Ai Kondo Yoshida (吉田(近藤) 愛, Yoshida (Kondō) Ai; born 5 November 1980) is a Japanese sports sailor. At the 2008 Summer…Ai Kondo Yoshida (吉田(近藤) 愛, Yoshida (Kondō) Ai; born 5 November 1980) is a Japanese sports sailor. At the 2008 Summer Olympics, she competed in the women's 470 class with Naoko Kamata, finishing in 14th place. At the 2012 Summer Olympics, she competed in the same event, finishing in 14th place again, with her teammate this time being Wakako Tabata. At the 2016 Summer Olympics, she competed in the same event with Miho Yoshioka, finishing in 5th place. At the 2020 Summer Olympics, she competed in the same event with Miho Yoshioka, finishing in 7th place. For the 2006 Women's 470 World Championships, Yoshida teamed up with Naoko Kamata winning silver. For the 2018 Women's 470 World Championships, Yoshida teamed up with Miho Yoshioka winning gold. For the 2019 Women's 470 World Championships, Yoshida teamed up with Miho Yoshioka again, winning silver. For the 2025 Female Snipe World Championship, Yoshida teamed up with Honoka Miura winning gold.
Kenji Yahata (八幡 賢司, Yahata Kenji; born 4 November 1980 in Ehime Prefecture) is a retired Japanese hurdler who…Kenji Yahata (八幡 賢司, Yahata Kenji; born 4 November 1980 in Ehime Prefecture) is a retired Japanese hurdler who specialized in the 110 metres hurdles. He competed at the 2007 World Championships.
Yuki Sato (佐藤 由希, Satō Yuki; born 3 November 1980 in Shizuoka, Japan) is a Japanese softball player who won a bronze…Yuki Sato (佐藤 由希, Satō Yuki; born 3 November 1980 in Shizuoka, Japan) is a Japanese softball player who won a bronze medal in the 2004 Summer Olympics.
Kengo Nakamura (中村 憲剛, Nakamura Kengo; born 31 October 1980) is a Japanese former professional footballer who played as…Kengo Nakamura (中村 憲剛, Nakamura Kengo; born 31 October 1980) is a Japanese former professional footballer who played as a midfielder. A one-club man, Nakamura signed with Kawasaki Frontale in 2003 and helped the then J2 outfit earn promotion back to the top flight in 2004, and became a fixture in the ambitious Frontale side that finished second in the J1 League in 2006, 2008 and 2009. He was named club captain for the first time in 2012, and in the same season lead the league in assists with 13. In 2016, at the age of 36, Nakamura was named both J League MVP and Japanese Footballer of the Year, becoming the oldest recipient of either award. The following season, he was a part of the Kawasaki side that won the J1 League for the first time in the club's history. He would win two more J1 League titles in 2018 and 2020, as well as a domestic double of the Japanese Super and J League Cups in 2019 before retiring at the end of the 2020 season after 17 years and over 500 appearances for the club. Nakamura was first selected for the Japan national team in 2006 under Ivica Osim and earned his first cap on 4 October in a 1–0 friendly win against Ghana. He scored his first international goal one week later in a 3–0 win over India, and represented his country at the 2007 AFC Asian Cup. After battling through injury, he was named in the Japan squad for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, making one substitute appearance as the side reached the round of 16. In total, Nakamura earned 68 caps and scored 6 goals during an eight-year international career.
Koji Yamasaki (山﨑 浩司, born October 31, 1980) is a Japanese professional baseball infielder for the Tohoku Rakuten…Koji Yamasaki (山﨑 浩司, born October 31, 1980) is a Japanese professional baseball infielder for the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball.
Eriko Fukuda (福田衣里子, Fukuda Eriko; born 30 October 1980) is a former Japanese politician who served as a member of the…Eriko Fukuda (福田衣里子, Fukuda Eriko; born 30 October 1980) is a former Japanese politician who served as a member of the House of Representatives for Nagasaki 2nd district from 31 August 2009 to 16 December 2012. Born in Nagasaki, Fukuda originally attended Hiroshima Shudo University to study psychology, but left after a year to travel Europe. After returning to school in 2001, she discovered that she was infected with Hepatitis C, and dropped out of school to seek treatment. Fukuda discovered that she was given a blood-clotting agent while still a baby in 1980, which had infected her with the virus along with many others from the 1970s to the early 1990s. In 2004, she became a party to litigation against the government, and became a face of the lawsuit as one of the few people to announce her real name. In 2007, the Diet enacted a law providing compensation to those that were affected. By then, Fukuda had "become a poster child for the battle against all things wrong with the government and bureaucracy." A year later, Fukuda was handpicked by Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) party leader Ichirō Ozawa in a party attempt to appeal to voters who were tired of longtime Liberal Democratic Party rule. She won the election against Fumio Kyūma, who had represented Nagasaki in the House of Representatives for 30 years, 50.4% to 44.3%. Shortly before the 2012 elections, Fukuda jumped from the DPJ to the Tomorrow Party of Japan, then to the Green Wind party. After losing her seat in the election, she retired from politics to start a family with her husband, whom she married six months prior.
Toshiya Sugiuchi (杉内 俊哉, Sugiuchi Toshiya; born October 30, 1980 in Kasuga, Fukuoka, Japan) is a Japanese baseball…Toshiya Sugiuchi (杉内 俊哉, Sugiuchi Toshiya; born October 30, 1980 in Kasuga, Fukuoka, Japan) is a Japanese baseball player. He is a left-handed starting pitcher for the Yomiuri Giants. Sugiuchi was the Eiji Sawamura Award winner in 2005. He has had some of the most international experience of any active Japanese baseball player, pitching in the 2000 Sydney and 2008 Beijing Olympics as well as the 2006 and 2009 World Baseball Classics.
This is a list of J.League designated special players, picked by J.League clubs from universities and high schools all…This is a list of J.League designated special players, picked by J.League clubs from universities and high schools all over Japan.
Sayuri Osuga (Japanese: 大菅小百合, born 27 October 1980) is a Japanese speed skater and cyclist. She is one of the few…Sayuri Osuga (Japanese: 大菅小百合, born 27 October 1980) is a Japanese speed skater and cyclist. She is one of the few athletes who started both in the Winter Games 2002 and 2006 (in the 500 m speed skating event) and in the 2004 Summer Games (in the 500 m time trial cycling event, placing 10th). Until 2006, she was a member of the professional Sankyoseiki speedskating team. She placed first and third in the Speedskating World Cup. She holds the Japanese records in the 500 m speed skating and the 500 m time trial event. From 2006 to 2011, she was sponsored by the construction company Daiwa House Industries Co. Ltd. She retired in 2011.
Aiko Itō (いとう あいこ, Itō Aiko; born October 24, 1980, in Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture) is a former Japanese actress who…Aiko Itō (いとう あいこ, Itō Aiko; born October 24, 1980, in Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture) is a former Japanese actress who was affiliated with Stardust Promotion. She is best known for playing the role of Ranru Itsuki / Abare Yellow in the 2003 Super Sentai TV series Bakuryū Sentai Abaranger.
Kota Yamamura (山村宏太 Yamamura Kota, born October 20, 1980) is a retired Japanese national volleyball player and used to…Kota Yamamura (山村宏太 Yamamura Kota, born October 20, 1980) is a retired Japanese national volleyball player and used to play for Suntory Sunbirds on club level. He is currently active as Sunbirds' head coach. He used to be the captain for the Japan men's national volleyball team in 2013.
Yasuhiro Takami (高見康裕, Takami Yasuhiro; born 16 October 1980) is a Japanese politician serving as a member of the House…Yasuhiro Takami (高見康裕, Takami Yasuhiro; born 16 October 1980) is a Japanese politician serving as a member of the House of Representatives since 2021. From 2015 to 2021, he was a member of the Shimane Prefectural Assembly.
Naoto Watanabe (渡辺 直人, Watanabe Naoto; born October 15, 1980) is a Japanese former professional baseball infielder who…Naoto Watanabe (渡辺 直人, Watanabe Naoto; born October 15, 1980) is a Japanese former professional baseball infielder who currently serves as a coach for the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). He played in NPB for the Golden Eagles, Yokohama BayStars/Yokohama DeNA BayStars, and Saitama Seibu Lions.
Aki Kawamura (川村亜紀 Kawamura Aki, born October 15, 1980) is a Japanese bikini model and television idol. She debuted in…Aki Kawamura (川村亜紀 Kawamura Aki, born October 15, 1980) is a Japanese bikini model and television idol. She debuted in 1999 with the Yellow Cab Talent Agency. After some time out of the public eye, she joined the Spice talent agency and resumed her career. Kawamura's DVDs include Fuji Television Visual Queen of the Year '00 'Aki Kawamura' Aloha Paradise.
Motohiro Hata (秦基博, Hata Motohiro; born 11 October 1980) is a Japanese singer-songwriter. He debuted under the major…Motohiro Hata (秦基博, Hata Motohiro; born 11 October 1980) is a Japanese singer-songwriter. He debuted under the major label BMG Japan in 2006 with the single "Synchro" (シンクロ, Shinkuro).
Eishin Soyogi (梵 英心, Soyogi Eishin; born October 11, 1980) is a professional Japanese baseball player. He plays…Eishin Soyogi (梵 英心, Soyogi Eishin; born October 11, 1980) is a professional Japanese baseball player. He plays infielder for the Hiroshima Toyo Carp.
Eiichi Koyano (小谷野 栄一, Koyano Eīchi; born October 10, 1980) is a Japanese former professional baseball player…Eiichi Koyano (小谷野 栄一, Koyano Eīchi; born October 10, 1980) is a Japanese former professional baseball player (infielder) and currently the hitting coach for the Hanshin Tigers of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). He is a native of Edogawa, Tokyo, Japan. Koyano is considered a member of the Matsuzaka Generation.
Yuiko Konno (金野 結子, Konno Yuiko; born October 10, 1980) is a former Japanese football player. She played for the Japan…Yuiko Konno (金野 結子, Konno Yuiko; born October 10, 1980) is a former Japanese football player. She played for the Japan national team.
Mayu Wakisaka (脇阪 真由, Wakisaka Mayu; born October 7, 1980) is a singer-songwriter, composer, and lyricist based in…Mayu Wakisaka (脇阪 真由, Wakisaka Mayu; born October 7, 1980) is a singer-songwriter, composer, and lyricist based in Tokyo, Japan. Wakisaka grew up in Osaka, Japan, and studied law at Kyoto University. In 2007, she quit law school to pursue her career as a singer-songwriter and moved to Los Angeles. While studying music at LA Music Academy, Wakisaka self-produced her first EP Stars Won't Fall, from which "24 Hours" got featured in Sony Walkman as a preload song, attracting an international fanbase. In 2011, she recorded her second EP Into the Wild with an L.A. based producer, John Avila. An acoustic tune "Once" won the first prize in International Acoustic Music Award Open Category and made it to the final of Great American Songwriting Contest. Also, the piano ballad "What I See in Love" made it to the final of UK Songwriting Contest and Australian Songwriting Contest. Later, this song was featured as a sub theme song in In the Name of Love, a TV drama aired in Singapore and Malaysia. In 2014, she released Halfway to You, a compilation album of her first EP as her first full-length album. In promotion of the album, she performed at SXSW as part of the Japan Nite tour in the United States and at The Great Escape Festival in UK. She also released her CD and performed in Korea and Singapore too. In 2015, she co-wrote "Love Song" for the Korean female group, Miss A's EP, Colors, and "Like a Fool" for the Korean female group, Twice's debut EP, The Story Begins. In 2017, she co-wrote "Real World" for Oh My Girl's fourth EP, Coloring Book, and in 2018, she co-wrote the song "Secret Garden" for their fifth EP of the same name. She is also credited as co-producer in TXT's debut song "Crown", for their EP The Dream Chapter in 2019. In 2020, Wakisaka was credited as a co-writer for GFriend's song "Crème Brûlée" from the EP Song of the Sirens, as well as the songs "Three of Cups" and "Wheel of the Year" from their album Walpurgis Night. In 2025, she wrote and co-produced the song "Liar Liar" from @onefive's first EP More Than Kawaii, as well as "Alps Vibes" from their second EP Doh Yoh. In 2026, she wrote and co-produced "M1X5R" for @onefive's Sakuraization.
Yuta Tabuse (田臥 勇太, Tabuse Yūta; born October 5, 1980) is a Japanese professional basketball player for Utsunomiya Brex…Yuta Tabuse (田臥 勇太, Tabuse Yūta; born October 5, 1980) is a Japanese professional basketball player for Utsunomiya Brex of the B.League. A point guard, Tabuse is 1.75 metres (5 ft 9 in) and 75 kilograms (165 lb). He was the first Japanese-born player to appear in a National Basketball Association (NBA) game. Tabuse has enjoyed popularity in Japan since his high school playing days, when he led his school to three straight national championships, and has been referred to as "the Michael Jordan of Japan" for his celebrity status.
Kentaro Yoshida (吉田 賢太郎, Yoshida Kentarō; born October 5, 1980) is a former Japanese football player. He is the current…Kentaro Yoshida (吉田 賢太郎, Yoshida Kentarō; born October 5, 1980) is a former Japanese football player. He is the current assistant manager of Vegalta Sendai.
Ryohei Otani (大谷 亮平, Ōtani Ryōhei; born October 1, 1980) is a Japanese actor and model. He began his modeling career in…Ryohei Otani (大谷 亮平, Ōtani Ryōhei; born October 1, 1980) is a Japanese actor and model. He began his modeling career in Japan, then entered Korean entertainment by being featured in a commercial for Dunkin' Donuts in 2003, followed by Hyundai Motors, Olympus and SK Telecom. His popularity helped him land roles on television, beginning with the 2006 sitcom Soulmate. Otani's acting career continued to be active in South Korea, starring in television dramas such as The Road Home, Dear My Sister, Hero, The Chaser, and Gunman in Joseon that earned him Global Star Award in the 7th Korea Drama Awards as well as the period blockbusters War of the Arrows and The Admiral: Roaring Currents. He has currently been acting in Japan; starring in hit Japanese dramas like The Full-Time Wife Escapist as Ryota Kazami, Love Rerun as Ryosuke Sagisawa in 2018, and will be taking part in many more Japanese works later in 2018 as well.
Kenzō Katō (加藤 賢三, Katō Kenzō; born September 26, 1980 in Aichi Prefecture) is an amateur Japanese Greco-Roman…Kenzō Katō (加藤 賢三, Katō Kenzō; born September 26, 1980 in Aichi Prefecture) is an amateur Japanese Greco-Roman wrestler, who played for the men's heavyweight category. Katō represented Japan at the 2008 Summer Olympics, where he competed for the men's 96 kg class. He lost the qualifying round match to Italy's Daigoro Timoncini, who was able to score eight points in two straight periods, leaving Kato without a single point.
Shingo Inoue (井上真悟, Inoue Shingo; born 27 September 1980) is a Japanese ultramarathon and marathon runner from…Shingo Inoue (井上真悟, Inoue Shingo; born 27 September 1980) is a Japanese ultramarathon and marathon runner from Hachioji, Tokyo. He won the IAU 24 Hour Run World Championship held in Brive-la-Gaillarde, France in 2010 with the distance of 273.708 km (170.074 miles) at the age of 29. He won the International Tour de Taiwan Ultra-marathon in April, 2013 with a time of 109:25:21. His personal best in full marathon is 2:29:12 achieved in 2013 at Katsuta Marathon, and his personal best in 100 km is 7:02:05 achieved in 2011 at Lake Saroma Ultramarathon.
Asashōryū Akinori (Japanese: 朝青龍 明徳; born 27 September 1980, as Dolgorsürengiin Dagvadorj, Mongolian Cyrillic…Asashōryū Akinori (Japanese: 朝青龍 明徳; born 27 September 1980, as Dolgorsürengiin Dagvadorj, Mongolian Cyrillic: Долгорсүрэнгийн Дагвадорж; [tɔɮgɔrsʊːrengiːn tagw̜atɔrt͡ʃ]) is a Mongolian former professional sumo wrestler (rikishi). He was the 68th yokozuna in the history of the sport in Japan, and in January 2003 he became the first Mongolian to reach sumo's highest rank. He was one of the most successful yokozuna ever. In 2005, he became the first wrestler to win all six official tournaments (honbasho) in a single year. Over his entire career, he won 25 top division tournament championships, placing him fourth on the all-time list. He is often referred to as one of the greatest sumo wrestlers of all time. From 2004 until 2007, Asashōryū was sumo's sole yokozuna between the retirement of Musashimaru and the promotion of fellow Mongolian Hakuhō, and was criticized at times by the media and the Japan Sumo Association for not upholding the standards of behaviour expected of a holder of such a prestigious rank. He became the first yokozuna in history to be suspended from competition in August 2007 when he participated in a charity football match in his home country despite having withdrawn from a regional sumo tour claiming injury. After a career filled with a multitude of other controversies, both on and off the dohyō, his career was cut short when he retired from sumo in February 2010 after allegations that he assaulted a man outside a Tokyo nightclub.
Tomoo Amino (網野 友雄, Amino Tomoo; born September 25, 1980) is a former Japanese professional basketball player. He…Tomoo Amino (網野 友雄, Amino Tomoo; born September 25, 1980) is a former Japanese professional basketball player. He played for the Aisin Seahorses of the JBL Super League. Amino also was a member of the Japan national basketball team. He played for the team in the 2006 FIBA World Championship and the FIBA Asia Championship 2007 and FIBA Asia Championship 2009. Amino played professionally with the Aisin Seahorses of the JBL Super League. In the 2009-10 season, Amino entered the month-long winter break averaging 4.5 points per game for the Seahorses. Despite this, the popular Amino was voted by fans as a starter to the West squad for the 2009-10 JBL Super League All-Star game.
Syu (Japanese: シュウ, Hepburn: Shū) is a Japanese musician, best known as the leader and guitarist of the power metal…Syu (Japanese: シュウ, Hepburn: Shū) is a Japanese musician, best known as the leader and guitarist of the power metal band Galneryus. He also performs guitar and lead vocals in Spinalcord (formerly known as Aushvitz) and guitar in Animetal. Under his own name, Syu has released one studio album, one cover album and one instrumental album, each featuring collaborations with many guest musicians. He was voted the Best Guitarist in online music magazine Beeast's music awards four years in a row, from 2015 to 2018. In 2018, readers and professional musicians voted Syu the fourth best guitarist in the history of hard rock and heavy metal in We Rock magazine's "Metal General Election". His work on Galneryus' song "Emotions" was named the 73rd best guitar instrumental by Young Guitar Magazine in 2019.
Inio Asano (Japanese: 浅野 いにお, Hepburn: Asano Inio; born September 22, 1980) is a Japanese manga artist. Asano created…Inio Asano (Japanese: 浅野 いにお, Hepburn: Asano Inio; born September 22, 1980) is a Japanese manga artist. Asano created the acclaimed manga series Solanin, which was released as a feature film in Japan in April 2010, starring Aoi Miyazaki. He is also famous for the series Goodnight Punpun and Dead Dead Demon's Dededede Destruction. Known for creating character-driven, realist stories, ranging from slice of life to psychological horror, Asano won first prize in the 2001 GX competition for young manga artists. In 2010, Yomiuri Shimbun described Asano as "one of the voices of his generation."
Kenji Yano (矢野 謙次, born September 21, 1980) is a Japanese former professional baseball outfielder. He played for the…Kenji Yano (矢野 謙次, born September 21, 1980) is a Japanese former professional baseball outfielder. He played for the Yomiuri Giants and the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters. After his retirement in 2018, Yano was sent to the Texas Rangers for a year to train to be a coach. For the 2020 season, Yano will return to Japan as the Fighters' outfield coach and assistant hitting coach.
Wataru Yamazaki (山崎 渡, Yamazaki Wataru; born September 18, 1980) is a former Japanese football player. He first played…Wataru Yamazaki (山崎 渡, Yamazaki Wataru; born September 18, 1980) is a former Japanese football player. He first played for Nihon University in 2003 and later transferred to Thespa Kusatsu in 2010 after 7 years.
Hiroshi Miyama (三山 ひろし, Miyama Hiroshi; born 17 September 1980, in Nankoku, Kōchi) is a Japanese enka singer. His real…Hiroshi Miyama (三山 ひろし, Miyama Hiroshi; born 17 September 1980, in Nankoku, Kōchi) is a Japanese enka singer. His real name is Masaaki Tsuneishi (恒石 正彰, Tsuneishi Masaaki). Miyama's voice gives people a sense of security and vitality ανδ is called "Vitamin Voice" (ビタミンボイス, Bitamin Boisu).
Daichi Sawano (澤野大地, Sawano Daichi; born 16 September 1980 in Nishiyodogawa-ku, Osaka and raised in Chiba Prefecture)…Daichi Sawano (澤野大地, Sawano Daichi; born 16 September 1980 in Nishiyodogawa-ku, Osaka and raised in Chiba Prefecture) is a Japanese pole vaulter. His personal best is 5.83 metres, which is the current Japanese National Record (as of 2019/01/01) achieved in May 2005 in Shizuoka. Sawano is a three-time Olympian (2004, 2008, 2016), two-time Olympic Finalist, whose best finish was 7th at the Rio Olympics (2016). Sawano is currently coached by the staff at the University of Japan (Nichidai) and USA Track and Field National Pole Vault Chair, Brian Yokoyama. He was formerly coached by former Japanese record holder Teruyasu Yonekura and renown Japanese pole coach Yamazaki.
Daisuke Matsuzaka (松坂 大輔, Matsuzaka Daisuke; [matsɯꜜzaka daꜜisɯ̥ke]; born September 13, 1980) is a Japanese former…Daisuke Matsuzaka (松坂 大輔, Matsuzaka Daisuke; [matsɯꜜzaka daꜜisɯ̥ke]; born September 13, 1980) is a Japanese former professional baseball pitcher, who pitched professionally for 23 seasons, 16 of them in NPB, 7 in MLB. He is currently a baseball color commentator, critic, reporter, and YouTuber. Daisuke is nicknamed "the Monster of the Heisei Era" (平成の怪物, heisei no kaibutsu) in Japan and "Dice-K" in the United States by The Boston Globe and USA Today. He played for the Boston Red Sox and New York Mets of Major League Baseball (MLB) and the Saitama Seibu Lions, Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks and Chunichi Dragons of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). Internationally, Matsuzaka represented Japan. Matsuzaka was selected the All-World Baseball Classic Team and World Baseball Classic MVP of the inaugural and the second World Baseball Classic, and is an Olympic bronze medalist. He is the first player to have won both a World Series and a World Baseball Classic, winning the 2006 World Baseball Classic with Team Japan and the 2007 World Series with the Red Sox.
Yūsuke Takahashi (高橋 祐介, Takahashi Yūsuke; born 12 September 1980) is a Japanese politician of the Liberal Democratic…Yūsuke Takahashi (高橋 祐介, Takahashi Yūsuke; born 12 September 1980) is a Japanese politician of the Liberal Democratic Party, who serves as a member of the House of Representatives.
Hiromi Kaneko (金子 広美, Kaneko Hiromi; born 9 September 1980) is a Japanese racing cyclist. She rode in the women's road…Hiromi Kaneko (金子 広美, Kaneko Hiromi; born 9 September 1980) is a Japanese racing cyclist. She rode in the women's road race event at the 2018 UCI Road World Championships. She was selected to the 2020 Summer Olympics team, and finished in 43rd place in the women's road race.