Mieko Harada (原田 美枝子, Harada Mieko; born December 26, 1958) is a Japanese actress. She has played various roles in many…Mieko Harada (原田 美枝子, Harada Mieko; born December 26, 1958) is a Japanese actress. She has played various roles in many films and Japanese television drama series since 1974.
Masayuki Suzuki (Japanese: 鈴木 正之, Suzuki Masayuki; 26 December 1958 – 7 September 2026), better known by the stage name…Masayuki Suzuki (Japanese: 鈴木 正之, Suzuki Masayuki; 26 December 1958 – 7 September 2026), better known by the stage name Great Gidayū (グレート義太夫, Gurēto Gidayū), was a Japanese comedian and actor. He notably played Biker in the 1999 film Kikujiro. Gidayū died on 7 September 2026, at the age of 67.
Munetaka Higuchi (樋口 宗孝, Higuchi Munetaka) (December 24, 1958 – November 30, 2008) was a Japanese musician and record…Munetaka Higuchi (樋口 宗孝, Higuchi Munetaka) (December 24, 1958 – November 30, 2008) was a Japanese musician and record producer. He is best known as the original drummer of the heavy metal band Loudness, but first rose to prominence as a member of Lazy in the 1970s. In 2018, readers and professional musicians voted Higuchi the second best drummer in the history of hard rock and heavy metal in We Rock magazine's "Metal General Election".
Mari Shirato (白都真理, Shirato Mari) (born December 24, 1958, in Iizuka, Fukuoka, Japan) is a Japanese actress. She won…Mari Shirato (白都真理, Shirato Mari) (born December 24, 1958, in Iizuka, Fukuoka, Japan) is a Japanese actress. She won the award for Best Actress at the 6th Yokohama Film Festival for Mermaid Legend.
Michihiko Chida (千田美智仁, Chida Michihiko) (born 22 December 1958 in Kitakami) is a former Japanese rugby union player…Michihiko Chida (千田美智仁, Chida Michihiko) (born 22 December 1958 in Kitakami) is a former Japanese rugby union player who played mainly as Number 8.
Yūko Nakagawa (中川郁子, Nakagawa Yūko; née Iwata, born 22 December 1958) is a Japanese politician in the Liberal…Yūko Nakagawa (中川郁子, Nakagawa Yūko; née Iwata, born 22 December 1958) is a Japanese politician in the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). She represented Hokkaido in the House of Representatives from 2012 to 2017. Her husband, Shōichi Nakagawa, was also a politician, serving as Minister of Finance of Japan in 2008 and 2009. Nakagawa was born in Niigata Prefecture and graduated from University of the Sacred Heart in 1981. She worked at Mitsubishi for a year until her marriage to Shōichi, and moved to Hokkaido shortly afterward. After Shōichi's death in 2009, Yūko began to get involved in politics. In the 2012 election, she ran in Hokkaido's 11th district against Tomohiro Ishikawa, who had defeated her husband for the position in the last election; she won with 51 percent of the vote. During her time in the House, she served on the Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Committee, and was appointed as parliamentary minister of the committee in 2014. In her role as minister, she spoke out in opposition to the Trans-Pacific Partnership. After being re-elected in the 2014 election, Nakagawa came under controversy in March 2015, when a photograph was released where she was kissing fellow politician Hirofumi Kado; Nakagawa later apologized for the incident, and LDP President Shinzo Abe offered his continued support after the leak. She was challenged by Kaori Ishikawa, Tomohiro's wife, in the 2017 election. She lost, 54.5 to 45.5 percent, and the kiss with Kado was considered by the media to be the primary reason why she was defeated. Nakagawa narrowly regained a seat in the 2021 election. She was defeated in the 2024 election.
Masaaki Kato (加藤 正明, Kato Masaaki; born December 22, 1958) is a former Japanese football player. He played for the…Masaaki Kato (加藤 正明, Kato Masaaki; born December 22, 1958) is a former Japanese football player. He played for the Japan national team.
Atsuji Miyahara (宮原 厚次, Miyahara Atsuji; born December 20, 1958) is a Japanese wrestler and Olympic champion in…Atsuji Miyahara (宮原 厚次, Miyahara Atsuji; born December 20, 1958) is a Japanese wrestler and Olympic champion in Greco-Roman wrestling.
Takao Sakamoto (阪本 孝男, Sakamoto Takao; born 19 December 1958) is a Japanese former high jumper who competed in the 1984…Takao Sakamoto (阪本 孝男, Sakamoto Takao; born 19 December 1958) is a Japanese former high jumper who competed in the 1984 Summer Olympics. Sakamoto won the British AAA Championships title twice, at the 1979 AAA Championships and the 1982 AAA Championships.
Takeo Akiba (秋葉 剛男, Akiba Takeo, born 19 December 1958) is a Japanese diplomat who served as National Security Advisor…Takeo Akiba (秋葉 剛男, Akiba Takeo, born 19 December 1958) is a Japanese diplomat who served as National Security Advisor to the Cabinet from 2021 to 2025. He had a long career as a diplomat in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, serving as administrative vice minister from 2018 to 2021.
Tōryū Kenji (born 19 December 1958 as Kenji Tanaka) is a former sumo wrestler from Kakogawa, Hyōgo, Japan. He made his…Tōryū Kenji (born 19 December 1958 as Kenji Tanaka) is a former sumo wrestler from Kakogawa, Hyōgo, Japan. He made his professional debut in March 1974, and reached the top division in November 1979. His highest rank was sekiwake. He retired in January 1990.
Ganari Takahashi (高橋がなり, Takahashi Ganari) is a Japanese adult video director and company founder. He founded Soft On…Ganari Takahashi (高橋がなり, Takahashi Ganari) is a Japanese adult video director and company founder. He founded Soft On Demand (SOD), one of the largest adult video conglomerates in Japan.
Hiroaki Sakurai (桜井 弘明, Sakurai Hiroaki; born December 15, 1958) is a Japanese anime director and bassist who is known…Hiroaki Sakurai (桜井 弘明, Sakurai Hiroaki; born December 15, 1958) is a Japanese anime director and bassist who is known for his work with the Di Gi Charat series and UFO Baby. He has served as the director for series such as Nanaka 6/17, Cromartie High School, Les Misérables: Shōjo Cosette, GA Geijutsuka Art Design Class, Maid Sama!, Nekogami Yaoyorozu, Jewelpet Happiness, The Disastrous Life of Saiki K., and The Demon Girl Next Door. He is married to Sayuri Ōba, an anime screenwriter.
Yoshimi Ashikawa (芦川 よしみ, Ashikawa Yoshimi; born 13 December 1958, in Tokyo) is a Japanese actress and singer. She…Yoshimi Ashikawa (芦川 よしみ, Ashikawa Yoshimi; born 13 December 1958, in Tokyo) is a Japanese actress and singer. She graduated from Ono Gakuen Girls High School. Her real name is Yoshimi Kono (河野 芳美, Kōno Yoshimi). She is currently married (her husband is a doctor). She is represented with Office Mitsui.
Kanako Higuchi (樋口 可南子, Higuchi Kanako) (born December 13, 1958) is a Japanese actress. Her credits include film…Kanako Higuchi (樋口 可南子, Higuchi Kanako) (born December 13, 1958) is a Japanese actress. Her credits include film, television, and radio dramas, stage, commercials, and voice roles. Born in Kamo, Niigata, she played her first lead at age 20 in the television drama Kōrogi-bashi. Kanako's film credits include Hokusai Manga, Bedtime Eyes, Zatoichi (1989), Casshern, Memories of Tomorrow, and Ashura no Jō Blood Gets In Your Eyes. Among her television roles are Lady Yodo in the 1987 NHK Taiga drama Dokuganryū Masamune and Hanayasha in the 1991 Taiga drama Taiheiki. She has represented the cosmetics firms KOSÉ and Kao. She won the award for Best Supporting Actress at the 15th Hochi Film Awards for Rōningai. She married Shigesato Itoi in 1993 and had a dog named Bouillon.
Yoshihisa Tagami (田上喜久 Tagami Yoshihisa, usually written in hiragana たがみ よしひさ) is a Japanese manga artist. Tagami was…Yoshihisa Tagami (田上喜久 Tagami Yoshihisa, usually written in hiragana たがみ よしひさ) is a Japanese manga artist. Tagami was born on December 9, 1958, in Komoro, Nagano. He was the older brother of another manga artist, Iku Oyamada, who died in 2016. In 1978, Tagami received an Honorable Mention of the Shogakukan Manga Award in the Newcomer category for his manga Zashikiwarashi, which would become his first published manga in the January 10, 1979 issue of Shogakukan's Big Comic magazine.
Shinkun Haku (白 眞勲, Haku Shinkun; born 8 December 1958) is a Japanese politician of the Constitutional Democratic Party…Shinkun Haku (白 眞勲, Haku Shinkun; born 8 December 1958) is a Japanese politician of the Constitutional Democratic Party and a member of the House of Councillors in the Diet (national legislature).
Tomohide Utsumi (内海 知秀, Utsumi Tomohide) is a Japanese basketball coach. He coached the Japanese women's national team…Tomohide Utsumi (内海 知秀, Utsumi Tomohide) is a Japanese basketball coach. He coached the Japanese women's national team at the 2016 Summer Olympics, where the team finished eighth.
Shun'ichi Kuryu (栗生 俊一, Kuryu Shun'ichi; born 6 December 1958) is a Japanese police officer who served as Deputy Chief…Shun'ichi Kuryu (栗生 俊一, Kuryu Shun'ichi; born 6 December 1958) is a Japanese police officer who served as Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary from 2021 to 2024. He previously served as Commissioner General of the National Police Agency from 2018 to 2020.
Hideo Murai (村井 秀夫 Murai Hideo; December 5, 1958 – April 23, 1995) was a Japanese criminal and member of the Aum…Hideo Murai (村井 秀夫 Murai Hideo; December 5, 1958 – April 23, 1995) was a Japanese criminal and member of the Aum Shinrikyo cult and one of the perpetrators responsible for the Sakamoto family murder. He also helped plan the Tokyo subway sarin attack. Murai held a doctorate in astrophysics. He was reportedly the number three person in the Aum leadership, after Shoko Asahara and Kiyohide Hayakawa. He headed Aum Shinrikyo's Ministry of Science and Technology.
Shinji Harada (Harada Shinji、原田真二) is a pop music artist in Japan. He was born on December 5, 1958 in Hiroshima. After…Shinji Harada (Harada Shinji、原田真二) is a pop music artist in Japan. He was born on December 5, 1958 in Hiroshima. After three years of practicing guitar, at the age of fifteen he was ready to play guitar with the band Yamaha. Harada became a musical sensation in Japan when he released his debut single Teens' Blues on October 25, 1977 when he was 18 years old. He released two more singles, Candy in November and Shadow Boxer in December same year. All three singles ranked within the top 20 in the Oricon chart simultaneously, which had never happened before. The debut album Feel Happy was to become number one in the first week of release in Japan in 1978. A documentary film about him, Our Song, was made in 1978. Harada has been prolific, releasing more than 70 singles from 1977 to 2015. Harada as a songwriter, has written or composed for Koji Kikkawa, Junko Yagami, Anri, Hiromi Go, Akina Nakamori, and other artists. His song 'Time Travell' from the album 'Feel Happy' was covered by Spitz. Spitz's 'Time Travel' was used in the famous 2011 Japanese drama Boku to Star no 99 Nichi starring Hidetoshi Nishijima and Kim Tae Hee.
Masashi Matsuie (Japanese: 松家仁之, Hepburn: Matsuie Masashi; born 1958) is a Japanese novelist and editor. He worked for…Masashi Matsuie (Japanese: 松家仁之, Hepburn: Matsuie Masashi; born 1958) is a Japanese novelist and editor. He worked for the publishing house Shinchosha, where he helped launch the translated-fiction imprint Shincho Crest Books and served as founding editor-in-chief of the quarterly magazine Kangaeru hito. His 2012 debut novel Kazan no fumoto de won the 64th Yomiuri Prize for Literature. His 2017 novel Hikari no inu won the Kawai Hayao Story Prize and the Art Encouragement Prize of the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology.
Hinako Sugiura (杉浦日向子, Sugiura Hinako; November 30, 1958 – July 22, 2005) was a Japanese manga artist and researcher in…Hinako Sugiura (杉浦日向子, Sugiura Hinako; November 30, 1958 – July 22, 2005) was a Japanese manga artist and researcher in the lifestyles and customs of Japan's Edo period.
Tetsuya Komuro (小室 哲哉, Komuro Tetsuya; born November 27, 1958) is a Japanese musician, songwriter and record producer.…Tetsuya Komuro (小室 哲哉, Komuro Tetsuya; born November 27, 1958) is a Japanese musician, songwriter and record producer. He is recognized as the most successful producer in Japanese music history and has introduced contemporary electronic dance music to the Japanese mainstream. He was also a former owner of the disco Velfarre located in Roppongi, Tokyo. In the Oricon singles chart of April 1996, he monopolized all the top 5 positions as the songwriter and producer, a world record. In 1995, he monopolized all top 3 positions of the copyright distribution rankings for the JASRAC Award, a record in Japan's music history. At his peak as a record producer the artists he predominantly produced for came to be known as TK Family and at one time included Namie Amuro, hitomi, TRF, Tomomi Kahara and Ami Suzuki amongst others. As of 2008, records produced by him had sold more than 170 million copies, primarily in Japan. Total sales of the singles he has written exceed 42 million copies, making him the fourth best-selling lyricist in Japan.
Yūko Andō (安藤 優子, Andō Yūko; born 19 November 1958) is a Japanese television presenter and news anchor. She has headed…Yūko Andō (安藤 優子, Andō Yūko; born 19 November 1958) is a Japanese television presenter and news anchor. She has headed Fuji Television's Super News evening news programme alongside Tetsuo Suda since April 2000.
Yasuyo Hayashima (早島 康代, Hayashima Yasuyo; born November 15, 1958), known professionally as Rika Miura (三浦 リカ, Miura…Yasuyo Hayashima (早島 康代, Hayashima Yasuyo; born November 15, 1958), known professionally as Rika Miura (三浦 リカ, Miura Rika), is a Japanese actress. She played the love interest of Takuya Yamashiro / Spider-Man, Hitomi Sakuma, in Spider-Man (1978-1979), and the lead role in Battle Fever J (1979-1980), and Toki o Kakeru Shōjo (1985).
Admiral Yasuhiro Shigeoka (重岡康弘, Shigeoka Yasuhiro; born 13 November 1958) is a retired Japanese naval officer who…Admiral Yasuhiro Shigeoka (重岡康弘, Shigeoka Yasuhiro; born 13 November 1958) is a retired Japanese naval officer who served as Commander of the Self Defense Fleet of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) from 2015 to 2016. He was the 48th Commander of the Self-Defense Fleet, succeeding Eiichi Funada, and was himself succeeded in 2016 by Kazuki Yamashita.
Hiromi Iwasaki (岩崎 宏美, Iwasaki Hiromi; born November 12, 1958) is a Japanese female singer who debuted in 1975. Her…Hiromi Iwasaki (岩崎 宏美, Iwasaki Hiromi; born November 12, 1958) is a Japanese female singer who debuted in 1975. Her younger sister Yoshimi Iwasaki is also a singer. In 1981 she was awarded the Silver Prize at the Tokyo Music Festival for her song "Koimachigusa". Her representative songs are "ロマンス" — "Romance" (1975), "思秋期" — "Shishūki" (1977) and "聖母たちのララバイ" — "Madonna Tachi No Lullaby" (1982). However, her most immediately recognizable hit song, "シンデレラ・ハネムーン" — "Cinderella Honeymoon" (1978) has been such a consistent feature of monomane talent Korokke's routines, Hiromi Iwasaki has commented that when the intro played in concerts, fans would laugh, so she has ceremonially "gifted" that song to Korokke, whose performance has elongated both their careers.
Fumio Igarashi (五十嵐 文男, Igarashi Fumio; November 6, 1958) is a Japanese former figure skater. He is the 1977 and…Fumio Igarashi (五十嵐 文男, Igarashi Fumio; November 6, 1958) is a Japanese former figure skater. He is the 1977 and 1979-1981 Japanese national champion. His highest placement at the World Championships was fourth, in 1981. He placed ninth at the 1980 Winter Olympics. He was coached by Frank Carroll. After retirement from competitive skating, he was employed by Dentsu, an advertising agency. In addition, he worked as a skating consultant for NHK until 2006.
Akiko Kobayashi (小林明子, Kobayashi Akiko; born November 5, 1958), also known by her alias Holi, is a Japanese singer…Akiko Kobayashi (小林明子, Kobayashi Akiko; born November 5, 1958), also known by her alias Holi, is a Japanese singer, songwriter, composer and arranger. Kobayashi collaborated with Brian Eno and U2 on their 1995 project, the Passengers. Her smash hit debut song, "Koi ni Ochite -Fall in love-" (恋におちて -Fall in love-) from 1985s popular show "Kinyōbi no Tsumatachi e" made her famous in Japan. She was born in Tokyo and first began singing at age 15 and writing, later, songs for other artists that became big hits at home and abroad making her famous. She received a degree in philosophy from the prestigious Gakushuin University in Tokyo. Her first proper job in the music industry was as a secretary at a music publishing company, which she got through a professor from university. She debuted as a writer in 1984, writing the song "Moon Eyes" for folk duo Bread & Butter. Then, in 1985, she released her debut single "Koi ni Ochite -Fall in love-" (恋におちて -Fall in love-). The song became an instant hit, and earned Kobayashi a nomination for best newcomer at the 27th Japan Record Awards. Staff that worked on the recording began to compare Kobayashi's voice to that of Karen Carpenter, lead singer of The Carpenters, and suggested she approach Richard Carpenter. After hearing her demo tape, and enjoying the melody and vocals, Richard announced that her album "City of Angels" would be released in 1988. In 1991, Kobayashi relocated to the United Kingdom and released an album under the name "holi". Soon after, she released a cover album of The Carpenters' songs. In 2001, she married a British accountant.
Jon Kabira (ジョン・カビラ), born Jion Kabira (川平 慈温, Kabira Jion; November 1, 1958 in Naha, Okinawa, Japan), is a Japanese…Jon Kabira (ジョン・カビラ), born Jion Kabira (川平 慈温, Kabira Jion; November 1, 1958 in Naha, Okinawa, Japan), is a Japanese freelance presenter, tarento, radio personality, narrator who is affiliated with Sony Music Artists. He is very popular in Japan having participated in various TV commercials, TV shows, among other Audio-visual-related activities. Kabira is well known in the West due to his narration in the eFootball video game series. He comments alongside former ex-Japanese footballers Tsuyoshi Kitazawa and Hiroshi Nanami, in the past games he also comments alongside other ex-Japanese players like Yasutaro Matsuki, Kozo Tashima, Hiroshi Hayano and Tetsuo Nakanishi. Kabira is the son of Chosei Kabira (川平朝清), an Okinawan broadcaster who later served as a senior executive of NHK and Showa Women's University, and his wife Wandalee, a Kansas native who worked as a teacher at the American School in Japan. His younger brother Jay Kabira (川平 慈英, Kabira Jiei) is also active as a media personality.
Satoshi Hatakeyama (畠山 智之, Hatakeyama Satoshi; born October 30, 1958) is a Japanese journalist who works for NHK.…Satoshi Hatakeyama (畠山 智之, Hatakeyama Satoshi; born October 30, 1958) is a Japanese journalist who works for NHK. During his career, he was presenter of NHK News 7 and NHK News 21.
Mitsuhisa Ishikawa (石川 光久, Ishikawa Mitsuhisa; born October 30, 1958) is a Japanese anime producer and planner, as well…Mitsuhisa Ishikawa (石川 光久, Ishikawa Mitsuhisa; born October 30, 1958) is a Japanese anime producer and planner, as well as the co-founder and current chairman of the anime studio Production I.G.
Masahiko Metoki is a Japanese politician who is serving as Director General of the Universal Postal Union, an agency of…Masahiko Metoki is a Japanese politician who is serving as Director General of the Universal Postal Union, an agency of the United Nations, since January 2022.
Hiroshi Ohno (Japanese: 大野 博司 Hiroshi Ohno; born October 27, 1958) is a Japanese immunologist and microbiologist. He is…Hiroshi Ohno (Japanese: 大野 博司 Hiroshi Ohno; born October 27, 1958) is a Japanese immunologist and microbiologist. He is a Deputy Director of the RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences and the Team Leader of Laboratory for Intestinal Ecosystem. Also is a visiting professor at the Immunobiology Laboratory at Yokohama City University Graduate School of Educal Life Science; and a visiting professor at Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine. He obtained his Ph.D. from the Chiba University in 1991. In 2023 he was awarded the Medals of Honor (Japan)(with purple ribbon) for his contributions to immunology and gut microbiota research.
Yoshiie Tachibana (立花 義家, Tachibana Yoshiie; born October 27, 1958) is a Japanese former Nippon Professional Baseball…Yoshiie Tachibana (立花 義家, Tachibana Yoshiie; born October 27, 1958) is a Japanese former Nippon Professional Baseball outfielder.
Chobin Zukeran (瑞慶覧 長敏, Zukeran Chōbin; born 24 October 1958) is a Japanese former politician who was the mayor of…Chobin Zukeran (瑞慶覧 長敏, Zukeran Chōbin; born 24 October 1958) is a Japanese former politician who was the mayor of Nanjō, Okinawa, and a former member of the House of Representatives of Japan, representing Okinawa 4th district (southern Okinawa Island and the Sakishima Islands).
Hatsuhiko Tsuji (Japanese: 辻 発彦, Hepburn: Tsuji Hatsuhiko; born October 24, 1958) is a former Nippon Professional…Hatsuhiko Tsuji (Japanese: 辻 発彦, Hepburn: Tsuji Hatsuhiko; born October 24, 1958) is a former Nippon Professional Baseball player and manager. During his playing career he was well known as a skillful second baseman.
Shigeru Muroi (室井 滋, Muroi Shigeru; born October 22, 1958 in Namerikawa, Toyama Prefecture) is a Japanese actress. She…Shigeru Muroi (室井 滋, Muroi Shigeru; born October 22, 1958 in Namerikawa, Toyama Prefecture) is a Japanese actress. She won the award for Best Supporting Actress at the 19th Hochi Film Awards for Izakaya Yūrei. She is known for her role as Reiko Onda on Yappari Neko ga Suki series. she also starred in two television drama series Shinryounaikai Ryoko and Koritsuku Natsu in late 90's.
Yutaka Takagi (高木 豊, Yutaka Takagi; born October 22, 1958 in Hōfu, Yamaguchi, Japan) is a professional Japanese…Yutaka Takagi (高木 豊, Yutaka Takagi; born October 22, 1958 in Hōfu, Yamaguchi, Japan) is a professional Japanese baseball player.
Hiroyuki Nagahama (長浜 博行, Nagahama Hiroyuki; born 20 October 1958) is a Japanese politician of the Constitutional…Hiroyuki Nagahama (長浜 博行, Nagahama Hiroyuki; born 20 October 1958) is a Japanese politician of the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, who served as vice president of the House of Councillors from 2022 to 2025.
Daijiro Oishi (大石 大二郎, Ōishi Daijirō; born October 20, 1958) is a professional Japanese baseball player. He was an…Daijiro Oishi (大石 大二郎, Ōishi Daijirō; born October 20, 1958) is a professional Japanese baseball player. He was an infielder for the Kintetsu Buffaloes for 16 seasons. He served as a coach for the Buffaloes from 2003 to 2008 before managing the Orix Buffaloes in 2008, managing two seasons.
Hiromi Hara (原 博実, Hara Hiromi; born October 19, 1958) is a former Japanese football player and manager. He played for…Hiromi Hara (原 博実, Hara Hiromi; born October 19, 1958) is a former Japanese football player and manager. He played for Japan national team. He also managed Japan national team as caretaker.
Yoko Ishii (石井 葉子, Ishii Yōko; born October 18, 1958, in Chōfu, Tokyo, Japan), better known as Megumi Ishii (石井 めぐみ…Yoko Ishii (石井 葉子, Ishii Yōko; born October 18, 1958, in Chōfu, Tokyo, Japan), better known as Megumi Ishii (石井 めぐみ, Ishii Megumi) is a Japanese actress and politician who is represented by the talent agency, Wonder Production. In 2015, she was elected to the Kunitachi Municipal Assembly.
Tsukasa Kobiki (木挽 司, Kobiki Tsukasa; born 18 October 1958) is a former Japanese politician of the Liberal Democratic…Tsukasa Kobiki (木挽 司, Kobiki Tsukasa; born 18 October 1958) is a former Japanese politician of the Liberal Democratic Party, who served as a member of the House of Representatives in the Diet (national legislature). A native of Nishinomiya, Hyogo and graduate of Kansai University, he was elected to the House of Representatives for the first time in 2005 after serving in the city assembly of Itami, Hyogo.