Kousuke Atari (中 孝介, Atari Kōsuke; born 13 July 1980) is a Japanese pop singer. He is a self-trained musician, and…Kousuke Atari (中 孝介, Atari Kōsuke; born 13 July 1980) is a Japanese pop singer. He is a self-trained musician, and performs in the shimauta (island-song) style of his hometown.
Naohiro Kawakita (河北 尚広, Kawakita Naohiro; born 10 July 1980 in Takamatsu, Kagawa) is a Japanese hurdler who…Naohiro Kawakita (河北 尚広, Kawakita Naohiro; born 10 July 1980 in Takamatsu, Kagawa) is a Japanese hurdler who specialises in the 400 metres hurdles. He won bronze medals at the 2006 Asian Games and 2010 Asian Games in the event.
Tomoyuki Yoshino (吉野 智行, Yoshino Tomoyuki; born July 9, 1980) is a former Japanese soccer player. In 2023, he was…Tomoyuki Yoshino (吉野 智行, Yoshino Tomoyuki; born July 9, 1980) is a former Japanese soccer player. In 2023, he was appointed as the sporting director of Shonan Bellmare.
Hiroaki Sato (佐藤 弘明, Satō Hiroaki; born July 8, 1980) is a Japanese professional wrestler and mixed martial artist…Hiroaki Sato (佐藤 弘明, Satō Hiroaki; born July 8, 1980) is a Japanese professional wrestler and mixed martial artist, better known by the ring name Hikaru Sato (佐藤 光留, Satō Hikaru). Sato started his MMA career in February 2000, fighting for Pancrase Hybrid Wrestling. During the next eight years, Sato fought, on average, five times a year, compiling a record of 18 wins, 19 losses and four draws, which included fights against the likes of Keiichiro Yamamiya, Nathan Marquardt, Ryo Chonan and Yushin Okami. In May 2008, Sato transitioned into the world of professional wrestling, when he was signed by the Dramatic Dream Team (DDT) promotion. He has since had ten MMA fights. In November 2010, Sato first became a triple crown trios champion with Michael Nakazawa and Tomomitsu Matsunaga and then also won DDT's top singles title, the KO-D Openweight Championship. Sato remained affiliated with DDT until January 2014. He is currently working for the All Japan Pro Wrestling promotion, where he is a former two-time World Junior Heavyweight Champion and four-time All Asia Tag Team Champion, while also being a five-time winner of the Jr. Tag Battle of Glory tournament.
Momoe Oe (大江 百重, Ōe Momoe; born July 7, 1980), better known by her maiden name Momoe Nakanishi (中西 百重, Nakanishi…Momoe Oe (大江 百重, Ōe Momoe; born July 7, 1980), better known by her maiden name Momoe Nakanishi (中西 百重, Nakanishi Momoe), is a Japanese retired professional wrestler. She made her debut for All Japan Women's Pro-Wrestling (AJW) in July 1996 at the age of sixteen and during the next seven years, won all of the promotion's top titles, including the WWWA World Single Championship and the WWWA World Tag Team Championship. In 2003, Nakanishi quit AJW to become a freelancer and went on to win the AtoZ World Championship later that same year and the NEO Single and NWA Women's Pacific Championships in 2004. Nakanishi retired from professional wrestling on January 7, 2005, at the age of just twenty-four. She now works as a trainer at the U.W.F. Snakepit gym.
Kenichi Maeyamada (前山田 健一, Maeyamada Ken'ichi; born July 4, 1980), also known as Hyadain (ヒャダイン), is a Japanese…Kenichi Maeyamada (前山田 健一, Maeyamada Ken'ichi; born July 4, 1980), also known as Hyadain (ヒャダイン), is a Japanese composer, lyricist, and musician. His primary work is composing anime theme songs and for J-pop musicians. He contracts through Supalove, a Japanese record label. He has released a number of anime and video game music remixes, as well as original songs. These remixes have received over 20 million hits on YouTube and Nico Nico Douga.
Susumu Tabuchi (田渕 晋, Tabuchi Susumu; born 2 July 1980) is a Japanese former swimmer who competed in the 2000 Summer…Susumu Tabuchi (田渕 晋, Tabuchi Susumu; born 2 July 1980) is a Japanese former swimmer who competed in the 2000 Summer Olympics and in the 2004 Summer Olympics.
Rena Takase (高瀬 玲奈, Takase Rena; born February 26, 1981) is a Japanese professional wrestler, better known by the ring…Rena Takase (高瀬 玲奈, Takase Rena; born February 26, 1981) is a Japanese professional wrestler, better known by the ring name Leon. Trained by Hyper Visual Fighting Arsion, Takase made her debut for the promotion in March 2000, working under her real name. After a change in management, Arsion was renamed Major Girl's Fighting AtoZ in 2003, and Takase received a new ring name, Leo-na (玲央奈, Reiōna). After quitting AtoZ in 2005, Takase became a freelancer, now working under a mask and the new ring name Toujyuki Leon (闘獣牙Leon, Tōjūki Leon). After two years of working for several independent promotions, including JDStar, M's Style and Oz Academy, Takase made JWP Joshi Puroresu her new home promotion in January 2007. In January 2010, Takase's ring name was shortened to just Leon and the following year, she won JWP's top title, the JWP Openweight Championship, while also becoming the leader of the Shishi no Ana stable. Takase remained with JWP until the promotion's folding in April 2017.
Yumi Yoshino (芳野 友美, Yoshino Yumi; born 2 July 1980, in Iizuka, Fukuoka) is a Japanese actress. She is represented with…Yumi Yoshino (芳野 友美, Yoshino Yumi; born 2 July 1980, in Iizuka, Fukuoka) is a Japanese actress. She is represented with Production Harmony.
Tets Ohnari (大成哲, Tets Ohnari; * 30 June 1980, Tokyo) is a Japanese sculptor and contemporary artist living and working…Tets Ohnari (大成哲, Tets Ohnari; * 30 June 1980, Tokyo) is a Japanese sculptor and contemporary artist living and working in both, Tokyo and Prague (Czech Republic).
Akiko Kawase (川瀬 晶子, Kawase Akiko; born June 29, 1980) is a Japanese voice actress. Her major roles include Humiko…Akiko Kawase (川瀬 晶子, Kawase Akiko; born June 29, 1980) is a Japanese voice actress. Her major roles include Humiko Honma in Black Jack, Miyabi Tsukuyomi in Koi Koi Seven, and Aoi Mishina in Ryusei Sentai Mustumet. She voices Plusle in the Pokémon series.
Tomohiro Matsunaga (松永 共広, Matsunaga Tomohiro; born June 27, 1980) is a Japanese freestyle wrestler. Matsunaga was born…Tomohiro Matsunaga (松永 共広, Matsunaga Tomohiro; born June 27, 1980) is a Japanese freestyle wrestler. Matsunaga was born in Shizuoka. At the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, he won silver in his category (55 kilograms). Matsunaga has also competed in 2 SASUKE competitions (21–22), where he failed the Second Stage's Salmon Ladder and the First Stage's Jumping Spider respectively.
Takahiro Futagawa (二川 孝広, Futagawa Takahiro; born 27 June 1980) is a Japanese former football player and currently…Takahiro Futagawa (二川 孝広, Futagawa Takahiro; born 27 June 1980) is a Japanese former football player and currently manager of former team Tiamo Hirakata.
Hideomi Yamamoto (山本 英臣, Yamamoto Hideomi; born June 26, 1980) is a Japanese football player who plays for Ventforet…Hideomi Yamamoto (山本 英臣, Yamamoto Hideomi; born June 26, 1980) is a Japanese football player who plays for Ventforet Kofu.
Ippei Asada (麻田一平, Asada Ippei; born 26 June 1980) is a former Japanese rugby union player who played as a scrum-half.…Ippei Asada (麻田一平, Asada Ippei; born 26 June 1980) is a former Japanese rugby union player who played as a scrum-half. He spent his whole career playing for Toyota Verblitz in Japan's domestic Top League, playing over 75 times and captaining the side. His performances domestically earned him a call-up as a replacement player for the 2011 Rugby World Cup for Japan. He though did not make an appearance at the World Cup, or in any other matches for Japan.
Takashi Ono (小野 卓志, Ono Takashi; born 25 June 1980) is a Japanese judoka and the 2005 Asian Judo Championships gold…Takashi Ono (小野 卓志, Ono Takashi; born 25 June 1980) is a Japanese judoka and the 2005 Asian Judo Championships gold medalist in the −81 kg category. Ono is from Ishige, Ibaraki, and has studied Judo alongside Keiji Suzuki since childhood. After graduating from Tsukuba University, he joined Ryotokuji Gakuen, of which Yusuke Kanamaru, Tomoo Torii, and former Asian champion Yuta Yazaki are also members. He won the all Japanese championships from 2008 to 2010 and, although the favorite at the Tokyo 2010 World Championships, was eliminated in the 3rd round by former Olympic champion Ilias Iliadis. Ono is renowned for his uchi mata (inner thigh throw). He is also well known for his Ōuchi gari (大内刈 major inside leg reap). In 2009–2010, Ono was regarded as one of the most exciting judoka in the world. Despite his popularity, he lost his place in the 2012 Olympics; Japan instead chose Masashi Nishiyama for –90 kg.
Nozomi Takeuchi (竹内のぞみ/竹内希実, Takeuchi Nozomi; born June 25, 1980) is a Japanese gravure idol, and a female talent. She…Nozomi Takeuchi (竹内のぞみ/竹内希実, Takeuchi Nozomi; born June 25, 1980) is a Japanese gravure idol, and a female talent. She is from Okazaki, Aichi, belonged to the show-business production Yume Kikaku. Her nickname is 'Kojocho' (means a factory manager), derives from her handle name of the official blog. She graduated from 'Kunitachi College of Music' (in Japan), and plays the piano.
Yuichi Onda (恩田 祐一, Onda Yūichi) (born June 24, 1980) is a Japanese cross-country skier who has competed since 1999.…Yuichi Onda (恩田 祐一, Onda Yūichi) (born June 24, 1980) is a Japanese cross-country skier who has competed since 1999. Competing in two Winter Olympics, he earned his best finish of 12th in the team sprint event at Turin in 2006 while his best individual finish was 17th in the individual sprint event at Vancouver four years later. Onda's best finish at the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships was tenth twice both in the team sprint (2007, 2009) while his best individual finish was 25th in the individual sprint event at Sapporo in 2007. His best World Cup finish was fourth twice both in individual sprint events (2007, 2009).
Yūsaku Miyazato (宮里 優作, Miyazato Yūsaku; born 19 June 1980) is a Japanese professional golfer. In 2006, he became the…Yūsaku Miyazato (宮里 優作, Miyazato Yūsaku; born 19 June 1980) is a Japanese professional golfer. In 2006, he became the first modern-era golfer to make two hole in one shots in the same round of a PGA Tour event, at the Reno-Tahoe Open in Nevada.
Nanae Chrono (Japanese: 黒乃 奈々絵, Hepburn: Kurono Nanae; born June 18, 1980) is a Japanese manga artist. He is best known…Nanae Chrono (Japanese: 黒乃 奈々絵, Hepburn: Kurono Nanae; born June 18, 1980) is a Japanese manga artist. He is best known as the creator of the manga series Peacemaker Kurogane, Momo Tama, and Vassalord. He is a trans man.
Yudai Kawai (川井 雄太, Kawai Yudai; born June 17, 1980 in Kitasaku District, Nagano, Japan) is a retired professional…Yudai Kawai (川井 雄太, Kawai Yudai; born June 17, 1980 in Kitasaku District, Nagano, Japan) is a retired professional Japanese baseball player. He played pitcher for the Chunichi Dragons. Kawai announced his retirement on 23 September 2016, and played his final game for the Dragons against the Hanshin Tigers at Nagoya Dome pitching 5 straight deliveries in a row to retire the pinch hitting Shunsuke Fujikawa.
Marie Kai (甲斐 まり恵, Kai Marie; born June 13, 1980, in Ichinomiya (now Aso), Aso District, Kumamoto, Japan) is a Japanese…Marie Kai (甲斐 まり恵, Kai Marie; born June 13, 1980, in Ichinomiya (now Aso), Aso District, Kumamoto, Japan) is a Japanese actress who has been represented by the talent agencies Cent Force, then Staff-up, then Oscar Promotion, until finally becoming freelance in 2017.
Toshiya Nakashima (中島 俊哉, born June 10, 1980, in Chikugo, Fukuoka) is a Japanese professional baseball outfielder for…Toshiya Nakashima (中島 俊哉, born June 10, 1980, in Chikugo, Fukuoka) is a Japanese professional baseball outfielder for the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball.
Tsuyoshi Yasuda (Japanese: 安田 剛士, Hepburn: Yasuda Tsuyoshi; born June 9, 1980) is a Japanese manga artist known for the…Tsuyoshi Yasuda (Japanese: 安田 剛士, Hepburn: Yasuda Tsuyoshi; born June 9, 1980) is a Japanese manga artist known for the manga Over Drive, and since 2013 for the manga Days for which he won the prize for best shōnen manga at the 40th Kodansha Manga Awards in 2016. He previously worked as an assistant under Taro Sekiguchi on the manga serial Wild Baseballers.
Yoshihiro Nitta (新田佳浩, Nitta Yoshihiro; born 8 July 1980) is a Japanese Paralympic cross-country skier and biathlete.…Yoshihiro Nitta (新田佳浩, Nitta Yoshihiro; born 8 July 1980) is a Japanese Paralympic cross-country skier and biathlete. He is regarded as one of the most experienced Japanese Paralympic competitors as he went onto represent Japan at the Paralympics in 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018 and 2022. Yoshihiro Nitta has won 4 medals in his Paralympic career, including 2 gold medals at the 2010 Winter Paralympics. He achieved his 4th Paralympic medal in his career and the first medal since the 2010 Winter Paralympics after claiming a silver medal in the men's 1.5km sprint classic standing cross-country skiing event during the 2018 Winter Paralympics.
Ryohei Iwatani (岩谷良平, Iwatani Ryohei; born 7 June 1980) is a Japanese politician serving as a member of the House of…Ryohei Iwatani (岩谷良平, Iwatani Ryohei; born 7 June 1980) is a Japanese politician serving as a member of the House of Representatives since 2021. He has served as secretary general of the Japan Innovation Party since 2024. From 2011 to 2015, he was a member of the Osaka Prefectural Assembly.
Taketoshi "Gomez" Goto (後藤G武敏, Goto Gomesu Taketoshi; born June 5, 1980 in Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan) is a former…Taketoshi "Gomez" Goto (後藤G武敏, Goto Gomesu Taketoshi; born June 5, 1980 in Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan) is a former Japanese baseball player. He played infield for the Saitama Seibu Lions and Yokohama DeNA BayStars.
Naoki Matayoshi (又吉 直樹, Matayoshi Naoki; born June 2, 1980) is a Japanese comedian, screenwriter, and novelist who won…Naoki Matayoshi (又吉 直樹, Matayoshi Naoki; born June 2, 1980) is a Japanese comedian, screenwriter, and novelist who won the Akutagawa Prize in 2015 for his book Hibana (火花, Spark), which was adapted into the Netflix series Hibana: Spark. Matayoshi is the boke of his comedy duo Peace alongside his partner Yuji Ayabe. Ayabe left Japan for New York in 2016 to continue his comedic career overseas while Matayoshi stayed in Japan, effectively making the duo inactive since then. He is from Neyagawa City in Osaka Prefecture. He graduated from Hokuyo Senior High School (presently Kansai University Hokuyo Senior High School).
Shingo Suetsugu (末續 慎吾, Suetsugu Shingo; born 2 June 1980 in Kumamoto) is a Japanese sprinter. He is a former Asian…Shingo Suetsugu (末續 慎吾, Suetsugu Shingo; born 2 June 1980 in Kumamoto) is a Japanese sprinter. He is a former Asian record holder in the 200 metres and 4×100 metres relay.
Keiji Takei (born 1 June 1980) is a Japanese former international rugby union player. A fullback from Kanagawa…Keiji Takei (born 1 June 1980) is a Japanese former international rugby union player. A fullback from Kanagawa Prefecture, Takei was capped six times by Japan between 2004 and 2006, which included qualifying matches for the 2007 Rugby World Cup. He scored five international tries. Takei played his club rugby for NEC Green Rockets in Japan's Top League. In 2013, Takei announced his retirement from professional rugby to focus on his career in the corporate sector.
Masaya Kikawada (黄川田 雅哉, Kikawada Masaya; born June 1, 1980) is a Japanese actor. His most prominent role has been as…Masaya Kikawada (黄川田 雅哉, Kikawada Masaya; born June 1, 1980) is a Japanese actor. His most prominent role has been as Takeshi Hongo in the film Kamen Rider The First and its sequel Kamen Rider The Next. He was also in Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon as Sailor Jupiter's love interest Motoki Furuhata, as well as the sequel to Battle Royale, Battle Royale 2: Requiem. He also was Yousuke the disc jockey in the movie Dear Friends, where he was reunited with Keiko Kitagawa. Furthermore, he was in the Japanese drama My Boss my Hero playing Sakaki Mikio, younger brother to the main character.
Akitoshi Tamura (born May 31, 1980) is a Japanese mixed martial artist. He competed almost exclusively in the Shooto…Akitoshi Tamura (born May 31, 1980) is a Japanese mixed martial artist. He competed almost exclusively in the Shooto organization, before making his debut in 2008 at the WEC 37. In 2007, he was the lightweight champion of Shooto. He was once ranked as the #5 Bantamweight in the world by the MMAWeekly Worldwide Ranking System. Tamura is a freestyle fighter. In 2004, Tamura became the first foreigner to beat a Burmese Lethwei fighter in an official match.
Mika Katsumura (勝村 美香, Katsumura Mika; born May 31, 1980, in Mito, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan) is a former Japanese…Mika Katsumura (勝村 美香, Katsumura Mika; born May 31, 1980, in Mito, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan) is a former Japanese actress. She played the role of Yuri/Time Pink in the 2000 Super Sentai series Mirai Sentai Timeranger.
Ryōgo Narita (Japanese: 成田 良悟, Hepburn: Narita Ryōgo; born May 30, 1980) is a Japanese light novelist and manga writer.…Ryōgo Narita (Japanese: 成田 良悟, Hepburn: Narita Ryōgo; born May 30, 1980) is a Japanese light novelist and manga writer. He won the Gold Prize in the 9th Dengeki Novel Prize for Baccano!, which was made into an anime television series in 2007. His series Durarara!! was also made into two anime television series, one airing January 2010 and the second in January 2015.
Tomohisa Yuge (弓削智久, Yuge Tomohisa; born 25 May 1980) is a Japanese actor who has had roles in numerous TV Asahi…Tomohisa Yuge (弓削智久, Yuge Tomohisa; born 25 May 1980) is a Japanese actor who has had roles in numerous TV Asahi Tokusatsu shows, including Kamen Rider Ryuki and Kamen Rider Kabuto, as well as a number of films.
Rena Tanaka (田中 麗奈, Tanaka Rena; born 22 May 1980) is a Japanese actress. In 1999, she won the Japanese Academy Award…Rena Tanaka (田中 麗奈, Tanaka Rena; born 22 May 1980) is a Japanese actress. In 1999, she won the Japanese Academy Award for "Best Newcomer" for her performance in Give It All; in 2001, she received a "Best Actress" nomination for First Love.
Yuki Kohara (Japanese: 小原 裕貴, Hepburn: Kohara Yūki; born 21 May 1980) is a Japanese former singer, actor, and idol…Yuki Kohara (Japanese: 小原 裕貴, Hepburn: Kohara Yūki; born 21 May 1980) is a Japanese former singer, actor, and idol whose career lasted from 1991 to 2000. He was a member of Johnny's Junior until 15 October 2000.
Chinatsu Mori (森 千夏, Mori Chinatsu) (May 20, 1980 in Edogawa, Tokyo – August 9, 2006 in Tokyo) was a Japanese shot…Chinatsu Mori (森 千夏, Mori Chinatsu) (May 20, 1980 in Edogawa, Tokyo – August 9, 2006 in Tokyo) was a Japanese shot putter. Her personal best throw is 18.22 metres, achieved in April 2004 in Hamamatsu. This is the current Japanese record. She won the silver medal at the 2000 Asian Championships and the bronze medal at the 2003 Asian Championships. In addition she competed at the 2003 World Championships and the 2004 Olympic Games without reaching the final round. Mori died of appendix cancer on August 9, 2006, aged 26.
Mari Konno (紺野 麻里, Konno Mari; born 18 May 1980) is a Japanese former basketball player who competed in the 2004 Summer…Mari Konno (紺野 麻里, Konno Mari; born 18 May 1980) is a Japanese former basketball player who competed in the 2004 Summer Olympics.
Hiroshi Kisanuki (木佐貫 洋, born May 17, 1980) is a former Japanese professional baseball pitcher for the Hokkaido…Hiroshi Kisanuki (木佐貫 洋, born May 17, 1980) is a former Japanese professional baseball pitcher for the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball. He previously played for the Yomiuri Giants from 2003 to 2009. He won the Central League Rookie of the Year Award in 2003.
Masaaki Koike (小池 正晃, Koike Masaaki; born April 20, 1980 in Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan) is a professional Japanese…Masaaki Koike (小池 正晃, Koike Masaaki; born April 20, 1980 in Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan) is a professional Japanese baseball player. Koike played outfield and infield for the Chunichi Dragons (2008–2011) and for the Yokohama DeNA BayStars (2012–2013). Koike announced his retirement on October 1, 2013 and his final at-bat, hit a home run. In 2014, the Yokohama DeNA BayStars hired Koike as first team batting coach. On 6 November 2024, it was confirmed Koike had accepted an offer to become a hitting coach for the Chunichi Dragons.
Saori Shimai (島井 咲緒里, Shimai Saori; born May 15, 1980) is a Japanese retired women's professional shogi player who…Saori Shimai (島井 咲緒里, Shimai Saori; born May 15, 1980) is a Japanese retired women's professional shogi player who achieved the rank of 2-dan. As of July 2023, she is serving as an executive director of Ladies Professional Shogi-players' Association of Japan (LPSA).