in some politicians holding a favorable view on rescinding agnatic primogeniture, which was implemented in 1889. However, once Fumihito and Kiko had their son Hisahito in September 2006, he became next in the line of succession following his father. Fumihito's niece and Emperor Naruhito's only child, Princess Aiko, remains at present legally ineligible to inherit the throne, while debate about the possibility of having future empresses regnant continues. As active working members of the imperial family, Fumihito and his wife Kiko's schedule includes attending summits, and organisational and global event meetings. The couple have particularly represented the Japanese imperial house in ceremonies involving heads of state and VIPs abroad.
Iehiro Tokugawa (Shinjitai: 徳川家広, Kyūjitai: 德川家廣, Tokugawa Iehiro; born 7 February 1965) is a Japanese author and…Iehiro Tokugawa (Shinjitai: 徳川家広, Kyūjitai: 德川家廣, Tokugawa Iehiro; born 7 February 1965) is a Japanese author and translator who is the 19th generation and current head of the main House of Tokugawa. His great-great-grandfather was the famed Matsudaira Katamori of Aizu, and his maternal great-great-grandfather was Tokugawa Iesato, the sixteenth head of the House of Tokugawa.
Naruhito (born 23 February 1960) is Emperor of Japan. He acceded to the Chrysanthemum Throne on 1 May 2019 following…Naruhito (born 23 February 1960) is Emperor of Japan. He acceded to the Chrysanthemum Throne on 1 May 2019 following the abdication of his father, Akihito. He is the 126th monarch, according to the traditional order of succession. His reign is known as the Reiwa era. Naruhito is the elder son of Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko. He was born during the reign of his paternal grandfather, Hirohito. He became heir apparent following his father's accession in 1989, and was formally invested as Crown Prince in 1991. He attended Gakushūin schools in Tokyo and later studied history at Gakushuin University and English at Merton College, Oxford. He married the diplomat Masako Owada in 1993. They have one daughter: Aiko, Princess Toshi. Continuing his grandfather's and father's boycott over the enshrinement of convicted war criminals, he has never visited Yasukuni Shrine. He is an advocate in the fields of water policy and water conservation. He was an honorary president of the 2020 Summer Olympics and Paralympics and is a supporter of the World Organization of the Scout Movement.
Toshifumi Hinata is a Japanese classical musician and composer. He was born on February 23, 1955, in Tokyo, Japan. He…Toshifumi Hinata is a Japanese classical musician and composer. He was born on February 23, 1955, in Tokyo, Japan. He has composed several albums and composed music for multiple films and television shows including Pavee Lackeen, Long Vacation and Tokyo Love Story.
Norihito, Prince Takamado (高円宮憲仁親王, Takamado-no-miya Norihito Shinnō; 29 December 1954 – 21 November 2002) was a…Norihito, Prince Takamado (高円宮憲仁親王, Takamado-no-miya Norihito Shinnō; 29 December 1954 – 21 November 2002) was a Japanese member of the Imperial House of Japan and the third son of Takahito, Prince Mikasa and Yuriko, Princess Mikasa. He was a first cousin of Emperor Akihito, and was seventh in line to the Chrysanthemum Throne at the time of his death.
Masatsugu Nagato (born 18 November 1948) is a Japanese businessman who was the president and CEO of Japan Post Holdings…Masatsugu Nagato (born 18 November 1948) is a Japanese businessman who was the president and CEO of Japan Post Holdings from 2016 to 2020, having previously been president and CEO of Japan Post Bank.
Kunio Hatoyama (鳩山邦夫, Hatoyama Kunio; 13 September 1948 – 21 June 2016) was a Japanese politician who served as…Kunio Hatoyama (鳩山邦夫, Hatoyama Kunio; 13 September 1948 – 21 June 2016) was a Japanese politician who served as Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications under Prime Ministers Shinzō Abe and Yasuo Fukuda until 12 June 2009.
Shunichi Tokura (Japanese: 都倉 俊一, Hepburn: Tokura Shun'ichi; born 21 June 1948) is a Japanese composer and was the…Shunichi Tokura (Japanese: 都倉 俊一, Hepburn: Tokura Shun'ichi; born 21 June 1948) is a Japanese composer and was the chair of the Japanese Society for Rights of Authors, Composers and Publishers (JASRAC) from 12 August 2010 to 31 March 2016. In April 2021, he was appointed commissioner for Cultural Affairs of Japan.
Yoshihito, Prince Katsura (桂宮宜仁親王, Katsura-no-miya Yoshihito Shinnō; 11 February 1948 – 8 June 2014) was a member of…Yoshihito, Prince Katsura (桂宮宜仁親王, Katsura-no-miya Yoshihito Shinnō; 11 February 1948 – 8 June 2014) was a member of the Imperial House of Japan and the second son of Takahito, Prince Mikasa and Yuriko, Princess Mikasa. He was a first cousin of Emperor Akihito. Originally known as Prince Yoshihito of Mikasa, he received the title Prince Katsura (Katsura-no-miya) and authorization to start a new branch of the Imperial Family on 1 January 1988 at age 39. He died of a heart attack on 8 June 2014, aged 66.
Yukio Hatoyama (鳩山 友紀夫, born 鳩山 由紀夫, Hatoyama Yukio; born 11 February 1947) is a retired Japanese politician who served…Yukio Hatoyama (鳩山 友紀夫, born 鳩山 由紀夫, Hatoyama Yukio; born 11 February 1947) is a retired Japanese politician who served as Prime Minister of Japan and leader of the Democratic Party of Japan from 2009 to 2010. He was the first Prime Minister from the party. Coming from a prominent Japanese political family, Hatoyama was first elected to the House of Representatives in 1986 to represent the Hokkaido 9th district. He became President of the DPJ, the main opposition party, in May 2009. He then led the party to a landslide victory in the 2009 general election, defeating the long-governing Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), which had been in power for over a decade, becoming prime minister that year. During his premiership, Hatoyama attempted spending cuts on public works projects. He also moved to change Japan's foreign policy from a United States-centric one to a more Asia-focused one. Hatoyama's premiership saw improved relations between China and Japan, as well as with Japan's other neighbors. Though initially enjoying high approval ratings, his popularity soon dropped due to various reasons including a finance scandal. In 2010, he announced his resignation as prime minister, citing breaking a campaign promise to close an American military base on the island of Okinawa. In 2012, just before the LDP won the general elections in a landslide, Hatoyama announced his retirement from politics and did not run for re-election. Since then, he has made large online presence such as on Twitter with his outspoken political views. Hatoyama took part in founding the minor Kyowa Party in 2020, but later left the party.
Yukio Hattori (服部 幸應, Hattori Yukio; 16 December 1945 – 4 October 2024) was a Japanese television personality who was…Yukio Hattori (服部 幸應, Hattori Yukio; 16 December 1945 – 4 October 2024) was a Japanese television personality who was best known as an expert commentator on the television show Iron Chef. Hattori was also the fifth president of the Hattori Nutrition College; the Iron Chef end credits mention that the program is "produced in cooperation with" the College. Hattori received a PhD from Showa University.
Yoshihiko Funazaki (舟崎 克彦, Funazaki Yoshihiko; February 2, 1945 – October 15, 2015) was a Japanese novelist, poet…Yoshihiko Funazaki (舟崎 克彦, Funazaki Yoshihiko; February 2, 1945 – October 15, 2015) was a Japanese novelist, poet, illustrator, manga artist, songwriter, and assistant professor of Shirayuri College. He has written more than 300 books.
Tarō Asō (麻生 太郎, Asō Tarō; born 20 September 1940) is a Japanese politician who served as Prime Minister of Japan from…Tarō Asō (麻生 太郎, Asō Tarō; born 20 September 1940) is a Japanese politician who served as Prime Minister of Japan from 2008 to 2009. A member of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), he also served as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance from 2012 to 2021. He was the longest-serving Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance in Japanese history, having previously served as Minister for Foreign Affairs from 2005 to 2007 and as Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications from 2003 to 2005. He leads the Shikōkai faction within the LDP. Asō was first elected to the House of Representatives in 1979. He served in numerous ministerial roles before becoming Secretary-General of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) in 2008, having also held that role temporarily in 2007. He was later elected LDP President in September 2008, becoming prime minister the same month. He led the LDP to the worst election result in its history a year later, marking only the second time in post-war Japan that a governing party had lost re-election, and resigned as the President of the party immediately afterwards. After the LDP returned to government following the 2012 election under Shinzo Abe, Asō was appointed to the Cabinet as Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, retaining those roles when Yoshihide Suga replaced Abe in 2020. After leaving cabinet, he's served as vice president of the LDP under Fumio Kishida and as senior advisor to the LDP under Shigeru Ishiba. He is a noted power broker inside the party, leading the Shikōkai. Asō has been attached to a number of controversies in his career. He conceded in 2008 that his family had benefitted from forced labor during World War II, although he has refused to apologize for it. Asō also had a reputation for political gaffes and controversial remarks.
Tsunenari Tokugawa (徳川 恒孝, Tokugawa Tsunenari; born 26 February 1940) is the 18th generation head of the Tokugawa clan.…Tsunenari Tokugawa (徳川 恒孝, Tokugawa Tsunenari; born 26 February 1940) is the 18th generation head of the Tokugawa clan. He is the son of Ichirō Matsudaira and Toyoko Tokugawa. His great-grandfather was the famed Matsudaira Katamori of Aizu and his maternal great-grandfather was Tokugawa Iesato. As a great-grandson of Shimazu Tadayoshi, the last lord of Satsuma Domain, he is also a second cousin of the former Emperor, Akihito. Tsunenari was active for many years in the shipping company Nippon Yūsen, retiring in June, 2002, and is the head of the nonprofit Tokugawa Foundation. The nonprofit aims to preserve the remaining cultural treasures of the Tokugawa family, many of which were lost in the Meiji Restoration and World War II U.S. bombings. In 2007, Tsunenari published a book entitled Edo no idenshi (江戸の遺伝子), released in English in 2009 as The Edo Inheritance, which seeks to counter the common belief among Japanese that the Edo period (throughout which members of his Tokugawa clan ruled Japan as shōguns) was like a Dark Age, when Japan, cut off from the world, fell behind. On the contrary, he argues, the roughly 250 years of peace and relative prosperity saw great economic reforms, the growth of a sophisticated urban culture, and the development of the most urbanized society on the planet. Tokugawa stepped down from being the head of the Tokugawa clan on 1 January 2023. His son, author and translator Iehiro Tokugawa, took over the role.
Hisaoki Kamei (亀井 久興, Kamei Hisaoki; born 8 November 1939) is a former Japanese politician of the now defunct People's…Hisaoki Kamei (亀井 久興, Kamei Hisaoki; born 8 November 1939) is a former Japanese politician of the now defunct People's New Party and was a member of the House of Representatives in the Diet (national legislature). A native of Kanoashi District, Shimane and graduate of Gakushuin University, he ran unsuccessfully for the House of Representatives in 1971 as an independent. He ran again three years later as a member of the Liberal Democratic Party and was elected for the first time. His daughter Akiko Kamei is also a politician.
Tadateru Konoe (近衛 忠煇, Konoe Tadateru; 8 May 1939 – 23 May 2026) was a Japanese humanitarian who was president of the…Tadateru Konoe (近衛 忠煇, Konoe Tadateru; 8 May 1939 – 23 May 2026) was a Japanese humanitarian who was president of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). Konoe was the 32nd Head of the Konoe family. President of the Japanese Red Cross Society from 2005, he dedicated his entire professional career to domestic and international Red Cross Red Crescent activities. In 2009 and again in 2013, Konoe was elected President of the IFRC, serving until he was replaced by Francesco Rocca on 6 November 2017.
Kōichirō Matsuura (松浦 晃一郎, Matsūra Kōichirō; born 29 September 1937) is a Japanese diplomat. He is the former…Kōichirō Matsuura (松浦 晃一郎, Matsūra Kōichirō; born 29 September 1937) is a Japanese diplomat. He is the former Director-General of UNESCO. He was first elected in 1999 to a six-year term and reelected on 12 October 2005 for four years, following a reform instituted by the 29th session of the General Conference. In November 2009, he was replaced by Irina Bokova. He studied law at the University of Tokyo and economics at Haverford College (Pennsylvania, USA) and began his diplomatic career in 1959. Posts held by Mr Matsuura include those of Director-General of the Economic Co-operation Bureau of Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (1988); Director-General of the North American Affairs Bureau, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (1990); and Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs (1992–1994). He was Japan’s Ambassador to France from 1994 to 1999. After one year as the Chairperson of UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee, he became UNESCO’s ninth Director-General on 12 November 1999.
Keizō Obuchi (Japanese: 小渕 恵三, Hepburn: Obuchi Keizō; 25 June 1937 – 14 May 2000) was a Japanese politician who served…Keizō Obuchi (Japanese: 小渕 恵三, Hepburn: Obuchi Keizō; 25 June 1937 – 14 May 2000) was a Japanese politician who served as Prime Minister of Japan and President of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) from 1998 to 2000. Born in Gunma Prefecture, Obuchi graduated from Waseda University and was first elected to the National Diet in 1963, becoming one of the youngest legislators in Japanese history. He rose through the ranks of the LDP, serving as director of the Okinawa Development Agency from 1979 to 1980, chief cabinet secretary under Noboru Takeshita from 1987 to 1989, and foreign minister under Ryutaro Hashimoto from 1997 to 1998, where he distinguished himself during talks with Russia on the Kuril Islands dispute. Obuchi became prime minister in 1998, and during his tenure attempted to conclude a peace treaty with Russia to formally end World War II and to revive Japan's stagnant economy by raising public spending and lowering income taxes. In 2000, Obuchi suddenly fell into a coma and died six weeks later.
Shunji Yanai (柳井 俊二, Yanai Shunji, born 15 January 1937) is a Japanese diplomat who served as ambassador to the United…Shunji Yanai (柳井 俊二, Yanai Shunji, born 15 January 1937) is a Japanese diplomat who served as ambassador to the United States from 1999 until 2001 and Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs from 1997 to 1999. After his diplomatic career, he served as a judge at the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea from 2005 to 2023 and was its president from 2011 to 2014.
Shigehiko Hasumi (Japanese: 蓮實重彥, also romanized Shiguéhiko; born 29 April 1936) is a Japanese literary critic, film…Shigehiko Hasumi (Japanese: 蓮實重彥, also romanized Shiguéhiko; born 29 April 1936) is a Japanese literary critic, film critic, French literature scholar, and novelist. He was a professor at the University of Tokyo (Cultural Studies, or the Study of Culture and Representation), dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, and the 26th President (1997-2001). Hasumi started his academic career as a Gustave Flaubert scholar, and played a central role in the early introduction of the contemporary French philosophy, such as Gilles Deleuze and Michel Foucault, into Japan in the 1970s. He is known as one of the most prolific Japanese reviewers of modern literature and film. Since the 1980s, Hasumi has been active in introducing the French New Wave filmmakers' thought and Hollywood B-films. His method of viewing and writing about film, inspired by the 1950s French film criticism appearing in Cahiers du Cinéma, played a major role in Japanese film culture in the late 20th century. His influential work includes Directed by Yasujiro Ozu (1983). Reflecting on Hasumi, Kiyoshi Kurosawa noted, "The international recognition of Yasujiro Ozu and Mikio Naruse would never have been achieved without Hasumi. Even the popularity of Clint Eastwood and Wim Wenders in Japan owes much to his influence. And as for myself—there’s no doubt that I’m only able to be here, doing what I do, all thanks to the good fortune of having met Shiguéhiko Hasumi." He is married to Chantal Van Melkebeke, the daughter of the Belgian painter, journalist, and writer Jacques Van Melkebeke, who is known for having been the first chief editor of Tintin magazine. They had one son, Shigeomi Hasumi. In 1970, the French Broadcasting and Television Office interviewed him, his wife and his son in French in Tokyo for 20 minutes. Hasumi curated a film series entitled Shiguéhiko Hasumi: Another History of the Movie in America and Japan for Japan Society in 2025, including works by Richard Fleischer, Michael Mann and Makoto Sato. Director Sho Miyake attended, presenting his collaboration with Hasumi—the montage film John Ford and Throwing.
Masahito, Prince Hitachi (常陸宮正仁親王, Hitachi-no-miya Masahito Shinnō; born 28 November 1935) is a member of the Imperial…Masahito, Prince Hitachi (常陸宮正仁親王, Hitachi-no-miya Masahito Shinnō; born 28 November 1935) is a member of the Imperial House of Japan, the younger brother of Emperor emeritus Akihito and the paternal uncle of Emperor Naruhito. He is the second son and sixth born child of Emperor Shōwa and Empress Kōjun and is third and last in line to the Chrysanthemum Throne. He is mainly known for philanthropic activities and his research on the causes of cancer.
Tomohiko Sekine (関根 友彦, Sekine Tomohiko; 22 November 1933 – 16 January 2022), a.k.a. Thomas T. Sekine was a Japanese…Tomohiko Sekine (関根 友彦, Sekine Tomohiko; 22 November 1933 – 16 January 2022), a.k.a. Thomas T. Sekine was a Japanese economist and was considered to be one of the most important theorists on the field of Marx's labor theory of value. His main work The Dialectic of Capital was published in 1986. He was a scholar of Kozo Uno.
Yi Ku (Korean: 이구; December 29, 1931 – July 16, 2005) was a Korean prince who was head of the House of Yi from 1970…Yi Ku (Korean: 이구; December 29, 1931 – July 16, 2005) was a Korean prince who was head of the House of Yi from 1970 until 2005. He was a grandson of Emperor Gojong of the Joseon dynasty. Through Kuni Asahiko his maternal great-grandfather, Ku was a second-cousin to Emperor Emeritus Akihito of Japan.
Hideo Den (田 英夫 Den Hideo, June 9, 1923 - November 13, 2009) was a Japanese news presenter, politician, and for 34 of…Hideo Den (田 英夫 Den Hideo, June 9, 1923 - November 13, 2009) was a Japanese news presenter, politician, and for 34 of the years between 1971 and 2007, a member of the House of Councillors for the Social Democratic Party. From 1978 to 1985, he was also the president of the Socialist Democratic Federation. In 1947 he joined the Kyodo News company as a reporter. In 1962 he became a news presenter for TBS 's television news program. He was the grandson of Den Kenjiro.
Takahito, Prince Mikasa (三笠宮崇仁親王, Mikasa-no-miya Takahito Shinnō; 2 December 1915 – 27 October 2016) was a Japanese…Takahito, Prince Mikasa (三笠宮崇仁親王, Mikasa-no-miya Takahito Shinnō; 2 December 1915 – 27 October 2016) was a Japanese prince, the youngest of the four sons of Emperor Taishō (Yoshihito) and Empress Teimei (Sadako). He was their last surviving child. His eldest brother was Emperor Shōwa (Hirohito). After serving as a junior cavalry officer in the Japanese Imperial Army during World War II, Takahito embarked upon a post-war career as a scholar and part-time lecturer in Middle Eastern studies and Semitic languages. Prince Mikasa married Yuriko Takagi in 1941, and they had five children. Prince and Princess Mikasa outlived all three of their sons. With the death of his sister-in-law Kikuko, Princess Takamatsu, on 17 December 2004, Prince Mikasa became the oldest living member of the Imperial House of Japan. He remained active until a few months before his death at the age of 100. At the time of his death, Prince Mikasa was the oldest living royal.
Count Hirohide Fushimi (伏見 博英, Fushimi Hirohide; 4 October 1912 – 21 August 1943) of Japan, was a member of a…Count Hirohide Fushimi (伏見 博英, Fushimi Hirohide; 4 October 1912 – 21 August 1943) of Japan, was a member of a collateral branch of the Japanese imperial family and a career officer in the Imperial Japanese Navy who was killed in the line of duty in World War II.
Yoshihiro Tokugawa (徳川 義寛, Tokugawa Yoshihiro; 7 November 1906 – 2 February 1996) was a Japanese political figure of…Yoshihiro Tokugawa (徳川 義寛, Tokugawa Yoshihiro; 7 November 1906 – 2 February 1996) was a Japanese political figure of the mid to late 20th century. The grandson of Tokugawa Yoshikatsu, the last lord of Owari han, he served as Grand Chamberlain of Japan from 1985 to 1988, serving as the Emperor of Japan's personal adviser. Yoshihiro was famous for saving the recording of Emperor Hirohito's surrender address from destruction by army officials who wished to continue the war during the Kyūjō Incident. He died in 1996 at the age of 89 due to respiratory failure.
Nangō Mochifumi (南郷 茂章, Mochifumi Nangō; 1 July 1906 – 18 July 1938) was an officer and ace fighter pilot in the…Nangō Mochifumi (南郷 茂章, Mochifumi Nangō; 1 July 1906 – 18 July 1938) was an officer and ace fighter pilot in the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) during the Second Sino-Japanese War. In action in the war, Nangō was officially credited with destroying eight enemy aircraft. Nangō graduated from the Naval Academy Etajima in 1927 and completed flight training in November 1932. After a tour of duty with the aircraft carrier Akagi's fighter group, he spent two years in London as the assistant naval attaché in the Japanese embassy. After returning to Japan, Nangō was posted to the 13th Air Group in October 1937 soon after the outbreak of renewed hostilities with China. In a single engagement over Nanking on 2 December 1937, he was credited with destroying two Chinese aircraft. Later that month, Nangō was assigned as a division commander in the carrier Sōryū's fighter group. In July 1938, Nangō assumed command of the 15th Air Group, based in Anqing. He led his fighter group in air operations supporting ground forces around Hankow and protecting shipping in the Yangtze River. Unsanitary conditions at Anqing contributed to ill health in many of the 15th's pilots, including Nangō, but he refused to be taken off flying duty. On 18 July 1938, he was killed during an aerial battle when his aircraft collided with a Chinese Polikarpov I-15 fighter flown by Soviet volunteer Valentin Dudonov. Nangō's death in battle was widely publicized in Japan and his funeral was attended by the vice minister of the navy, Isoroku Yamamoto.
Nobuhito, Prince Takamatsu (高松宮宣仁親王, Takamatsu-no-miya Nobuhito Shinnō; 3 January 1905 – 3 February 1987) was the third…Nobuhito, Prince Takamatsu (高松宮宣仁親王, Takamatsu-no-miya Nobuhito Shinnō; 3 January 1905 – 3 February 1987) was the third son of Emperor Taishō (Yoshihito) and Empress Teimei (Sadako) and a younger brother of Emperor Shōwa (Hirohito). He became heir to the Takamatsu-no-miya (formerly Arisugawa-no-miya), one of the four shinnōke or branches of the imperial family entitled to inherit the Chrysanthemum Throne in default of a direct heir. From the mid-1920s until the end of World War II, Prince Takamatsu pursued a career in the Japanese Imperial Navy, eventually rising to the rank of captain. Following the war, the prince became patron or honorary president of various organizations in the fields of international cultural exchange, the arts, sports, and medicine. He is mainly remembered for his philanthropic activities as a member of the Imperial House of Japan.
Masauji Hachisuka (蜂須賀 正氏, Hachisuka Masauji; February 15, 1903 Tokyo – May 14, 1953 Atami), 18th Marquess Hachisuka…Masauji Hachisuka (蜂須賀 正氏, Hachisuka Masauji; February 15, 1903 Tokyo – May 14, 1953 Atami), 18th Marquess Hachisuka, was a Japanese nobleman, ornithologist and aviculturist.
Yasuhito, Prince Chichibu (秩父宮雍仁親王, Chichibu-no-miya Yasuhito Shinnō; 25 June 1902 – 4 January 1953) was the second son…Yasuhito, Prince Chichibu (秩父宮雍仁親王, Chichibu-no-miya Yasuhito Shinnō; 25 June 1902 – 4 January 1953) was the second son of Emperor Taishō (Yoshihito) and Empress Teimei (Sadako), a younger brother of Emperor Shōwa (Hirohito) and a general in the Imperial Japanese Army. As a member of the Imperial House of Japan, he was the patron of several sporting, medical, and international exchange organizations. Before and after World War II, the English-speaking prince and his wife attempted to foster good relations between Japan and the United Kingdom and enjoyed a good rapport with the British royal family. As with other Japanese imperial princes of his generation, he was an active-duty career officer in the Imperial Japanese Army. Like all members of the imperial family, he was given immunity from criminal prosecution before the International Military Tribunal for the Far East by Douglas MacArthur.
Hirotada, Prince Kachō (華頂宮博忠王, Kachō-no-miya Hirotada-ō; 26 January 1902 – 24 March 1924) of Japan, was a member of a…Hirotada, Prince Kachō (華頂宮博忠王, Kachō-no-miya Hirotada-ō; 26 January 1902 – 24 March 1924) of Japan, was a member of a collateral branch of the Japanese imperial family.
Vice-Admiral Asaakira, Prince Kuni (久邇宮 朝融王, Kuni-no-miya Asaakira-ō; 2 February 1901 – 7 December 1959), was third…Vice-Admiral Asaakira, Prince Kuni (久邇宮 朝融王, Kuni-no-miya Asaakira-ō; 2 February 1901 – 7 December 1959), was third head of the Kuni-no-miya, a collateral branch of the Japanese imperial family and vice admiral in the Japanese Imperial Navy during World War II. He was the elder brother of Empress Kōjun (Nagako), the consort of Emperor Shōwa (Hirohito), and thus a maternal uncle to the Emperor Emeritus Akihito.
Marquis Yoshimaro Yamashina (山階 芳麿, Yamashina Yoshimaro; July 5, 1900 – January 28, 1989) was a Japanese ornithologist.…Marquis Yoshimaro Yamashina (山階 芳麿, Yamashina Yoshimaro; July 5, 1900 – January 28, 1989) was a Japanese ornithologist. He was the founder of the Yamashina Institute for Ornithology.
Masatoshi Yokota (Japanese: 横田正俊, romanized: Yokota Masatoshi; January 11, 1899 – July 1, 1984) was the 4th Chief…Masatoshi Yokota (Japanese: 横田正俊, romanized: Yokota Masatoshi; January 11, 1899 – July 1, 1984) was the 4th Chief Justice of Japan (1966–1969). He was born in Hakodate, Hokkaido. He graduated from the University of Tokyo. He was a recipient of the Order of the Rising Sun. He was a practitioner of kendo.
Viscount Hidemaro Konoye (近衛 秀麿, Konoe Hidemaro; 18 November 1898 – 2 June 1973) was a Japanese conductor and composer…Viscount Hidemaro Konoye (近衛 秀麿, Konoe Hidemaro; 18 November 1898 – 2 June 1973) was a Japanese conductor and composer of classical music. He was the younger brother of wartime Japanese Prime Minister Fumimaro Konoe.
Marquess Yoshi Hijikata (土方 与志, Hijikata Yoshi; 16 April 1898 – 4 June 1959) was a prominent Japanese theatre director.…Marquess Yoshi Hijikata (土方 与志, Hijikata Yoshi; 16 April 1898 – 4 June 1959) was a prominent Japanese theatre director. His real name was Hisayoshi Hijikata (土方久敬, Hijikata Hisayoshi). He studied at the University of Tokyo. He had Marxist leanings, and in 1933 traveled to Russia. On his return to Japan in 1941 he was arrested, and remained in prison until 1945. In 1946 he joined the Japanese Communist Party. He was a grandson of the Meiji politician Hijikata Hisamoto.
Prince Yamashina Takehiko (山階宮 武彦王, Yamashina-no-miya Takehiko-ō; 13 February 1898 – 10 August 1987), was the third…Prince Yamashina Takehiko (山階宮 武彦王, Yamashina-no-miya Takehiko-ō; 13 February 1898 – 10 August 1987), was the third (and final) head of the Yamashina-no-miya, a collateral line of the Japanese imperial family. He was nicknamed "the Flying Prince".
Viscount Michiharu Mishima (三島 通陽, Mishima Michiharu; 1 January 1897 – 20 April 1965) was a novelist, playwright and…Viscount Michiharu Mishima (三島 通陽, Mishima Michiharu; 1 January 1897 – 20 April 1965) was a novelist, playwright and drama critic. His pen name was Shōdō Mishima (三島 章道 Mishima Shōdō).
Takeru Inukai (犬養 健, Inukai Takeru; 28 July 1896 – 28 August 1960) was a Japanese politician and novelist active in…Takeru Inukai (犬養 健, Inukai Takeru; 28 July 1896 – 28 August 1960) was a Japanese politician and novelist active in Shōwa period Japan. Also known as "Inukai Ken", he was the third son of Prime Minister of Japan Inukai Tsuyoshi.
Baron Masayuki Matsuda (Japanese: 松田正之; 2 November 1892 – 2 May 1976) was a Japanese politician who was Governor of the…Baron Masayuki Matsuda (Japanese: 松田正之; 2 November 1892 – 2 May 1976) was a Japanese politician who was Governor of the South Seas Mandate from 1932 to 1933. He was a graduate of Kyoto Imperial University and a relative of politician Yoriyasu Arima.
