Akiyo Asaki (朝木明代, Asaki Akiyo; 1944–1995) was a Tokyo councilwoman whose death following allegations of petty theft -…Akiyo Asaki (朝木明代, Asaki Akiyo; 1944–1995) was a Tokyo councilwoman whose death following allegations of petty theft - which has been ruled suicide by the Tokyo police - has been linked to "mysterious" circumstances surrounding Soka Gakkai involvement. Asaki was notable in Tokyo for making comments critical of Soka Gakkai.
Tochiazuma Tomoyori (born 3 September 1944 as Hayao Shiga) is a former sumo wrestler from Sōma, Fukushima Prefecture…Tochiazuma Tomoyori (born 3 September 1944 as Hayao Shiga) is a former sumo wrestler from Sōma, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan. His highest rank was sekiwake, which he held for one tournament in 1970. He won the top division championship in January 1972. After retirement he worked as a coach at his stable, Kasugano, until 1990 when he set up his own Tamanoi stable. He is the father of the former ōzeki Tochiazuma Daisuke, and upon his retirement as a coach in 2009 his son took over from him.
Akitsugu Konno (金野 昭次, Konno Akitsugu; September 1, 1944 – September 5, 2019) was a Japanese ski jumper who competed in…Akitsugu Konno (金野 昭次, Konno Akitsugu; September 1, 1944 – September 5, 2019) was a Japanese ski jumper who competed in the early 1970s. His best finish was a silver medal in the Individual Normal Hill at the 1972 Winter Olympics in Sapporo.
Yumiko Nogawa (野川由美子, Nogawa Yumiko; born August 30, 1944) is a Japanese actress born in Kyoto, Japan. She has starred…Yumiko Nogawa (野川由美子, Nogawa Yumiko; born August 30, 1944) is a Japanese actress born in Kyoto, Japan. She has starred in several movies, notably Gate of Flesh (1964), part of a trilogy of films she made with director Seijun Suzuki. Including Story of a Prostitute (1965) and Carmen from Kawachi (1966), these films are known as Nogawa's "Flesh Trilogy". Nogawa has appeared in numerous films in Japan, including director Nagisa Oshima's The Pleasures of the Flesh (1965) and Zatoichi and the Fugitives (1968), the eighteenth film in the Zatoichi series. She has also appeared in television series on Nippon Television, TV Tokyo, Fuji TV, and NHK.
Shigenobu Nagamori (born 1944) is a Japanese billionaire businessman, and the chairman and CEO of Nidec, the world's…Shigenobu Nagamori (born 1944) is a Japanese billionaire businessman, and the chairman and CEO of Nidec, the world's largest manufacturer of micromotors for hard disks and optical drives.
Hiroshi Kobayashi (小林 弘, Kobayashi Hiroshi; born 23 August 1944 in Isesaki, Gunma, Japan) is a Japanese former…Hiroshi Kobayashi (小林 弘, Kobayashi Hiroshi; born 23 August 1944 in Isesaki, Gunma, Japan) is a Japanese former professional boxer who held the undisputed super-featherweight title from 1967 to 1969. He is the division's final undisputed champion of the two-belt era and is the most recent such champion as of 2026.
Kazuo Hirotomo (弘友 和夫, Hirotomo Kazuo; born August 17, 1944) is a Japanese politician of the New Komeito Party, a…Kazuo Hirotomo (弘友 和夫, Hirotomo Kazuo; born August 17, 1944) is a Japanese politician of the New Komeito Party, a member of the House of Councillors in the Diet (national legislature). A native of Kitakyūshū, Fukuoka and graduate of Chuo University, he was elected to the House of Representatives for the first time in 1993 after serving in the city assembly of Kitakyushu. In 1998, he was elected to the House of Councillors for the first time.
Tokio Seki (関 時男, Seki Tokio; born August 15, 1944) is a Japanese actor and voice actor from Tokyo Metropolis. He is a…Tokio Seki (関 時男, Seki Tokio; born August 15, 1944) is a Japanese actor and voice actor from Tokyo Metropolis. He is a graduate of the art department of Nihon University and is affiliated with Serikawa Office. He was previously affiliated with Gekidan Subaru.
Tenzo Okumura (奥村 展三, Okumura Tenzō; born 10 August 1944) is a former Japanese politician of the Democratic Party of…Tenzo Okumura (奥村 展三, Okumura Tenzō; born 10 August 1944) is a former Japanese politician of the Democratic Party of Japan, who served as a member of both the House of Councillors and the House of Representatives in the Diet (national legislature). A native of Kōsei Town (today's Konan City, Shiga Prefecture) and dropout of Ritsumeikan University, he was elected to the town assembly of Kōsei, Shiga (serving for one term), to the Shiga Prefectural Assembly in 1979 (serving for four terms) and to the House of Councillors for the first time in 1995.
Tsuneharu Takeda (竹田 恒治, Takeda Tsuneharu; born August 3, 1944) is a Japanese diplomat, and former imperial prince. He…Tsuneharu Takeda (竹田 恒治, Takeda Tsuneharu; born August 3, 1944) is a Japanese diplomat, and former imperial prince. He was born in Shinkyo, then the capital of Manchukuo.
Katsuhiko Ishibashi (石橋 克彦, Ishibashi Katsuhiko; born August 8, 1944) is a professor in the Research Center for Urban…Katsuhiko Ishibashi (石橋 克彦, Ishibashi Katsuhiko; born August 8, 1944) is a professor in the Research Center for Urban Safety and Security in the Graduate School of Science at Kobe University, Japan and a seismologist who has written extensively in the areas of seismicity and seismotectonics in and around the Japanese Islands. He also coined the term genpatsu-shinsai (原発震災), from the Japanese words for "nuclear power" and "quake disaster". Katsuhiko Ishibashi has said that Japan's history of nuclear accidents stems from an overconfidence in plant engineering. He was a member of a 2006 Japanese government subcommittee charged with revising the national guidelines on the earthquake-resistance of nuclear power plants, published in 2007. His proposal that the committee should review the standards for surveying active faults was rejected and, at the committee's final meeting he resigned claiming that the review process was "unscientific" and the outcome rigged to suit the interests of the Japan Electric Association, which had 11 of its committee members on the 19-member government subcommittee and that among other problems the guide was "seriously flawed" as a consequence because it underestimated the design basis earthquake ground motion. In May 2011, he said: "If Japan had faced up to the dangers earlier, we could have prevented Fukushima".
Yoshitaka Murata (村田 吉隆, Murata Yoshitaka; born 30 July 1944) is a former Japanese politician who served as the…Yoshitaka Murata (村田 吉隆, Murata Yoshitaka; born 30 July 1944) is a former Japanese politician who served as the Chairman of the National Public Safety Commission, the Minister of State for Disaster Management and the Minister of State for National Emergency Legislation in Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's Cabinet. Born in the city of Shizuoka, Murata graduated from Faculty of Law, Kyoto University and joined the Ministry of Finance in 1968. In 1990, he was elected to the House of Representatives for the first time and, since September 2004 he has been on the present posts.
Tsunehiko Watase (Japanese: 渡瀬 恒彦, Hepburn: Watase Tsunehiko; July 28, 1944 – March 14, 2017) was a Japanese actor. He…Tsunehiko Watase (Japanese: 渡瀬 恒彦, Hepburn: Watase Tsunehiko; July 28, 1944 – March 14, 2017) was a Japanese actor. He is best known for portraying Rintaro Kano in Keishicho Sosa Ikka 9 Gakari ("Homicide Team 9"). He won Best Supporting Actor at the 2nd Japan Academy Prize for The Incident and at the 3rd Hochi Film Award for The Incident, Kōtei no inai hachigatsu and The Fall of Ako Castle.
Kosaku Takahashi (高橋 耕作, Takahashi Kōsaku; born 25 July 1944) is a former Japanese cyclist. He competed in the team…Kosaku Takahashi (高橋 耕作, Takahashi Kōsaku; born 25 July 1944) is a former Japanese cyclist. He competed in the team pursuit at the 1964 Summer Olympics.
Hasegawa Katsutoshi (20 July 1944 – 31 May 2026) was a Japanese sumo wrestler from Kurisawa, Hokkaido (now a part of…Hasegawa Katsutoshi (20 July 1944 – 31 May 2026) was a Japanese sumo wrestler from Kurisawa, Hokkaido (now a part of Iwamizawa city). He began his professional career in 1960 and reached the top division in 1965. Hasegawa won eight special prizes for his achievements in tournaments and earned nine gold stars for defeating yokozuna. He won a tournament championship or yūshō in 1972 and was a runner-up in two other tournaments. His highest rank was sekiwake. Hasegawa retired in 1976 and became an elder of the Japan Sumo Association, working as a coach at Sadogatake stable until his retirement in 2009.
Seiji Mataichi (又市 征治, Mataichi Seiji; 18 July 1944 – 18 September 2023) was a Japanese politician who served as a…Seiji Mataichi (又市 征治, Mataichi Seiji; 18 July 1944 – 18 September 2023) was a Japanese politician who served as a member of the House of Councillors. He was also the Chairman of the Social Democratic Party. Mataichi died on 18 September 2023, at the age of 79.
Saburo Kawamoto (川本 三郎, Kawamoto Saburō; born 15 July 1944) is a Japanese film and literary critic, as well as a…Saburo Kawamoto (川本 三郎, Kawamoto Saburō; born 15 July 1944) is a Japanese film and literary critic, as well as a professor at Rikkyo University. After graduation from the University of Tokyo, he worked for the Asahi Newspaper company before leaving in 1972 to become a critic. He was one critic who helped to discover the talents of Haruki Murakami. He won the Suntory Prize for his book Taishū Genei in 1991, the Yomiuri Literature Award for Kafū and Tokyo in 1997, and the Itō Sei Literature Award for Hakushu Bōkei in 2012. Around 1970 he became close to a student radical when covering him as a journalist. When that student attacked an officer of the Japanese Self-Defence Force in Asaka, Saitama, killing him, Kawamoto was arrested for spoliation of evidence. He was convicted and given a sentence of probation. He was fired from the Asahi Newspaper company. Thereafter, he became a freelance writer. Nobuhiro Yamashita's film, My Back Page, is based on Kawamoto's essay about this affair.
Hiroshi Kume (久米 宏, Kume Hiroshi; 14 July 1944 – 1 January 2026) was a Japanese television and radio presenter…Hiroshi Kume (久米 宏, Kume Hiroshi; 14 July 1944 – 1 January 2026) was a Japanese television and radio presenter, journalist, author, and goodwill ambassador for Germany. He was the host of the TBS radio talk show Kume Hiroshi Radio Nandesukedo. From 1978 to 1985, he served as host of pop music show The Best Ten. From October 1985 to March 2004, he was the anchor for TV Asahi's news program News Station.
Hironobu Takesaki (竹崎 博允, Takesaki Hironobu; born July 8, 1944) is a Japanese lawyer and a former Chief Justice of the…Hironobu Takesaki (竹崎 博允, Takesaki Hironobu; born July 8, 1944) is a Japanese lawyer and a former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Japan. He is a graduate of the University of Tokyo Faculty of Law and of Columbia Law School. At age 64, Takesaki replaced Niro Shimada as the Chief Justice when November 21, 2008, the date of Shimada's mandatory retirement, came. He retired in March 2014. Takesaki has been harshly criticized by former judge Hiroshi Segi in his book Zetubo no Saibansho, where he is alleged to have "ensured judges who issued rulings or published academic papers running counter to his leadership policies were denied promotion and banished to rural areas. As a result, terrified judges learned to kowtow to their superiors and shy away from handing down nonconforming rulings." Takesaki was replaced by Itsurō Terada as the new Chief Justice on April 1, 2014, the date of Takesaki's retirement.
Seiji Shinkai (新海 征治, Shinkai Seiji; born July 5, 1944) is a Japanese chemist and professor of Kyushu University, and…Seiji Shinkai (新海 征治, Shinkai Seiji; born July 5, 1944) is a Japanese chemist and professor of Kyushu University, and emeritus professor.
Hideo Fujimoto (藤本 英男, born June 24, 1944) is a retired Greco-Roman wrestler from Japan. He competed at the 1968 and…Hideo Fujimoto (藤本 英男, born June 24, 1944) is a retired Greco-Roman wrestler from Japan. He competed at the 1968 and 1972 Olympics and won a silver medal in 1968, placing fourth in 1972. At the world championships he won a gold medal in 1970 and bronze medals in 1967 and 1971.
Masataka Shimizu (清水 政孝, Shimizu Masataka; born June 23, 1944) is a director of Fuji Oil Company, and was the president…Masataka Shimizu (清水 政孝, Shimizu Masataka; born June 23, 1944) is a director of Fuji Oil Company, and was the president and chief executive officer of Japanese electric utility Tokyo Electric Power Company (Tepco) from 2008 to 2011. He was also a vice-chairman of Keidanren, the employers' federation of the companies of Japan, until he stepped down after the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster. On July 25, 2012, he became an outside director of Fuji Oil.
Akira Hori (堀晃, born 1944 in Tatsuno, Hyogo) is a Japanese science fiction writer. He has been involved in science…Akira Hori (堀晃, born 1944 in Tatsuno, Hyogo) is a Japanese science fiction writer. He has been involved in science fiction since high school and has a degree from Osaka University in engineering. He won the first Nihon SF Taisho Award in 1980 and has also won the Seiun Award in 1989 for Babylonia Wave.
Sei Hiraizumi (平泉 成, Hiraizumi Sei; born on June 2, 1944, in the former Nukata, Aichi) is a Japanese actor. In 1964…Sei Hiraizumi (平泉 成, Hiraizumi Sei; born on June 2, 1944, in the former Nukata, Aichi) is a Japanese actor. In 1964, Hiraizumi joined Daiei Film company and started his acting career. In the 1970s to early 1980s, he appeared in a lot of jidaigeki and detective television dramas as a guest villain actor. Hiraizumi starred as Koichi Matsudo in L: Change the WorLd and he also starred in Osaka Tough Guys.
Katsuyoshi Kuwahara (桑原 勝義, Kuwahara Katsuyoshi; born May 30, 1944) is a former Japanese football player and manager.…Katsuyoshi Kuwahara (桑原 勝義, Kuwahara Katsuyoshi; born May 30, 1944) is a former Japanese football player and manager. He played for the Japan national team. His brother Takashi Kuwahara is also former footballer.
Ryoichi Ikegami (Japanese: 池上 遼一, Hepburn: Ikegami Ryōichi; born May 29, 1944) is a Japanese manga artist that usually…Ryoichi Ikegami (Japanese: 池上 遼一, Hepburn: Ikegami Ryōichi; born May 29, 1944) is a Japanese manga artist that usually works as the illustrator in collaboration with a writer. He is best known for Crying Freeman (1986–1988), written by Kazuo Koike, and Heat (1999–2004), written by Buronson (AKA Sho Fumimura). The latter won the 2001 Shogakukan Manga Award for general manga. Ikegami received the Fauves d'Honneur at the 2023 Angoulême International Comics Festival. Yoshihide Fujiwara is a former assistant of Ikegami's.
Yoshino Ōishi (大石 芳野, Ōishi Yoshino; born May 28, 1944) is a Japanese photojournalist. Ōishi was born in Suginami-ku…Yoshino Ōishi (大石 芳野, Ōishi Yoshino; born May 28, 1944) is a Japanese photojournalist. Ōishi was born in Suginami-ku, Tokyo on 28 May 1944. Seeing Melanesian art while at Nihon University had a big effect on her, as did a visit to Vietnam and Cambodia in 1966. After graduating in photography, she became a freelance photojournalist, working in west Africa, southeast Asia, and Europe. In 1971 she held an exhibition in the Nikon Salon of photographs of a Ghanaian child growing up in Nagano; she then spent three years photographing New Guinea. She worked on portraiture, and documented the effects of the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia, the effects of wartime dioxin in Vietnam, perestroika in the Soviet Union, and more. Ōishi's work on Vietnam won her the Domon Ken Award. In both 1982 and 1989 she won the Annual Award from the Photographic Society of Japan. She has taught at Tokyo Polytechnic University. Her work is in the permanent collection of the Tokyo Metropolitan Museum of Photography.
Isao Matsumiya is a former Japanese politician. He attended the University of Tokyo. Matsumiya served as a member of…Isao Matsumiya is a former Japanese politician. He attended the University of Tokyo. Matsumiya served as a member of the House of Representatives of Japan from 2000 to 2005 and again from 2009 to 2012. He was succeeded by Tomomi Inada for the 1st Fukui Prefecture office in 2005.
Isamu Kasuya (粕谷勇, Kasuya Isamu) is a Japanese former professional Grand Prix motorcycle road racer. Kasuya began his…Isamu Kasuya (粕谷勇, Kasuya Isamu) is a Japanese former professional Grand Prix motorcycle road racer. Kasuya began his Grand Prix career in 1963. He had his best season in 1964 when he finished the season in seventh place in the 250cc world championship, and eighth place in the 350cc world championship.
Nakamura Kichiemon II (二代目 中村 吉右衛門, Nidaime Nakamura Kichiemon; 22 May 1944 – 28 November 2021) was a Japanese actor…Nakamura Kichiemon II (二代目 中村 吉右衛門, Nidaime Nakamura Kichiemon; 22 May 1944 – 28 November 2021) was a Japanese actor, kabuki performer and costume designer. He was a so-called Living National Treasure. Nakamura Kichiemon was a formal kabuki stage name. The actor's grandfather first appeared using the name in 1897, and Nakamura Kichiemon I continued to use this name until his death. Kichiemon I was the maternal grandfather of Kichiemon II. In the conservative Kabuki world, stage names are passed from father to son in a formal system which converts the kabuki stage name into a mark of accomplishment. In choosing to be known by the same stage name as his grandfather, the living kabuki performer honors his family relationships and tradition.
Hiroaki Inoue (Japanese:井上弘昭; May 5, 1944 – December 8, 2025) was a Japanese baseball player. In 1966, Inoue was…Hiroaki Inoue (Japanese:井上弘昭; May 5, 1944 – December 8, 2025) was a Japanese baseball player. In 1966, Inoue was selected as a representative of Japan at the Amateur Baseball World Championship, contributing to Japan's championship and being selected as the best nine (outfielder) for working adults. During the 1967 draft, he was a first round pick for the Hiroshima Toyo Carp. In 1973, in an exchange trade with Kazuto Kawabata, he transferred to the Chunichi Dragons. In 1981, in an exchange trade with Masaru Tomita and Hideaki Oshima, he transferred to the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters. After the end of the 1984 season, he retired from playing, and in 1985, he was appointed the defensive base running coach of the Seibu Lions. Due to the retirement of the right pinch hitter, he returned to playing (concurrently serving as a coach). However, he only played in 10 games, and after the end of the season, he left Seibu and officially retired, becoming the first professional baseball commentator on TV Aichi. Inoue was born May 5, 1944, in Osaka. He died on December 8, 2025, at the age of 81.
Jun Nagai (永井 純, Nagai Jun; born 20 May 1944) is a Japanese middle-distance runner. He competed in the men's 800 metres…Jun Nagai (永井 純, Nagai Jun; born 20 May 1944) is a Japanese middle-distance runner. He competed in the men's 800 metres at the 1968 Summer Olympics.
Yoshihisa Ishida (石田 義久, Ishida Yoshihisa; born May 19, 1944) is a retired shot putter and hammer thrower from Japan…Yoshihisa Ishida (石田 義久, Ishida Yoshihisa; born May 19, 1944) is a retired shot putter and hammer thrower from Japan, who won a silver medal in each event at the Asian Games. He competed in the hammer throw at the 1968 and 1972 Olympics and placed 13th and 25th, respectively. He also won two medals at the 1975 Asian Championships and the gold medal at the 1967 Summer Universiade. Ishida twice finished on the podium at the British AAA Championships in the hammer throw event at the 1968 AAA Championships and 1970 AAA Championships.
Nobuyoshi Miura (三浦 信由, Nobuyoshi Miura; born 11 May 1944) is a Japanese former middle-distance runner who competed in…Nobuyoshi Miura (三浦 信由, Nobuyoshi Miura; born 11 May 1944) is a Japanese former middle-distance runner who competed in the 1968 Summer Olympics.
Genjirō Kaneko (金子 原二郎, Kaneko Genjirō; born 8 May 1944) is a Japanese politician and member of the Liberal Democratic…Genjirō Kaneko (金子 原二郎, Kaneko Genjirō; born 8 May 1944) is a Japanese politician and member of the Liberal Democratic Party. Kaneko served as Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries from October 2021 to August 2022. He has also represented the Nagasaki At-large district in the House of Councillors since his election in the July 2010 Councillors election. Kaneko is a native of Ikitsuki, Nagasaki and graduate of Keio University.
Tsuneyuki Mitamura (三田村 統之), known as Toji Mitamura (May 8, 1944 – September 16, 2026), was a Japanese politician. He…Tsuneyuki Mitamura (三田村 統之), known as Toji Mitamura (May 8, 1944 – September 16, 2026), was a Japanese politician. He served five terms as a member of the Fukuoka Prefectural Assembly from 1991 until 2008, including a tenure as Vice Speaker of the Fukuoka Prefectural Assembly from May 2005 to June 2006. Mitamura was then elected Mayor of the city of Yame, Fukuoka Prefecture, for four consecutive terms from November 16, 2008, until November 15, 2024. In 2026, Mitamura was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, 3rd Class, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon, for his service. Mitamura died from complications of cirrhosis at a hospital in Yame city, on September 16, 2026, at the age of 82. He was survived by his wife, Ritsuko. His funeral was held at Koyeksha Ceremony Hall Kourin in Yame on September 19.
Masanori Murakami (村上 雅則, Murakami Masanori, born May 6, 1944), nicknamed "Mashi", is a Japanese former baseball…Masanori Murakami (村上 雅則, Murakami Masanori, born May 6, 1944), nicknamed "Mashi", is a Japanese former baseball pitcher. He is notable for being the first Japanese player to play for a Major League Baseball (MLB) team. Sent over to the United States by the Nankai Hawks, Murakami saw success as a reliever for the San Francisco Giants, debuting at the age of 20 in 1964. In 1965, he struck out over one batter per inning pitched, posted an ERA under 4 and earned eight saves. Following this season, however, Murakami headed back to the Nankai Hawks due to contractual obligations, where his success continued for another 17 years.
Tokibayama Toshio (born Toshio Haruki; May 5, 1944 - September 20, 1995) was a sumo wrestler from Nanao, Ishikawa…Tokibayama Toshio (born Toshio Haruki; May 5, 1944 - September 20, 1995) was a sumo wrestler from Nanao, Ishikawa, Japan. He made his professional debut in May 1961, and reached the top division in September 1967. Upon retirement from active competition he became an elder in the Japan Sumo Association under the name Fujigane. He died while an active oyakata.
Takayuki Hida (肥田隆行, Hida Takayuki; born May 4, 1944) is a retired Japanese speed skater. He competed at the 1968 and…Takayuki Hida (肥田隆行, Hida Takayuki; born May 4, 1944) is a retired Japanese speed skater. He competed at the 1968 and 1972 Winter Olympics in the 500 m events and finished in 37th and 13th place, respectively. His best achievement in the world sprint championships was fourth place in 1971. Personal bests: 500 m – 38.4 (1971) 1000 m – 1:20.8 (1971) 1500 m – 2:07.9 (1971)
Yasuko Muramatsu (Japanese: 村松泰子, born 1944) is a Japanese development economist, author and women's rights activist.…Yasuko Muramatsu (Japanese: 村松泰子, born 1944) is a Japanese development economist, author and women's rights activist. She was the president of Tokyo Gakugei University and is the president of Japan Women's Learning Foundation.
Isao Kakihara (垣原 功, Kakihara Isao; born 1 May 1944) is a Japanese ice hockey player. He competed in the men's…Isao Kakihara (垣原 功, Kakihara Isao; born 1 May 1944) is a Japanese ice hockey player. He competed in the men's tournament at the 1972 Winter Olympics.
Yasuko Konoe (近衛 甯子, Konoe Yasuko; born 26 April 1944), formerly Princess Yasuko of Mikasa (甯子内親王, Yasuko Naishinnō)…Yasuko Konoe (近衛 甯子, Konoe Yasuko; born 26 April 1944), formerly Princess Yasuko of Mikasa (甯子内親王, Yasuko Naishinnō), is the first child of Takahito, Prince Mikasa, and Yuriko, Princess Mikasa. She married Tadateru Konoe on 16 December 1966. As a result, she gave up her imperial title and left the Japanese imperial family, as required by law.
Toyoo Ashida (芦田 豊雄, Ashida Toyoo; April 21, 1944 – July 23, 2011) was a Japanese anime character designer, animator…Toyoo Ashida (芦田 豊雄, Ashida Toyoo; April 21, 1944 – July 23, 2011) was a Japanese anime character designer, animator and director. He was most notable for directing the original Vampire Hunter D anime, as well as for providing character designs for Vifam, Mashin Hero Wataru, Minky Momo and F-Zero GP Legend. He is the founder of the anime production studio, Studio Live and as well as the Japanese Animation Creators Association (JAniCA) along with Satoshi Kon. His designs are similar to those of Akira Toriyama. Toyoo got his style while working on Dr. Slump. He was also heavily inspired by Tex Avery, Bob Clampett, the Fleischer Brothers, Harvey Kurtzman and Jack Davis.
Kakutaro Kitashiro (北城 恪太郎, Kitashiro Kakutaro; born April 21, 1944) is a Japanese systems engineer and business…Kakutaro Kitashiro (北城 恪太郎, Kitashiro Kakutaro; born April 21, 1944) is a Japanese systems engineer and business executive. He was the president of IBM Japan, Ltd., IBM's Japanese subsidiary, in 1993–1999, and of IBM Asia Pacific Corporation in 1999–2003, and contributed to the development of the IT business in Japan and Asia-Pacific. He was also the chairperson of Japan Association of Corporate Executives in 2003–2006, and the chair of the Board of Trustees of International Christian University, Tokyo, in 2010–2019. He earned a BS degree from Keio University in 1967 and an MS degree from the University of California at Berkeley in 1972.
Toshiko Ono (小野登志子, Ono Toshiko; born 20 April 1944) is a Japanese politician who was the mayor of Izunokuni city for…Toshiko Ono (小野登志子, Ono Toshiko; born 20 April 1944) is a Japanese politician who was the mayor of Izunokuni city for two terms, serving from 2013 to 2021. Her previous offices include the member of Shizuoka Prefectural Assembly and the member of Nirayama Municipality, which was abolished in 2005. She was also the first female mayor in the history of Shizuoka Prefecture. She retired from her political life in 2021, after losing her re-appointment election of Izunokuni city's mayor with huge differences between the current mayor of the city, Masayuki Yamashita.
