Hideyuki Kikuchi (菊地 秀行, Kikuchi Hideyuki; born September 25, 1949) is a Japanese author known for his horror novels.…Hideyuki Kikuchi (菊地 秀行, Kikuchi Hideyuki; born September 25, 1949) is a Japanese author known for his horror novels. His most famous works include the Vampire Hunter D series, Darkside Blues and Wicked City.
Yūsaku Matsuda (松田 優作, Matsuda Yūsaku; September 21, 1949 – November 6, 1989) was a Japanese actor. In Japan, he was…Yūsaku Matsuda (松田 優作, Matsuda Yūsaku; September 21, 1949 – November 6, 1989) was a Japanese actor. In Japan, he was best known for roles in action films and a variety of television series in the 1970s as well as a switch to a wider range of roles in the 1980s. His final film appearance was as the villain Sato in Ridley Scott's Black Rain. He died in 1989 at the age of 40. He is considered one of Japan's most important film actors. Several manga, anime and video game characters are based on him, including Kenshiro in Fist of the North Star, Spike Spiegel in Cowboy Bebop, Rikiya Busujima in Zombie Revenge, Aokiji in One Piece, Wabisuke in Summer Wars, and Jubei Yagyu in Onimusha 2.
Kazutaka Watanabe (Japanese: 渡邊 一貴, Hepburn: Watanabe Kazutaka; born September 21, 1949), better known as Kazutaka…Kazutaka Watanabe (Japanese: 渡邊 一貴, Hepburn: Watanabe Kazutaka; born September 21, 1949), better known as Kazutaka Miyatake (宮武 一貴, Miyatake Kazutaka), is a Japanese visual artist and anime designer known for the mechanical design of the Macross TV series and a number of its continuations from Studio Nue, of which he is a founding member. He has also contributed to the mecha design of other series such as Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny.
Tetsuo Asano (浅野哲夫 (Asano Tetsuo), born 1949 in Kyoto Prefecture, Japan) is a Japanese computer scientist, the…Tetsuo Asano (浅野哲夫 (Asano Tetsuo), born 1949 in Kyoto Prefecture, Japan) is a Japanese computer scientist, the president of the Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology. His main research interest is in computational geometry.
Yutaka Higuchi (樋口 豊, Higuchi Yutaka; born September 20, 1949 in Tokyo, Japan) is a Japanese figure skater who is now a…Yutaka Higuchi (樋口 豊, Higuchi Yutaka; born September 20, 1949 in Tokyo, Japan) is a Japanese figure skater who is now a coach and figure skating commentator. He is a three-time Japanese national champion. He placed 25th in the 1968 Winter Olympic Games, and 16th in the 1972 Winter Olympic Games.
Sayoko Yamaguchi (Japanese: 山口小夜子, September 19, 1949 – August 14, 2007) was a Japanese model and actress. She was…Sayoko Yamaguchi (Japanese: 山口小夜子, September 19, 1949 – August 14, 2007) was a Japanese model and actress. She was known for her black hair, distinctive makeup, white skin, red lip makeup and for her clothes inspired by Japanese culture.
Yukari Ichijo (一条ゆかり, Ichijō Yukari; born 19 September 1949 in Okayama Prefecture, Japan) is a Japanese shōjo and josei…Yukari Ichijo (一条ゆかり, Ichijō Yukari; born 19 September 1949 in Okayama Prefecture, Japan) is a Japanese shōjo and josei manga artist. She made her debut as a professional manga artist in 1968 with Yuki no Serenade. In 1986 she received the Kodansha Manga Award for shōjo for Yūkan Club, and in 2007, she received an Excellence Prize in manga at the Japan Media Arts Festival for Pride. Several of her series have been dramatized, including Yūkan Club as an anime OVA and Designer and Tadashii Ren'ai no Susume as high-rated live-action television dramas. A live-action film based on her work Pride was released in 2009. Yoshimi Uchida worked for her as an assistant in the 1970s.
Makiko Fujino (藤野 真紀子, Fujino Makiko; born 15 September 1949) is a Japanese politician of the Liberal Democratic Party…Makiko Fujino (藤野 真紀子, Fujino Makiko; born 15 September 1949) is a Japanese politician of the Liberal Democratic Party, a member of the House of Representatives in the Diet (national legislature), representing the 4th District of Aichi Prefecture. A native of Tokyo and graduate of the University of the Sacred Heart, she was elected to the House of Representatives for the first time in 2005. Her husband is Kimitaka Fujino, a member of the House of Councilors in the Diet.
Eikichi Yazawa (矢沢 永吉, Yazawa Eikichi; born September 14, 1949) is a Japanese singer and songwriter. He is the father…Eikichi Yazawa (矢沢 永吉, Yazawa Eikichi; born September 14, 1949) is a Japanese singer and songwriter. He is the father of singer-songwriter Yoko Yazawa. He has been nicknamed as "Ei-chan" (永ちゃん), "Boss" and "The King of Rock".
Sakie Tachibana Fukushima (Japanese: 橘・フクシマ・咲江) is a Japanese business executive who is currently the president and CEO…Sakie Tachibana Fukushima (Japanese: 橘・フクシマ・咲江) is a Japanese business executive who is currently the president and CEO of G&S Global Advisors Inc and has served on the board of numerous major Japanese companies. She has also authored a number of books on human resources and business.
Koichiro Hirayama (平山 紘一郎, Hirayama Kōichirō; born 9 September 1946) is a Japanese former wrestler who competed in the…Koichiro Hirayama (平山 紘一郎, Hirayama Kōichirō; born 9 September 1946) is a Japanese former wrestler who competed in the 1972 Summer Olympics and in the 1976 Summer Olympics.
Mitiko Miura-Mattausch (Japanese: 三浦 道子, born 1949) is a Japanese electronics engineer specializing in the design…Mitiko Miura-Mattausch (Japanese: 三浦 道子, born 1949) is a Japanese electronics engineer specializing in the design, modeling, and simulation of electronic components based on semiconductors, including MOSFETs and new models for transistors in LDMOS. She is a professor at Hiroshima University.
Fumihiko Sueki (末木 文美士, Sueki Fumihiko; 1949– ) is a Japanese academic and historian, and one of Japan's leading…Fumihiko Sueki (末木 文美士, Sueki Fumihiko; 1949– ) is a Japanese academic and historian, and one of Japan's leading scholars of Japanese Buddhism. He is a professor at the International Research Center for Japanese Studies (国際日本文化研究センター, Nichibunken) in Kyoto. A member of the advisory board of Nanzan Institute for Religion and Culture's Japanese Journal of Religious Studies, he is also a contributor to the journal itself.
Kiyokazu Washida (鷲田 清一, Washida Kiyokazu) is a Japanese philosopher, specializing in clinical philosophy and ethics.…Kiyokazu Washida (鷲田 清一, Washida Kiyokazu) is a Japanese philosopher, specializing in clinical philosophy and ethics. He was born in Kyoto, Japan, and is currently a professor at Otani University. He was the 16th president of Osaka University and served on the screening committee of the Jirō Osaragi Prize, and the Suntory Prize for Social Sciences and Humanities.
Hideto Horiike (堀池 秀人; 1949 in Nagasaki, Nagasaki – June 2015) was a Japanese architect. He has a Ph.D. from the…Hideto Horiike (堀池 秀人; 1949 in Nagasaki, Nagasaki – June 2015) was a Japanese architect. He has a Ph.D. from the University of Tokyo. In 1996, he married the announcer Mikiko Minami, and the couple had a child in the following year.
Sonoe Yonezawa (born 29 August 1949) is a Japanese former professional tennis player. Born in Hiroshima, Yonezawa was…Sonoe Yonezawa (born 29 August 1949) is a Japanese former professional tennis player. Born in Hiroshima, Yonezawa was active on tour during the 1970s and 1980s. Yonezawa, a medalist at the 1978 Asian Games, was the 1978 All Japan singles champion and won the national title twice in doubles. She played Federation Cup tennis in 1979 and helped Japan win their World Group 1st round tie over Norway, but lost in three sets to Betty Stöve when they were eliminated in the next round by the Netherlands. In her only grand slam main draw, Yonezawa fell to Peanut Harper in the second round of the 1978 US Open.
Akira Amari (甘利 明, Amari Akira; born 27 August 1949) is a Japanese politician of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and…Akira Amari (甘利 明, Amari Akira; born 27 August 1949) is a Japanese politician of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and a former member of the lower house.
Tetsuji Hayashi (林 哲司, Hayashi Tetsuji; born August 20, 1949) is a Japanese composer, singer-songwriter, and arranger…Tetsuji Hayashi (林 哲司, Hayashi Tetsuji; born August 20, 1949) is a Japanese composer, singer-songwriter, and arranger known for his influential contributions to the development of J-pop and city pop during the 1980s. He was exposed to Western pop music from an early age, sparking his passion for music. He honed his skills as a composer and arranger, and in 1978, he composed Mariya Takeuchi's debut album, Beginning, followed by her hit single "September" in 1979 and "Mayonaka no Door" for Miki Matsubara that same year. His collaborations extended to other prominent artists such as S. Kiyotaka & Omega Tribe, Masaki Ueda and Junichi Inagaki. Despite initially planning retirement in 2008, Hayashi returned to the spotlight due to fan support at a commemorative concert. Since then, he has continued to compose and produce music. His legacy was celebrated with the release of the compilation album 50th Anniversary Special A Tribute of Hayashi Tetsuji: Saudade in 2023, accompanied by a concert showcasing his impact.
Mitsunori Fujiguchi (藤口 光紀, Fujiguchi Mitsunori; born August 17, 1949) is a former Japanese football player. He played…Mitsunori Fujiguchi (藤口 光紀, Fujiguchi Mitsunori; born August 17, 1949) is a former Japanese football player. He played for Japan national team.
Kazuyuki Yukawa (Japanese: 湯川一行 Yukawa Kazuyuki; 15 August 1949 – 4 April 2025) was a Japanese politician. A member of…Kazuyuki Yukawa (Japanese: 湯川一行 Yukawa Kazuyuki; 15 August 1949 – 4 April 2025) was a Japanese politician. A member of the Liberal Democratic Party, he served in the House of Representatives from 2012 to 2014. Yukawa died of aspiration pneumonia in Izumi, on 4 April 2025, at the age of 75.
Yoshimitsu Aragaki (新垣 吉光, Aragaki Yoshimitsu; born 14 August 1950 – 15 March 2002) was a Japanese boxer. He competed…Yoshimitsu Aragaki (新垣 吉光, Aragaki Yoshimitsu; born 14 August 1950 – 15 March 2002) was a Japanese boxer. He competed in the men's light flyweight event at the 1972 Summer Olympics.
Kyoji Shinohara (篠原 恭二, Shinohara Kyōji; born 12 August 1949) is a Japanese boxer. He competed in the men's light…Kyoji Shinohara (篠原 恭二, Shinohara Kyōji; born 12 August 1949) is a Japanese boxer. He competed in the men's light welterweight event at the 1972 Summer Olympics.
Susumu Hosoi (細井 行, Hosoi Susumu; born 9 August 1949 in Tokyo) is a Japanese businessman. He has been president and…Susumu Hosoi (細井 行, Hosoi Susumu; born 9 August 1949 in Tokyo) is a Japanese businessman. He has been president and representative director of the Japanese Commercial vehicles chain Isuzu since 2007. Hosoi was elected president and representative director of Isuzu, replacing Yoshinori Ida.
Shūji Abe (阿部 秀司, Abe Shūji; August 7, 1949 – December 11, 2023) was a Japanese film producer. The founder of Robot…Shūji Abe (阿部 秀司, Abe Shūji; August 7, 1949 – December 11, 2023) was a Japanese film producer. The founder of Robot Communications, he was responsible for the production of many of Japan's most successful and acclaimed movies from the 21st century, including Bayside Shakedown 2 (2003), Stand by Me Doraemon (2014), and Godzilla Minus One (2023).
Kayoko Fukuoka (福岡 加余子, Fukuoka Kayoko; born 1 August 1949) is a Japanese former professional tennis player. Fukuoka, a…Kayoko Fukuoka (福岡 加余子, Fukuoka Kayoko; born 1 August 1949) is a Japanese former professional tennis player. Fukuoka, a two-time French Open quarter-finalist in doubles, featured in 16 Federation Cup ties for Japan as a doubles specialist and won a total of 12 matches. At the 1974 Asian Games in Tehran, Fukuoka partnered with Toshiko Sade to win the women's doubles event. She was also a silver medalist at the 1973 University Games.
Hiroshi Katsuno (勝野 洋, Katsuno Hiroshi; born July 27, 1949 in Kumamoto) is a Japanese actor. He graduated from Aoyama…Hiroshi Katsuno (勝野 洋, Katsuno Hiroshi; born July 27, 1949 in Kumamoto) is a Japanese actor. He graduated from Aoyama Gakuin University. Katsuno's debut was as a detective Texas in the television series Taiyō ni Hoero! in 1974 and he won great popularity through the role. The episode his character Texas was killed recorded 42.5% audience rating, it was highest audience rating in Taiyō ni Hoero!.
Sanae Tsuchida (土田 早苗, Tsuchida Sanae) is a Japanese actress. She was born on July 26, 1949, in Toyonaka, Osaka. In…Sanae Tsuchida (土田 早苗, Tsuchida Sanae) is a Japanese actress. She was born on July 26, 1949, in Toyonaka, Osaka. In film, Tsuchida had a role in Kore ga Seishun Da! (1966). In another modern role (1976), she appeared in the Norifumi Suzuki film Torakku Yarō: Hōkyō Ichiban Hoshi. The year 1979 saw her in a film based on the television series she had been in: Onmitsu dōshin Ōedo sōsamō. Tsuchida has appeared in major roles in many prime-time television series. She starred as Kagari, playing opposite Asahi Kurizuka in the 42-episode 1967–68 black-and-white jidaigeki series Kaze on the Tokyo Broadcasting System network. She had a leading role as Inazuma Oryū in Ōedo Sōsamō. From 1970 to 1975, she appeared as Chiharu in Ōoka Echizen, and from 1970 to 1973 as Oyumi in Zenigata Heiji, with kabuki actor Hashizō Ōkawa as the title character. Leaving the Edo period, she played Itoko in the daytime drama series Akantare (1976–77). Tsuchida starred as well as Hu San-Niang in the 1973 series, The Water Margin. In addition to series, she has also been cast in numerous guest-star roles, among them Abarenbō Shōgun. Tsuchida has also appeared on stage, in variety and quiz shows, and in commercials.
Shigekazu Nagata (長田 重一, Nagata Shigekazu; born 1949) is a Japanese biochemist, best known for research on apoptosis…Shigekazu Nagata (長田 重一, Nagata Shigekazu; born 1949) is a Japanese biochemist, best known for research on apoptosis, the process of programmed cell death occurring in multi-cellular organisms.
Kiyohide Hayakawa (早川 紀代秀, Hayakawa Kiyohide; July 14, 1949 – July 6, 2018) was a Japanese criminal, member and deputy…Kiyohide Hayakawa (早川 紀代秀, Hayakawa Kiyohide; July 14, 1949 – July 6, 2018) was a Japanese criminal, member and deputy leader of the doomsday-cult group Aum Shinrikyo. Hayakawa was born in Hyōgo Prefecture in 1949. After Aum Shinrikyo adopted a "ministry system", he was the Minister of Construction. Hayakawa was the person behind the organization's uranium mining at Banjawarn in Australia. Convicted for his participation in the Sakamoto family murder and several other crimes, Hayakawa was executed on July 6, 2018, at Fukuoka Detention House.
Toyokazu Nomura (野村 豊和, Nomura Toyokazu; born 14 July 1949) is a retired judoka who competed in the half-middleweight…Toyokazu Nomura (野村 豊和, Nomura Toyokazu; born 14 July 1949) is a retired judoka who competed in the half-middleweight (–70 kg) division.
Izumi Suzuki (鈴木いづみ, Suzuki Izumi; July 10, 1949 – February 17, 1986) was a Japanese writer and actress, known for her…Izumi Suzuki (鈴木いづみ, Suzuki Izumi; July 10, 1949 – February 17, 1986) was a Japanese writer and actress, known for her science fiction stories and essays on Japanese pop culture. Married to avant-garde saxophonist Kaoru Abe from 1973 to 1977, she is also known for her association with photographer Nobuyoshi Araki.
Takashi Yamamoto (山本 孝史, Yamamoto Takashi; 7 July 1949 – 22 December 2007) was a Japanese politician of the Democratic…Takashi Yamamoto (山本 孝史, Yamamoto Takashi; 7 July 1949 – 22 December 2007) was a Japanese politician of the Democratic Party of Japan, a member of the House of Councillors in the Diet (national legislature).
Yoshiko Noguchi (Japanese: 野口 芳子, born (1949-07-07)7 July 1949) is one of the leading researchers on Grimm's Fairy…Yoshiko Noguchi (Japanese: 野口 芳子, born (1949-07-07)7 July 1949) is one of the leading researchers on Grimm's Fairy tales in Japan. She is a professor of German, comparative literature, cultural studies, children's literature, folklore, and gender studies. She is a professor emeritus at Mukogawa Women's University and a professor at division of children's literature, graduate school of Letters, Baika Women's University. She was born in Osaka and her maiden name is Hiiragi (Japanese: 柊木). She is different from other researchers in that she discusses how Grimm's fairy tales are accepted in Japan and the UK from an interdisciplinary perspective. She has recently unraveled a long-standing mystery in the history of German-Japanese cultural exchange. She successfully identified three Japanese that visited Jacob Grimm in Berlin in 1862.
Tetsuo Takashima (高嶋 哲夫 Takashima Tetsuo, born July 7, 1949) is a contemporary Japanese author active in a number of…Tetsuo Takashima (高嶋 哲夫 Takashima Tetsuo, born July 7, 1949) is a contemporary Japanese author active in a number of genres that include science fiction, mystery fiction, historical fiction, social commentary, and juvenile fiction.
Daijiro Morohoshi (諸星 大二郎, Morohoshi Daijirō; born July 6, 1949, in Karuizawa, Nagano Prefecture, Japan) is a Japanese…Daijiro Morohoshi (諸星 大二郎, Morohoshi Daijirō; born July 6, 1949, in Karuizawa, Nagano Prefecture, Japan) is a Japanese manga artist. He is well known for science fiction comics, allegorical comics and horror/mystery comics based on pseudohistory and folklore. The indirect influence by Cthulhu Mythos also appears here and there in his works.
Yōichi Sai (崔 洋一, Sai Yōichi; 6 July 1949 – 27 November 2022) was a Korean film director who worked in Japan. He was…Yōichi Sai (崔 洋一, Sai Yōichi; 6 July 1949 – 27 November 2022) was a Korean film director who worked in Japan. He was the president of the Directors Guild of Japan.
Masato Harada (原田 眞人, Harada Masato; July 3, 1949 – December 8, 2025) was a Japanese film director, screenwriter…Masato Harada (原田 眞人, Harada Masato; July 3, 1949 – December 8, 2025) was a Japanese film director, screenwriter, critic and occasional actor. He was nominated five times for the Japan Academy Film Prize for Best Director, among other accolades.
Yoshihide Fukao (深尾 吉英, Fukao Yoshihide; born July 1, 1949) is a Japanese former volleyball player who competed in the…Yoshihide Fukao (深尾 吉英, Fukao Yoshihide; born July 1, 1949) is a Japanese former volleyball player who competed in the 1972 Summer Olympics and in the 1976 Summer Olympics. He was born in Hikone. In 1972, he was part of the Japanese team which won the gold medal in the Olympic tournament. He played all seven matches. Four years later, in 1976, he finished fourth with the Japanese team in the Olympic tournament. He played all five matches.
Kiyoshi Nagai (June 25, 1949 – September 27, 2019) was a Japanese structural biologist at the MRC Laboratory of…Kiyoshi Nagai (June 25, 1949 – September 27, 2019) was a Japanese structural biologist at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology Cambridge, UK. He was known for his work on the mechanism of RNA splicing and structures of the spliceosome.
Taeko Hattori (服部 妙子, Hattori Taeko; born June 23, 1949) is a Japanese stage, film, and television actress. She is from…Taeko Hattori (服部 妙子, Hattori Taeko; born June 23, 1949) is a Japanese stage, film, and television actress. She is from Nagoya, and graduated from high school there. She then joined the Dreamy 7 agency, and then M.M.P, to which she belongs. Her film appearances include Sotsugyō ryokō (1970), Submersion of Japan (1973), Cape Erimo and Zesshō (1975), Ganpeki no Haha (1976), Ōjō Anraku-koku (1978), Tokugawa no Jotei: Ōoku (1988), Baburu to neta onna-tachi (1998), Quartet and Sennen no koi - Hikaru Genji monogatari (2001), Aruku Chikara (2004), and Koharu Komachi (2005). On television, Taeko is a frequent guest star in jidaigeki roles, including Zenigata Heiji, Gokenin Zankurō, Kakushi Metsuki Sanjō and the Hissatsu series. She often appeared on Abarenbō Shōgun (for example, Series 2 #13; 3 #12, 128). In contemporary roles, her appearances include Niji-iro Teikibin on the NHK Educational network (on which she was a semi-regular), Ten made Todoke (as a regular), and Hagure Keiji Junjōha. Taeko has also made commercials. Among her clients are American Home Assurance Company and Kao.
Midori Ishii (石井 みどり, Ishii Midori; born June 23, 1949) is a Japanese politician of the Liberal Democratic Party, a…Midori Ishii (石井 みどり, Ishii Midori; born June 23, 1949) is a Japanese politician of the Liberal Democratic Party, a member of the House of Councillors in the Diet (national legislature). A graduate of Tsurumi University, she was elected for the first time in 2007.
Takashi Suzuki (鈴木隆史, Suzuki Takashi; born Tuesday, June 21st, 1949) is a Japanese public official. Suzuki graduated…Takashi Suzuki (鈴木隆史, Suzuki Takashi; born Tuesday, June 21st, 1949) is a Japanese public official. Suzuki graduated from Kyoto University and joined the Ministry of International Trade and Industry in 1973. He was appointed General Manager of the Washington office of Japan National Oil Corporation in May 1988, Deputy Director-General of the Agency for Natural Resources and Energy in July 2001, and Director of the Economic and Industrial Policy Bureau in July 2006. He was also Commissioner of the Japan Patent Office from July 2008, but has since stepped down.
Arase Nagahide (荒勢 永英; 20 June 1949 – 11 August 2008), real name Arase Hideo (荒瀬 英生) was a sumo wrestler from Ino…Arase Nagahide (荒勢 永英; 20 June 1949 – 11 August 2008), real name Arase Hideo (荒瀬 英生) was a sumo wrestler from Ino, Agawa District, Kōchi Prefecture, Japan. His highest rank was sekiwake. After his retirement in 1981 he became a television personality and ran unsuccessfully for political office.
Hiromi Yoshida (吉田 博美, Yoshida Hiromi; 17 June 1949 – 26 October 2019) was a Japanese politician of the Liberal…Hiromi Yoshida (吉田 博美, Yoshida Hiromi; 17 June 1949 – 26 October 2019) was a Japanese politician of the Liberal Democratic Party, a member of the House of Councillors in the Diet (national legislature). A graduate of Waseda University, he was elected to the House of Councillors for the first time in 2001 after serving in the assembly of Nagano Prefecture for five terms since 1983.
