Naoko Fujioka (藤岡奈穂子, Fujioka Naoko; born 18 August 1975) is a Japanese former professional boxer. She is Japan's first…Naoko Fujioka (藤岡奈穂子, Fujioka Naoko; born 18 August 1975) is a Japanese former professional boxer. She is Japan's first ever five-division world champion, having held the WBA female flyweight title between 2017 and 2022. She also previously held the WBC female minimumweight; WBO female junior-flyweight; WBA female super-flyweight; and WBO female bantamweight titles between 2012 and 2017. Fujioka is a member of the International Women's Boxing Hall of Fame.
Nobuhiro Ishida (石田 順裕, Ishida Nobuhiro; born August 18, 1975) is a Japanese former professional boxer. He is a former…Nobuhiro Ishida (石田 順裕, Ishida Nobuhiro; born August 18, 1975) is a Japanese former professional boxer. He is a former WBA interim super welterweight champion who is best known for knocking out James Kirkland in a middleweight bout at the MGM Grand Las Vegas in April 2011. Ishida has so far been promoted by Canelo Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions among others and has been co-trained by Rudy Hernández and Daisuke Okabe, while residing back and forth between Los Angeles, California, United States and Osaka, Japan.
Takahito Suzuki (鈴木 貴人), born August 17, 1975, is a Japanese retired professional ice hockey Right winger. He also…Takahito Suzuki (鈴木 貴人), born August 17, 1975, is a Japanese retired professional ice hockey Right winger. He also served as the head coach of the Japanese national team. Suzuki is noted for being the first Japanese ice hockey player to play for a professional team in the United States. A fan favorite, the Charlotte Checkers placed billboards around the city promoting Suzuki.
Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi (川口 能活, Kawaguchi Yoshikatsu; born 15 August 1975), also known as Yoshi Kawaguchi, is a Japanese…Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi (川口 能活, Kawaguchi Yoshikatsu; born 15 August 1975), also known as Yoshi Kawaguchi, is a Japanese former footballer who played as a goalkeeper. Kawaguchi spent most of his professional career in the Japanese J1 League, with brief spells in Europe as a reserve goalkeeper. He has earned 116 international caps for Japan, making him one of the ten most capped players in the history of the team. He additionally served as captain from 2006 to 2008. He was part of the Japanese squads at the 1998, 2002, 2006 and 2010 editions of the FIFA World Cups, the 2004 and 2007 editions of the AFC Asian Cups, as well as the 1999 Copa América.
Mayu Sakamoto (Japanese: 阪本 真由, Hepburn: Sakamoto Mayu; born 12 August 1975), known professionally as Tomu Ranju (蘭寿…Mayu Sakamoto (Japanese: 阪本 真由, Hepburn: Sakamoto Mayu; born 12 August 1975), known professionally as Tomu Ranju (蘭寿 とむ, Ranju Tomu) is a Japanese singer, TV and musical actress most widely recognized as Takarazuka Revue Flower Troupe's otokoyaku (男役 Takarazuka actresses who play male roles) top star from 2011 to 2014. Ranju is considered one of the triple threat actresses the revue has had in recent years and was selected to record songs for many of Takazuka albums, both while she was with the revue and after she left. After her "graduation" (Takarazuka actresses may not rejoin the revue after they leave), Ranju began to actively pursue a career on stage, focusing mainly on musicals. She could also be seen on television, playing supporting roles and as TV show hosts. In 2016, Ranju got married and became inactive ever since.
Yasuko Hashimoto (橋本 康子, Hashimoto Yasuko; born August 12, 1975) is a Japanese long-distance runner, whose main event…Yasuko Hashimoto (橋本 康子, Hashimoto Yasuko; born August 12, 1975) is a Japanese long-distance runner, whose main event is the marathon. She won the 2007 edition of the Nagoya Marathon, clocking 2:28:49. Her personal best (2:25:21) was set in 2005. Other wins in her career include the Berlin Marathon in 2003 and consecutive wins at the Kagawa Marugame Half Marathon in 2003 and 2004. She was born in Motomiya. She represented her country in the marathon at the 2007 World Championships in Athletics.
Suzu Chiba (千葉 すず, born August 11, 1975, in Yokohama, Kanagawa) is a former freestyle swimmer from Japan. She competed…Suzu Chiba (千葉 すず, born August 11, 1975, in Yokohama, Kanagawa) is a former freestyle swimmer from Japan. She competed for her native country in two consequentive Summer Olympics, starting in 1992. She won the bronze medal in the 400 m Freestyle at the 1991 World Aquatics Championships in Perth, Western Australia. She married swimmer Takashi Yamamoto in 2002. They have four children together.
Tomohiro Nagai (永井 智浩, Nagai Tomohiro; born August 11, 1975) is a Japanese former professional baseball pitcher, and…Tomohiro Nagai (永井 智浩, Nagai Tomohiro; born August 11, 1975) is a Japanese former professional baseball pitcher, and current Executive officer (General Manager of Organization and Training division) and General Manager of Scouting department for the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). He previously played for the Fukuoka Daiei Hawks. His nephew is Ryuta Heinai, who currently plays for the Yomiuri Giants.
Masatoshi Akimoto (秋本 真利, Akimoto Masatoshi; born 10 August 1975) is an independent politician who served in the House…Masatoshi Akimoto (秋本 真利, Akimoto Masatoshi; born 10 August 1975) is an independent politician who served in the House of Representatives of Japan.
Fumie Kurotori (黒鳥 文絵, Kurotori Fumie) (born August 6, 1975 in Funabashi, Chiba) is a retired female medley swimmer…Fumie Kurotori (黒鳥 文絵, Kurotori Fumie) (born August 6, 1975 in Funabashi, Chiba) is a retired female medley swimmer from Japan, who represented her native country at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia. She is best known for winning two gold medals at the 1995 Summer Universiade in Fukuoka.
Masayuki Miyazawa (宮澤正之, Miyazawa Masayuki; born August 6, 1975), known professionally as Sakana-kun (さかなクン), is a…Masayuki Miyazawa (宮澤正之, Miyazawa Masayuki; born August 6, 1975), known professionally as Sakana-kun (さかなクン), is a Japanese illustrator, ichthyologist and television personality. Largely self-taught, he is based in Chiba Prefecture. His trademark is wearing a boxfish cap and a jacket adorned with fish. In 2011, he was a visiting associate professor at Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology and was working with the Japanese government to promote fish consumption, trying to boost the sagging fisheries industry. Sakana-kun testified at the Research Committee on International Economy and Foreign Affairs during a February 12, 2020 House of Councillors committee session, discussing the changing fish habitat due to environmental problems, at the session dedicated to marine resource management and protection. As headgear is not normally allowed in the upper house, Sakana-kun was given special permission to wear his trademark boxfish cap during the testimony. In 2022, Shuichi Okita’s film “The Fish Tale” was released, based on Sakana-kun's autobiography. The film has been described as “a heartwarming story about a lovable outsider”, reflecting Sakana-kun's non-mainstream life. He is the son of Goro Miyazawa, a 9-dan professional Go player.
Tomoaki Hamatsu (浜津 智明, Hamatsu Tomoaki; born 3 August 1975), better known as Nasubi (なすび, "Eggplant"), is a Japanese…Tomoaki Hamatsu (浜津 智明, Hamatsu Tomoaki; born 3 August 1975), better known as Nasubi (なすび, "Eggplant"), is a Japanese comedian and media personality. Hamatsu is best known for appearing on the controversial reality television show Susunu! Denpa Shōnen.
Hideaki Ito (伊藤 英明 (Itō Hideaki), born August 3, 1975) is a Japanese actor known for his leading roles in both…Hideaki Ito (伊藤 英明 (Itō Hideaki), born August 3, 1975) is a Japanese actor known for his leading roles in both television dramas and films. He gained widespread recognition through the Umizaru film series which became a major commercial success. Following this, he expanded his range with more diverse roles, including performances in Takashi Miike’s Sukiyaki Western Django, Lesson of the Evil, and the 2025 Netflix original series Last Samurai Standing, where he played crazed former samurai Bukotsu Kanjiya.
Junko Torikai (鳥飼 淳子, Torikai Junko) (born 3 August 1975) is a Japanese former swimmer who competed in the 1992 Summer…Junko Torikai (鳥飼 淳子, Torikai Junko) (born 3 August 1975) is a Japanese former swimmer who competed in the 1992 Summer Olympics.
Satoshi Fujimoto (born 2 August 1975) is a Japanese Paralympic judoka who competes in international level events. He is…Satoshi Fujimoto (born 2 August 1975) is a Japanese Paralympic judoka who competes in international level events. He is regarded as one of the most successful Paralympic judoka. Fujimoto is visually impaired in his left eye due to an accident aged five years old.
Miki Itakura (Japanese: 板倉 美紀; born August 1, 1975, in Ishikawa, Japan) is a retired Japanese female race walker. She…Miki Itakura (Japanese: 板倉 美紀; born August 1, 1975, in Ishikawa, Japan) is a retired Japanese female race walker. She competed for Japan at the 1992 Summer Olympics.
Yuko Kawakami (川上 優子, Kawakami Yūko; born 1 August 1975 in Kumamoto) is a retired Japanese long-distance runner. She…Yuko Kawakami (川上 優子, Kawakami Yūko; born 1 August 1975 in Kumamoto) is a retired Japanese long-distance runner. She finished fifteenth in 5000 metres at the 1997 World Championships. In 10,000 metres she finished seventh at the 1996 Summer Olympics, won the bronze medal at the East Asian Games and the gold medal at the 1998 Asian Games, finished twelfth at the 1999 World Championships and tenth at the 2000 Summer Olympics. She also finished 36th at the 1995 World Cross Country Championships, and fourth with the Japanese team.
Satoshi Watanabe (渡辺 聡, Watanabe Satoshi; born August 1, 1975) is a Japanese beach volleyball player who won a gold…Satoshi Watanabe (渡辺 聡, Watanabe Satoshi; born August 1, 1975) is a Japanese beach volleyball player who won a gold medal at the 2002 Asian Games.
Toshie Tsukui (born 30 July 1975) is a Japanese former field hockey player who competed in the 2008 Summer Olympics.…Toshie Tsukui (born 30 July 1975) is a Japanese former field hockey player who competed in the 2008 Summer Olympics. She was part of the Japanese team that won the 2007 Asia Cup.
Yoshihiro Akiyama (Japanese: 秋山 成勲; born July 29, 1975), also known as Choo Sung-hoon (Korean: 추성훈) and by his nickname…Yoshihiro Akiyama (Japanese: 秋山 成勲; born July 29, 1975), also known as Choo Sung-hoon (Korean: 추성훈) and by his nickname Sexyama, is a Japanese mixed martial artist and judoka who won the gold medal at the 2001 Asian Championships for South Korea and for Japan at the 2002 Asian Games. He is the former K-1 HERO's Light Heavyweight Grand Prix Tournament Champion.
Takanori Hatakeyama (畑山隆則, Hatakeyama Takanori; born July 28, 1975) is a Japanese former professional boxer who…Takanori Hatakeyama (畑山隆則, Hatakeyama Takanori; born July 28, 1975) is a Japanese former professional boxer who competed from 1993 to 2001. He is a world champion in two weight classes, having held the World Boxing Association (WBA) super-featherweight title from 1998 to 1999 and the WBA lightweight title from 2000 and 2001.
Yuri Komuro (Japanese: 小室友里, Hepburn: Komuro Yuri) (born July 28, 1976 in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan) is a Japanese…Yuri Komuro (Japanese: 小室友里, Hepburn: Komuro Yuri) (born July 28, 1976 in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan) is a Japanese actress, author and former AV idol. She was one of the top actresses in the AV field during the late 1990s and in her dominant period from 1996 to 1999 was called "The AV Queen".
Yoshikazu Kura (倉 義和, Kura Yoshikazu; born July 27, 1975 in Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan) is a professional Japanese baseball…Yoshikazu Kura (倉 義和, Kura Yoshikazu; born July 27, 1975 in Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan) is a professional Japanese baseball player. He plays catcher for the Hiroshima Toyo Carp.
Satoru Terao (寺尾 悟, Terao Satoru; born 25 July 1975) is a Japanese short track speed skater. He competed at the 1994…Satoru Terao (寺尾 悟, Terao Satoru; born 25 July 1975) is a Japanese short track speed skater. He competed at the 1994, 1998, 2002 and the 2010 Winter Olympics.
Yusuke Fujimoto (Japanese: 藤本祐介 [ɸɯʑiꜜmoto juꜜːsɯ̥ke]; born July 22, 1975) is a Japanese former heavyweight kickboxer…Yusuke Fujimoto (Japanese: 藤本祐介 [ɸɯʑiꜜmoto juꜜːsɯ̥ke]; born July 22, 1975) is a Japanese former heavyweight kickboxer who competed in K-1 and was the K-1 World GP 2007 in Hong Kong tournament champion. He is nicknamed "Bun Bun Maru" because of his tendency to throw big, swinging punches, and is distinguishable by his bald head and lack of eyebrows. He holds notable victories over Musashi, Dewey Cooper, and Francois Botha.
Yuki Kondo (近藤 有己, Kondō Yūki; [kondoː jɯːki]; born July 17, 1975) is a Japanese mixed martial artist currently…Yuki Kondo (近藤 有己, Kondō Yūki; [kondoː jɯːki]; born July 17, 1975) is a Japanese mixed martial artist currently competing in the Welterweight division. He has 112 professional fights, making him one of the mixed martial artists with the most bouts on record. He has also competed for the UFC, PRIDE, Sengoku, Palace Fighting Championships, BodogFIGHT, and DEEP. He has competed overseas only four times, and holds a record of 2–2. He is the former Pancrase Light Heavyweight Champion as well as the former Pancrase Middleweight Champion and Pancrase Openweight Champion.
Isoko Mochizuki (Japanese: 望月 衣塑子, Mochizuki Isoko; born 1975) is a Japanese newspaper journalist for Chunichi Shimbun…Isoko Mochizuki (Japanese: 望月 衣塑子, Mochizuki Isoko; born 1975) is a Japanese newspaper journalist for Chunichi Shimbun (Tokyo Shimbun), based in Nagoya. Mochizuki is the inspiration for the film The Journalist (Japanese: Shimbun Kisha; 2019), directed by Michihito Fujii and loosely based on a book of the same name by Mochizuki. She stars in the documentary film Documentary of the Journalist (2019) by Tatsuya Mori. Justin McCurry wrote in The Guardian that "Mochizuki specialises in a brand of robust questioning that many regard as the stock in trade of political reporters in Britain. In Japan, though, she is a rarity in a media landscape where avoiding confrontation is often accepted as the price for continued access to important government sources." In March 2019, about 600 people rallied in support of her at a protest in front of the prime minister's office. In 2018, she co-wrote a book with former The New York Times correspondent Martin Fackler about access journalism and media independence in Japan's major newspapers.
Hidetsugu Shibata (柴田 英嗣, Shibata Hidetsugu; born 15 July 1975) is a Japanese comedian. Shibata was born in Shimizu-ku…Hidetsugu Shibata (柴田 英嗣, Shibata Hidetsugu; born 15 July 1975) is a Japanese comedian. Shibata was born in Shimizu-ku, Shizuoka, Shizuoka Prefecture. He is a third grader at School JCA, a talent training school for Jinrikisha.
Hiroshi Tsukamoto (塚本 洋, Tsukamoto Hiroshi; born July 15, 1975 in Saitama, Japan) is a Japanese conditioning coach for…Hiroshi Tsukamoto (塚本 洋, Tsukamoto Hiroshi; born July 15, 1975 in Saitama, Japan) is a Japanese conditioning coach for the Chunichi Dragons in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball.
Thanomsak Toba (タノムサク鳥羽, Tanomusaku Toba) is a Japanese professional wrestler, currently working for the Japanese…Thanomsak Toba (タノムサク鳥羽, Tanomusaku Toba) is a Japanese professional wrestler, currently working for the Japanese professional wrestling promotion Dramatic Dream Team (DDT). His ring name is an hommage to Thai professional boxer Thanomsak Sithbaobay.
Riona Hazuki (葉月里緒奈 Hazuki Riona), born Mai Yamada (山田麻衣 Yamada Mai, born on July 11, 1975, in Tokyo, Japan), is a…Riona Hazuki (葉月里緒奈 Hazuki Riona), born Mai Yamada (山田麻衣 Yamada Mai, born on July 11, 1975, in Tokyo, Japan), is a Japanese actress. In 1999, she played the main role in Owls' Castle.
Ken Iwase (岩瀬 健, Iwase Ken; born July 8, 1975) is a former Japanese football player and current assistant manager of J2…Ken Iwase (岩瀬 健, Iwase Ken; born July 8, 1975) is a former Japanese football player and current assistant manager of J2 league team Oita Trinita.
Akio Kogiku (小菊 昭雄, Kogiku Akio; born 7 July 1975) is a Japanese football manager and former football player. He is the…Akio Kogiku (小菊 昭雄, Kogiku Akio; born 7 July 1975) is a Japanese football manager and former football player. He is the currently manager of J2 League club Sagan Tosu.
Naotake Hoshino (星野直丈, Hoshino Naotake) is a Japanese professional wrestler best known for his time with the Japanese…Naotake Hoshino (星野直丈, Hoshino Naotake) is a Japanese professional wrestler best known for his time with the Japanese professional wrestling promotions Big Japan Pro Wrestling (BJW) and Dramatic Dream Team (DDT). He performs under the ring name Kankuro Hoshino (星野勘九郎, Hoshino Kankurō).
Shizuo Yamashita (山下 史守朗, Yamashita Shizuo; born 6 July 1975) is a Japanese politician of the Liberal Democratic Party…Shizuo Yamashita (山下 史守朗, Yamashita Shizuo; born 6 July 1975) is a Japanese politician of the Liberal Democratic Party who has served as a member of the House of Representatives for Aichi 16th district since 2026. He previously served as a member of the Aichi Prefectural Assembly and as mayor of Komaki.
Hayateumi Hidehito (born July 5, 1975 as Naohito Saitō) is a former sumo wrestler from Aomori, Japan. His highest rank…Hayateumi Hidehito (born July 5, 1975 as Naohito Saitō) is a former sumo wrestler from Aomori, Japan. His highest rank was sekiwake. He is now a Liberal Democratic Party politician.
Yuji Tachikawa (立川祐路, Tachikawa Yūji; born 5 July 1975) is a Japanese motorsport executive and former racing driver. He…Yuji Tachikawa (立川祐路, Tachikawa Yūji; born 5 July 1975) is a Japanese motorsport executive and former racing driver. He competed in Super GT between 1996 and 2023, and in Formula Nippon between 1997 and 2009. He is a three-time Super GT champion in the GT500 class, having won the championship in its previous guise as the All-Japan Grand Touring Car Championship in 2001, and after its rebranding in 2005 and 2013. A longtime Toyota factory driver, he competed for the Cerumo team for the majority of his racing career.
Takae Itō (born June 30, 1975, in Aichi Prefecture, Japan) is a Japanese politician who has served as a member of the…Takae Itō (born June 30, 1975, in Aichi Prefecture, Japan) is a Japanese politician who has served as a member of the House of Councillors of Japan since 2016. She represents the Aichi at-large district and is a member of the Democratic Party for the People.
Kumiko Koiwai (小岩井 久美子, Koiwai Kumiko; born June 27, 1975) is a Japanese former competitive figure skater. She is the…Kumiko Koiwai (小岩井 久美子, Koiwai Kumiko; born June 27, 1975) is a Japanese former competitive figure skater. She is the 1993 World Junior champion, 1992 NHK Trophy silver medalist, 1997 Winter Universiade champion, and a three-time Japan national bronze medalist.
Shuhei Terada (寺田 周平, Terada Shuhei; born June 23, 1975) is a Japanese football manager and former player who is the…Shuhei Terada (寺田 周平, Terada Shuhei; born June 23, 1975) is a Japanese football manager and former player who is the current manager of J3 League club, Fukushima United.
Keiichirō Hirano (平野 啓一郎, Hirano Keiichirō; born June 22, 1975) is a Japanese novelist. Hirano was born in Gamagori…Keiichirō Hirano (平野 啓一郎, Hirano Keiichirō; born June 22, 1975) is a Japanese novelist. Hirano was born in Gamagori, Aichi prefecture, Japan. He published his first novel (Nisshoku, 日蝕) in 1998 and won the Akutagawa Prize the next year as one of the youngest winners ever (at 23 years of age). He graduated from the Law Department of Kyoto University in 1999. In 2005 he was nominated as a cultural ambassador and spent a year in France.
Kenshin Kawakami (川上 憲伸) (born June 22, 1975) is a Japanese former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Nippon…Kenshin Kawakami (川上 憲伸) (born June 22, 1975) is a Japanese former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) for the Chunichi Dragons and in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Atlanta Braves.
