Keishi Handa (半田圭史, Handa Keishi; born July 1, 1977) is a former basketball player for Hitachi SunRockers and Toyota…Keishi Handa (半田圭史, Handa Keishi; born July 1, 1977) is a former basketball player for Hitachi SunRockers and Toyota Alvark in Japan.
Naoki Ishikawa (石川 直樹, Ishikawa Naoki; b. Tokyo, 1977) is a Japanese photographer and mountaineer. He has climbed all…Naoki Ishikawa (石川 直樹, Ishikawa Naoki; b. Tokyo, 1977) is a Japanese photographer and mountaineer. He has climbed all 14 eight-thousanders and the seven summits. In 2001, he began to take photographs seriously and thereafter his ventures as a photographer and writer have intimately linked to his travels and climbs, as he often photographs and writes about his own adventures to various remote landscapes. Ishikawa's analog photographs frequently capture nature at its most extreme and the people that inhabit it, gaining a broad recognition for his ethnographic sensibility and curiosity, informed by his study of anthropology and ethnography at Waseda University. Ishikawa actively participates in the education of photography and anthropology; he has served as a part-time lecturer at the Faculty of Sociology at Rikkyo University and the Photography department of Nihon University and is currently the director of the Photo Archipelago Setouchi school.
Yuichi Yoda (要田 勇一, Yoda Yuichi; born June 25, 1977) is a Japanese former football player. and current manager…Yuichi Yoda (要田 勇一, Yoda Yuichi; born June 25, 1977) is a Japanese former football player. and current manager Nadeshiko League Div.1 club of NHK Spring Yokohama FC Seagulls.
Naoya Tsukahara (Japanese:塚原 直也 Tsukahara Naoya, born June 25, 1977) is a former Japanese artistic gymnast and 2004…Naoya Tsukahara (Japanese:塚原 直也 Tsukahara Naoya, born June 25, 1977) is a former Japanese artistic gymnast and 2004 Olympic Gold Medalist now coaching and competing for Australia. He is the son of the former Japanese gymnast, Mitsuo Tsukahara, who was also a multiple gold medalist in the Olympic Games during the 1960s and 70s. He competed at the 1996, 2000 and 2004 Olympics as well as many World Championships for team Japan from 1996 until 2006. In 2009, he moved to Australia, gaining citizenship in 2012, and currently represents Australia's national gymnastics team, most recently competing at the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games.
Shinji Nagatomo (長友 慎治, Nagatomo Shinji; born 22 June 1977) is a Japanese politician of the Democratic Party For the…Shinji Nagatomo (長友 慎治, Nagatomo Shinji; born 22 June 1977) is a Japanese politician of the Democratic Party For the People, who serves as a member of the House of Representatives.
Wakatoba Hiromi (born June 15, 1977, as Hiromi Yamada) is a former sumo wrestler from Fuchū, Tokyo, Japan. His highest…Wakatoba Hiromi (born June 15, 1977, as Hiromi Yamada) is a former sumo wrestler from Fuchū, Tokyo, Japan. His highest rank was maegashira 11.
Yanwari Kazama (風間やんわり, Kazama Yanwari; June 13, 1977 – October 22, 2013) was a Japanese manga artist. He started…Yanwari Kazama (風間やんわり, Kazama Yanwari; June 13, 1977 – October 22, 2013) was a Japanese manga artist. He started drawing the Taberemasen ("not fit for consumption") yonkoma cartoon in 1995 in the Kodansha-published Young Magazine while still in high school, and continued the series until 2013. Besides publishing in Young Magazine, he also published social satire cartoons in the weekly magazine Friday. He died on October 22, 2013, from liver failure.
Yuzo Funakoshi (船越 優蔵, Funakoshi Yuzo; born June 12, 1977) is a Japanese football manager and former footballer who is…Yuzo Funakoshi (船越 優蔵, Funakoshi Yuzo; born June 12, 1977) is a Japanese football manager and former footballer who is manager of J2 League club Albirex Niigata.
Hiroyuki Takaya (Japanese: 高谷裕之, Takaya Hiroyuki, born June 10, 1977) is a Japanese mixed martial artist currently…Hiroyuki Takaya (Japanese: 高谷裕之, Takaya Hiroyuki, born June 10, 1977) is a Japanese mixed martial artist currently competing in the Featherweight division. A professional competitor since 2003, Takaya has fought in the WEC, Strikeforce, DREAM, Shooto, K-1 HERO'S, Pancrase, RIZIN, Vale Tudo Japan, and Cage Force. Takaya is the former DREAM Featherweight Champion. He also competed at the Japanese MMA events Fight For Japan: Genki Desu Ka Omisoka 2011 and Dynamite!! 2010. Due to his experience in street fighting, Takaya is known as the "Streetfight Bancho".
Takako Matsu (松 たか子, Matsu Takako) (born Takako Fujima (藤間 隆子, Fujima Takako) on June 10, 1977) is a Japanese actress…Takako Matsu (松 たか子, Matsu Takako) (born Takako Fujima (藤間 隆子, Fujima Takako) on June 10, 1977) is a Japanese actress and pop singer.
Daisuke Muramatsu (born 8 June 1977) is a Japanese football manager who currently manages WE League club Albirex…Daisuke Muramatsu (born 8 June 1977) is a Japanese football manager who currently manages WE League club Albirex Niigata Ladies.
Koji Kakamu (各務 耕司 (Kakamu Kōji, born June 7, 1977)) is a Japanese judo coach and former judoka. He is the current head…Koji Kakamu (各務 耕司 (Kakamu Kōji, born June 7, 1977)) is a Japanese judo coach and former judoka. He is the current head coach of the Saudi Arabia national judo team. He is notable for his successful tenure as a coach for the All Japan Judo Federation (AJJF), particularly as the head coach for the junior national team, leading them to numerous gold medals at the World Judo Juniors Championships.
Naoki Fukui (福井 直樹, Fukui Naoki; born Naoki Numazawa (沼澤 直樹, Numazawa Naoki) on June 7, 1977) is a Japanese…Naoki Fukui (福井 直樹, Fukui Naoki; born Naoki Numazawa (沼澤 直樹, Numazawa Naoki) on June 7, 1977) is a Japanese professional wrestler best known by his stage name "Black Angel" Jaki Numazawa ("黒天使"沼澤邪鬼, "Kokutenshi" Numazawa Jaki). He currently wrestles for Big Japan Pro Wrestling in the Deathmatch division, where he has held the BJW Deathmatch Heavyweight Championship on one occasion.
Yugo Kanno (菅野 祐悟, Kanno Yūgo; born June 5, 1977) is a Japanese composer and musician known for his work on many…Yugo Kanno (菅野 祐悟, Kanno Yūgo; born June 5, 1977) is a Japanese composer and musician known for his work on many television dramas, anime series, and movies.
Tomokazu Soma (相馬朋和, Sōma Tomokazu) (born 5 June 1977 in Kanagawa, Japan) is a Japanese rugby union player. Soma has…Tomokazu Soma (相馬朋和, Sōma Tomokazu) (born 5 June 1977 in Kanagawa, Japan) is a Japanese rugby union player. Soma has played 24 matches for the Japan national rugby union team. Soma played three games for Japan at the 2007 Rugby World Cup.
Yukiya Yokoyama (横山 道哉, Yokoyama Yukiya; born June 1, 1977 in Ebina, Kanagawa, Japan) is a Japanese former Nippon…Yukiya Yokoyama (横山 道哉, Yokoyama Yukiya; born June 1, 1977 in Ebina, Kanagawa, Japan) is a Japanese former Nippon Professional Baseball pitcher.
Mitsuru Karahashi (唐橋 充, Karahashi Mitsuru; born May 30, 1977) is a Japanese actor and illustrator. He is known for…Mitsuru Karahashi (唐橋 充, Karahashi Mitsuru; born May 30, 1977) is a Japanese actor and illustrator. He is known for having roles in various tokusatsu series, most notably as Naoya Kaido in Kamen Rider 555 and Juzo Fuwa in Samurai Sentai Shinkenger.
Kazunari Tsuruoka (鶴岡 一成, Tsuruoka Kazunari; born May 30, 1977) is a Japanese former professional baseball player. He…Kazunari Tsuruoka (鶴岡 一成, Tsuruoka Kazunari; born May 30, 1977) is a Japanese former professional baseball player. He played catcher.
Sayaka Osakabe (小酒部 さやか, Osakabe Sayaka; born May 29, 1977) is a Japanese women's rights activist and politician. She…Sayaka Osakabe (小酒部 さやか, Osakabe Sayaka; born May 29, 1977) is a Japanese women's rights activist and politician. She is known for popularizing the term: "matahara" (referring to the act of harassing pregnant employees and forcing them to quit their position at work) and raising awareness in Japan that acts of matahara are illegal. She was a 2015 winner of the US State Department's International Women of Courage Award. In April 2023, Osakabe was elected to the City Assembly of Yokohama, representing the Aoba Ward.
Yukinori Suzuki (鈴木裕紀, Suzuki Yukinori) is a Japanese professional basketball coach and former player, currently…Yukinori Suzuki (鈴木裕紀, Suzuki Yukinori) is a Japanese professional basketball coach and former player, currently serving as the head coach for the Iwate Big Bulls of the B.League. Prior to Iwate, he coached the Shimane Susanoo Magic. Suzuki played college basketball for Nippon Sport Science University. He was selected by the Oita Heat Devils with the 10th pick in the 2005 bj league draft.
Atsushi Yanagisawa (柳沢 敦, Yanagisawa Atsushi; born May 27, 1977) is a Japanese former professional footballer who…Atsushi Yanagisawa (柳沢 敦, Yanagisawa Atsushi; born May 27, 1977) is a Japanese former professional footballer who played as a forward. He played for Japan national team. He is best known for playing the majority of his career at Kashima Antlers, in addition to his spells with Italian sides Sampdoria and Messina. Yanagisawa earned 58 caps for the Japan national team, and represented them at two FIFA World Cup, the 2000 Olympics and the 2000 AFC Asian Cup.
Satsuki Obata (小幡さつき, Obata Satsuki; born 24 May 1977) is a Japanese gymnast. She competed in four events at the 1996…Satsuki Obata (小幡さつき, Obata Satsuki; born 24 May 1977) is a Japanese gymnast. She competed in four events at the 1996 Summer Olympics.
Tomoyuki Hirase (平瀬 智行, Hirase Tomoyuki; born 23 May 1977) is a former Japanese football player. He played twice for…Tomoyuki Hirase (平瀬 智行, Hirase Tomoyuki; born 23 May 1977) is a former Japanese football player. He played twice for the Japan national football team.
Junnosuke Schneider (シュナイダー 潤之介, Shunaidā Junnosuke; born 22 May 1977) is a Japanese former football player. He is…Junnosuke Schneider (シュナイダー 潤之介, Shunaidā Junnosuke; born 22 May 1977) is a Japanese former football player. He is goalkeeper coach of J3 League club AC Nagano Parceiro.
Aki Miyashita (みやしたあき, Miyashita Aki; born May 18, 1977) is a Japanese professional wrestler better known as Danshoku…Aki Miyashita (みやしたあき, Miyashita Aki; born May 18, 1977) is a Japanese professional wrestler better known as Danshoku Dino (男色ディーノ, Danshoku Dīno; lit. "Homosexual Dino", also transliterated as Danshoku Dieno). Miyashita has spent most of his career competing for DDT Pro-Wrestling (DDT), where he plays an overly exaggerated homosexual character. His ring name comes from the character of Baron Dino (男爵ディーノ, Danshaku Dīno) from the manga series Sakigake!! Otokojuku and his gimmick itself is based on openly bisexual Japanese wrestler Men's Teioh.
Kentaro Minagawa (皆川 賢太郎, Minagawa Kentarō; born May 17, 1977) is a Japanese alpine skier. His first international…Kentaro Minagawa (皆川 賢太郎, Minagawa Kentarō; born May 17, 1977) is a Japanese alpine skier. His first international successes were at the 1996 Junior World Championships in Schwyz, with a 5th rank in Slalom, and a 9th rank in Giant slalom. Since the 1997 Alpine Skiing World Cup he has been participating regularly in World Cup races, nine times ranking in the top ten. Shortly before the 2006 Winter Olympics he ranked 4th in Wengen, Switzerland. At the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy he also ranked 4th, the best result of a Japanese skier since Chiharu Igaya's silver medal at the 1956 Winter Olympics. In June 2009, he married Japanese popular freestyle skier, Aiko Uemura.
Tomoko Ishida (石田 智子, Ishida Tomoko; born 12 May 1977 in Niiza, Saitama) is a retired Japanese sprinter who specialized…Tomoko Ishida (石田 智子, Ishida Tomoko; born 12 May 1977 in Niiza, Saitama) is a retired Japanese sprinter who specialized in the 100 metres. She competed in the 4 × 100 meters relay at the 2003 World Championships and 2005 World Championships without qualifying for the final. She was the 2005 Japanese national champion in the 100 meters and former Japanese national record holder in the 4 × 100 meters relay. She currently coach for the Hasegawa Sports Facilities Athletic Club.
Shugo Fujii (藤井 秀悟, Fujii Shūgo; born May 12, 1977 in Iyo, Ehime, Japan) is a former Nippon Professional Baseball…Shugo Fujii (藤井 秀悟, Fujii Shūgo; born May 12, 1977 in Iyo, Ehime, Japan) is a former Nippon Professional Baseball pitcher.
Satoshi Hamada (浜田 聡, Hamada Satoshi; born 11 May 1977 in Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture) is a Japanese politician and…Satoshi Hamada (浜田 聡, Hamada Satoshi; born 11 May 1977 in Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture) is a Japanese politician and radiologist. He served as a member of the House of Councillors from 2019 until his loss in 2025.
Makoto Hashi (橋 誠, Hashi Makoto) (born May 10, 1977) is a former Japanese professional wrestler, best known for his…Makoto Hashi (橋 誠, Hashi Makoto) (born May 10, 1977) is a former Japanese professional wrestler, best known for his appearances in Pro Wrestling Noah.
Naoki Matoba (的場 直樹, Matoba Naoki; born May 9, 1977 in Osaka), nicknamed "Matton", is a Japanese former professional…Naoki Matoba (的場 直樹, Matoba Naoki; born May 9, 1977 in Osaka), nicknamed "Matton", is a Japanese former professional baseball catcher in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball. He played for the Fukuoka Daiei Hawks/Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks in 2000, and from 2003 to 2008 and with the Chiba Lotte Marines in 2010 and 2011. Matoba is an ordained priest within the Ōtani-ha branch of Shin Buddhism.
Kanako Nishi (西 加奈子, Nishi Kanako; born May 7, 1977) is a Japanese writer and artist. She has won the Oda Sakunosuke…Kanako Nishi (西 加奈子, Nishi Kanako; born May 7, 1977) is a Japanese writer and artist. She has won the Oda Sakunosuke Prize, the Kawai Hayao Literary Prize, and the Naoki Prize, and several of her books have been adapted for film.
Nozomi Hiroyama (廣山 望, Hiroyama Nozomi; born June 6, 1975) is a Japanese former professional footballer who played as a…Nozomi Hiroyama (廣山 望, Hiroyama Nozomi; born June 6, 1975) is a Japanese former professional footballer who played as a midfielder where he is currently the head coach of Japan U17. Hiroyama played over 400 games during his career which included spells in Japan, France, Portugal, Paraguay, Brazil and United States, as well as earning two caps with the Japan national team. Hiroyama was the first Japanese footballer to dispute the Copa Libertadores competition.
Seigo Saito (齋藤 制剛, Saitō Seigō; born 4 May 1977) is a retired Japanese judoka. Saito is from Sapporo, Hokkaidō. He…Seigo Saito (齋藤 制剛, Saitō Seigō; born 4 May 1977) is a retired Japanese judoka. Saito is from Sapporo, Hokkaidō. He belonged to Asahi Kasei after graduation from Kokushikan University in 2000. Saito was good at Uchimata and Newaza in high-school days and was expected to get medal of Olympic Games or World Championships in the future. But he was not able to use the skill of them by the trouble of knee like Anterior cruciate ligament injury since 2000. In 2005, he won a gold medal at the Asian Championships and All-Japan Selected Championships with the skill that he learned newly like Kata guruma, Ōuchi gari and Kuchiki taoshi. But he was not chosen as a Japanese representative at the World Championships held in Cairo. He has coached judo at Asahi Kasei since 2010. Among his students is Tatsuki Masubuchi Yohei Takai and so on. His younger brother, Masamichi (順道) is also famous judoka and won a gold medal at the Kodokan Cup in 2001.
