Huwie Ishizaki (Japanese: 石崎ひゅーい, Hepburn: Ishizaki Hyūi; born March 7, 1984) is a Japanese singer-songwriter and…Huwie Ishizaki (Japanese: 石崎ひゅーい, Hepburn: Ishizaki Hyūi; born March 7, 1984) is a Japanese singer-songwriter and actor. Born and raised in Mito, Ibaraki, he began writing and performing when he was in middle school and later became the vocalist of the band Astrocoast. In 2012, at the age of 26, he became a solo artist after being persuaded to by the music producer Akira Sudo; he debuted in July 2012 with his mini album Dai-san Wakusei Kōkyōkyoku. As of March 2026, he has released six full albums. He charted on Billboard Japan's Hot Lyricist and Composer in November 2021. Ishizaki has made various film and television appearances, beginning with his debut role in 2016 film Japanese Girls Never Die as Yuji Soga. He appeared as Takashi Nozoe in the 2019 film Sora no Restaurant, and as Kamiya Yusuke in the TV drama series Hidarikiki no Eren. He has written songs for other artists such as Masaki Suda and Aina the End; he also performed theme songs for Japanese film and TV dramas such as "Yakan Hikō", which was used as the ending theme for 2013 TV drama series Minna! ESPer Dayo!. He performed "Parade" which served as the secondary ending theme of the 2019 anime Case File nº221: Kabukicho.
Jong Tae-se, also known as Chong Tese (鄭大世; チョン・テセ; Korean: 정대세; born 2 March 1984) is a former professional footballer…Jong Tae-se, also known as Chong Tese (鄭大世; チョン・テセ; Korean: 정대세; born 2 March 1984) is a former professional footballer who played as a forward. Born in Japan, he represented the North Korea national team internationally, notably appearing at the 2010 FIFA World Cup. He is one of few North Koreans who have played in the Japanese J-League and the German 2. Bundesliga.
Rica Imai (今井 りか, Imai Rika; born February 29, 1984, in Ageo, Saitama, Japan) is a Japanese model, entertainer, and…Rica Imai (今井 りか, Imai Rika; born February 29, 1984, in Ageo, Saitama, Japan) is a Japanese model, entertainer, and actress.
Kiyoe Yoshioka (吉岡 聖恵, Yoshioka Kiyoe; born February 29, 1984) is a Japanese singer and vocalist. She is best known for…Kiyoe Yoshioka (吉岡 聖恵, Yoshioka Kiyoe; born February 29, 1984) is a Japanese singer and vocalist. She is best known for being the lead vocalist of the band Ikimonogakari since its founding in 1999. She has also been active as a solo singer, releasing her first album Utairo in 2018. In 2022 her song "Dekoboko" was used as the first opening theme to the anime series A Couple of Cuckoos.
Wakakōyū Masaya (born 24 February 1984 as Masaya Yakigaya) is a former professional sumo wrestler from Funabashi…Wakakōyū Masaya (born 24 February 1984 as Masaya Yakigaya) is a former professional sumo wrestler from Funabashi, Japan. His highest rank was komusubi. The last two characters of his ring name were taken from his mentor and coach at Ōnomatsu, the former Masurao. He was only the second wrestler from his stable to reach the top division. He was runner-up in one tournament and earned one special prize, for Fighting Spirit. He is now a sumo coach.
Carlos Kenji Yoshimura (born February 22, 1984) is a Brazilian baseball pitcher. He attended Hakuoh University and has…Carlos Kenji Yoshimura (born February 22, 1984) is a Brazilian baseball pitcher. He attended Hakuoh University and has played for the Yamaha team in the Japanese Industrial League. He represented Brazil at the 2003 Pan American Games, 2003 Baseball World Cup and 2013 World Baseball Classic.
Yuki Sato (佐藤 祐基, Satō Yūki; also written as Yuuki Sato) is a Japanese actor from Shinagawa, Tokyo, best known for…Yuki Sato (佐藤 祐基, Satō Yūki; also written as Yuuki Sato) is a Japanese actor from Shinagawa, Tokyo, best known for portraying Arata Kagami/Kamen Rider Gatack in the tokusatsu series Kamen Rider Kabuto and a character named Mr. Shakedown in Yakuza 0. For a brief period, he performed under the names Tomohito Sato (佐藤 智仁, Satō Tomohito) and Jin Sato (佐藤 汛, Satō Jin).
Ayumi Shibata (柴田 あゆみ, Shibata Ayumi) (born February 22, 1984) is a Japanese female singer. She is a former member of…Ayumi Shibata (柴田 あゆみ, Shibata Ayumi) (born February 22, 1984) is a Japanese female singer. She is a former member of Melon Kinenbi, an all-girl J-pop group which is part of the Hello! Project. She joined the group Tanpopo with Morning Musume members Asami Konno and Risa Niigaki in 2002 until the group went into an indefinite hiatus after releasing one single. Shibata has been an active member of Hello! Project since 2000, participating in Hello! Project's futsal club Gatas Brilhantes H.P., many shuffle groups, concerts, and special events. After Melon Kinenbi disbanded in 2011, Shibata announced she was starting her own solo career, and she later released her first solo single, "believe", in November 2011. She later released her first solo album in 2014, "Kick start", which was largely a cover album. In 2016, Shibata announced she was marrying baseball pitcher Masaki Minami, and announced her retirement shortly afterwards as well.
Yuki Yamaguchi (山口 有希, Yamaguchi Yūki; born 22 February 1984 in Maizuru, Kyoto) is a former Japanese sprinter who…Yuki Yamaguchi (山口 有希, Yamaguchi Yūki; born 22 February 1984 in Maizuru, Kyoto) is a former Japanese sprinter who specialised in the 400 metres. His personal best time was 45.18 seconds, achieved in the 2003 National Sports Festival of Japan in Fukuroi. This is the current Japanese junior record.
Shingo Kunieda (国枝 慎吾, Kunieda Shingo; born February 21, 1984) is a Japanese former wheelchair tennis player. With four…Shingo Kunieda (国枝 慎吾, Kunieda Shingo; born February 21, 1984) is a Japanese former wheelchair tennis player. With four Paralympic gold medals, 28 major singles titles – an all-time record in singles of any tennis discipline – and 50 major titles overall, Kunieda is widely considered the greatest male wheelchair player of all time. Kunieda was the ITF World Champion from 2007 to 2010. He was also the year-end No. 1 in doubles in 2007. In 2007, 2009, 2010, 2014, and 2015, Kunieda won all three singles majors that hosted wheelchair singles events (Wimbledon did not do so until 2016). In 2007 and 2008, Kunieda also won three of the four Masters series events. Kunieda is the only male player to retain the men's singles title at the Paralympics – he took the gold medal in 2008, 2012 and 2020. In addition, Kunieda won the gold medal in the 2004 men's doubles, and has been part of two World Team Cup wins. He has 103 career titles over singles and doubles combined, including 50 majors. Kunieda had a three-year, 106-match consecutive win streak. The streak began after his loss at the 2007 Masters and ended to Stéphane Houdet in the semifinals of the 2010 Masters. In late 2012 to early 2013, Kunieda had a win streak of 44 matches. Between January 2014 and December 2015, Kunieda was on yet another winning streak of 77 matches, ending to Joachim Gérard in the round-robin phase of the 2015 NEC Masters tournament. Kunieda is a right-handed player whose favorite surface is hard court. He was coached by Hiromichi Maruyama. He announced his retirement in January 2023.
Karina Nose (能瀬 香里奈, Nose Karina; born February 21, 1984), known mononymously as Karina (香里奈), is a Japanese actress…Karina Nose (能瀬 香里奈, Nose Karina; born February 21, 1984), known mononymously as Karina (香里奈), is a Japanese actress and model. She was born in Shōwa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture. She played the lead role in the 2008 TBS drama Daisuki!!
Keisuke Koide (小出 恵介, Koide Keisuke; born February 20, 1984) is a Japanese actor who starred in Kwak Jae-yong's film…Keisuke Koide (小出 恵介, Koide Keisuke; born February 20, 1984) is a Japanese actor who starred in Kwak Jae-yong's film Cyborg She and in Koizora.
Kenta Kamakari (鎌苅 健太, Kamakari Kenta; born on February 17, 1984, in Osaka Prefecture) is a Japanese actor, voice actor…Kenta Kamakari (鎌苅 健太, Kamakari Kenta; born on February 17, 1984, in Osaka Prefecture) is a Japanese actor, voice actor and singer, famous for his role as Ryo Shishido in the Prince of Tennis Musicals. He was hospitalized on April 21, 2007, and was unable to play the role of Minami Itsuki in Musical Air Gear vs. Bacchus Super Range Remix and appear in Dream Live 4 – Extra. As he mentioned in his blog, as of February 2008 he is completely recovered and will start working again. He is the leader and lead vocals for the rock band Cocoa Otoko that debuted on 2010, yet disbanded again. In 2017, he married model and actress Yuria Haga.
Yoshitaka Naito (内藤禎貴, Naito Yoshitaka) (born February 17, 1984) is a retired Japanese mixed martial artist from Inzai…Yoshitaka Naito (内藤禎貴, Naito Yoshitaka) (born February 17, 1984) is a retired Japanese mixed martial artist from Inzai, Chiba Prefecture, Japan. He is a former two-time ONE Strawweight World Champion. Naito is furthermore a former Shooto World Flyweight (114 lb) Champion, where he holds the record for flyweight title defenses, and was voted Fighter of the Year for two consecutive years. He is regarded as one of the best strawweights in the world, and is ranked as the #2 all time strawweight by Fight Matrix.
Norio Suzuki (鈴木 規郎, Suzuki Norio; born February 14, 1984) is a Japanese former professional footballer who played as a…Norio Suzuki (鈴木 規郎, Suzuki Norio; born February 14, 1984) is a Japanese former professional footballer who played as a defender and midfielder.
Yusaku Obata (小幡優作, Obata Yusaku, born February 13, 1984) is a Japanese professional wrestler, currently a freelancer.…Yusaku Obata (小幡優作, Obata Yusaku, born February 13, 1984) is a Japanese professional wrestler, currently a freelancer. He's best known for his time in Pro Wrestling Zero1 (ZERO1), where is a former World Heavyweight Champion, a former two-time NWA Intercontinental Tag Team Champion, a former NWA United National Heavyweight Champion, the winner of the 2013 and 2016 Furinkazan and the 2016 Fire Festival. He is also known for his work in Apache Pro Wrestling Army, where he was a former WEW Tag Team Champion alongside HIROKI. Obata was originally trained by Kaientai Dojo and left the promotion in 2006. After leaving K-Dojo, Obata had much better success after signing with ZERO1 in 2012.
Natsuki Obama (小濱なつき, Obama Natsuki; born February 12, 1984) is a Japanese fashion model and actor. She appeared in the…Natsuki Obama (小濱なつき, Obama Natsuki; born February 12, 1984) is a Japanese fashion model and actor. She appeared in the national "What should I do to coordinate tomorrow?" campaign for the fashion magazine Marisol in 2017 and 2018. While attending Kagoshima Girl's High School, she was a member of the volleyball team that went to the national finals. Obama was a finalist for the 3rd Cover Girl Prize given out by Magazine Summit, a national organization for magazine publishers in Japan. Obama has used her celebrity status to support products such as shōchū that are produced in Minamisatsuma. She gave birth to a daughter in 2019.
Shōhōzan Yūya (Japanese: 松鳳山 裕也; born February 9, 1984 as Yūya Matsutani (松谷 裕也)) is a Japanese former professional…Shōhōzan Yūya (Japanese: 松鳳山 裕也; born February 9, 1984 as Yūya Matsutani (松谷 裕也)) is a Japanese former professional sumo wrestler from Chikujō, Fukuoka. Wrestling for Hanaregoma stable, he made his professional debut in March 2006 and reached the top makuuchi division in November 2011. His highest rank was komusubi, which he achieved on five occasions. He earned three Fighting Spirit prizes, five kinboshi or gold stars for defeating yokozuna, and was runner-up in one tournament before retiring from competition in June 2022.
Hiroki Sanada (真田 裕貴, born February 7, 1984) is a professional baseball player from Takasago, Hyōgo, Japan (though was…Hiroki Sanada (真田 裕貴, born February 7, 1984) is a professional baseball player from Takasago, Hyōgo, Japan (though was born in Osaka Prefecture). He began his career as a pitcher for the Yomiuri Giants and currently plays for the Tokyo Yakult Swallows. In November 2011, the Stars announced that they would use the posting system and auction Sanada's negotiating rights to Major League Baseball teams.
Kimitoshi Nōgawa (直川 公俊, Nōgawa Kimitoshi; born 6 February 1984) is a Japanese former professional footballer who…Kimitoshi Nōgawa (直川 公俊, Nōgawa Kimitoshi; born 6 February 1984) is a Japanese former professional footballer who played as a striker. His birthday has also been reported as 27 June 1978.
Kyohei Morita (森田恭平) (born 6 February 1984) is a Japanese rugby union footballer who made his international debut as a…Kyohei Morita (森田恭平) (born 6 February 1984) is a Japanese rugby union footballer who made his international debut as a fly half with the Japan national rugby union team in 2004. He graduated from Hosei University and joined Kobelco Steelers in 2006.
Ryosuke Baba (馬場 亮輔, Baba Ryōsuke; born 4 February 1984) is a Japanese artistic gymnast. Baba was part of the Japanese…Ryosuke Baba (馬場 亮輔, Baba Ryōsuke; born 4 February 1984) is a Japanese artistic gymnast. Baba was part of the Japanese team that won the silver medal in the team event at the 2006 Asian Games as well as the 2010 Asian Games. Prior to his silver medal, he was thought of as the future of Japanese men's artistic gymnastics.
Midori Kuzuoka (葛岡 碧, Kuzuoka Midori; born January 30, 1984, in Natori, Miyagi, Japan) is a Japanese model who is…Midori Kuzuoka (葛岡 碧, Kuzuoka Midori; born January 30, 1984, in Natori, Miyagi, Japan) is a Japanese model who is represented by the talent agency, Illume.
Yushi Aida (会田 有志, Aida Yushi; born January 30, 1984 in Saitama, Japan) is a Nippon Professional Baseball player for…Yushi Aida (会田 有志, Aida Yushi; born January 30, 1984 in Saitama, Japan) is a Nippon Professional Baseball player for the Yomiuri Giants.
Kotoshōgiku Kazuhiro (Japanese: 琴奨菊 和弘; born 30 January 1984 as Kazuhiro Kikutsugi (菊次 一弘, Kikutsugi Kazuhiro) in…Kotoshōgiku Kazuhiro (Japanese: 琴奨菊 和弘; born 30 January 1984 as Kazuhiro Kikutsugi (菊次 一弘, Kikutsugi Kazuhiro) in Yanagawa, Fukuoka) is a Japanese former professional sumo wrestler. Wrestling for Sadogatake stable, he made his professional debut in 2002, and reached the top division in 2005. In 2011 he achieved the standard for promotion to the second highest rank of ōzeki by winning 33 bouts over three tournaments, and was formally promoted by the Japan Sumo Association on 28 September. On 24 January 2016 he became the first Japanese-born wrestler in ten years to win a top-division tournament. He had a long-standing rivalry with Kisenosato against whom he fought a record 66 times, the most between two wrestlers in sumo history. He continued to fight after losing his ōzeki rank in January 2017, and in March 2020 became the oldest active sekitori. He announced his retirement from active competition on 14 November 2020. Kotoshōgiku earned seven special prizes in his career, won one top division tournament, and was runner-up in three others.
An Jeong-hwan (Korean: 안정환; born 28 January 1984) is a South Korean judoka. An was born in Daegu, South Korea. He is a…An Jeong-hwan (Korean: 안정환; born 28 January 1984) is a South Korean judoka. An was born in Daegu, South Korea. He is a nephew of Olympic gold medalist Ahn Byeong-keun. At the age of 15, An moved to Japan and continued his judo career in Fukuoka. Upon graduation from Yamanashi Gakuin University in 2006, he came back to Korea and joined the Pohang City Hall judo club. On 26 August 2009, An won a bronze medal in the –66 kg division at the 2009 World Judo Championships in Rotterdam, Netherlands.
Haruna Fukuoka (福岡 春菜, Fukuoka Haruna) (born 25 January 1984 in Tokushima) is a Japanese table tennis player. She…Haruna Fukuoka (福岡 春菜, Fukuoka Haruna) (born 25 January 1984 in Tokushima) is a Japanese table tennis player. She competed at the 2008 Summer Olympics, reaching the third round of the singles competition. She also competed in the team competition, reaching the bronze medal final but losing to South Korea.
Syoh Yoshida (吉田 翔, Yoshida Shō; born 24 January 1984 in Aichi, Japan) is a Japanese artist of the nihonga and ink…Syoh Yoshida (吉田 翔, Yoshida Shō; born 24 January 1984 in Aichi, Japan) is a Japanese artist of the nihonga and ink painting genre. He currently lives and works in Kyoto. He graduated from the Faculty of Arts and Design at Osaka Seikei University, where he learned and matured his craft in both Japanese painting. Since his first solo exhibition "Beautiful Thing" in Kyoto in 2006, he has been expressing his love and devotion for nature and townships primarily through his unique and striking black and white paintings. He has also participated in several high profile and successful solo and group exhibitions throughout Japan in recent years.
Masayoshi Miwa (三輪 正義, Miwa Masayoshi; born January 23, 1984 in Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi, Japan) is a former Japanese…Masayoshi Miwa (三輪 正義, Miwa Masayoshi; born January 23, 1984 in Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi, Japan) is a former Japanese professional baseball player. He played for the Tokyo Yakult Swallows of the Nippon Professional Baseball(NPB). On September 17, 2019, Miwa announced his retirement.
Yuta Baba (馬場 憂太, Baba Yūta; born January 22, 1984) is a former Japanese football player. His younger brother, Tōru, is…Yuta Baba (馬場 憂太, Baba Yūta; born January 22, 1984) is a former Japanese football player. His younger brother, Tōru, is an actor.
Kim Chul-won (Korean: 김철원, Japanese: キム・チョルウォン; born January 22, 1984) is a South Korean international rugby union…Kim Chul-won (Korean: 김철원, Japanese: キム・チョルウォン; born January 22, 1984) is a South Korean international rugby union player from Seoul. He plays as a scrum-half. He plays for Kintetsu Liners in Japan's Top League. Kim was drafted into the Japan squad for Rugby World Cup 2007, playing two games, as a substitute, with Wales, in the 72-18 loss, and in the 12-12 drew with Canada. He is absent from his National Team since then.
Hiroki Yuhara (湯原祐希, Yuhara Hiroki) (21 January 1984 – 28 September 2020) was a Japanese rugby union player. Yuhara…Hiroki Yuhara (湯原祐希, Yuhara Hiroki) (21 January 1984 – 28 September 2020) was a Japanese rugby union player. Yuhara played 13 international matches for the Japan national rugby union team. Yuhara was born in Chiba, and was a member of the Japan team at the 2011 Rugby World Cup, playing one match against eventual winners the All Blacks. Yuhara played for the Top League team Toshiba Brave Lupus.
Tequila Saya (テキーラさや, Tekira Saya) (born January 19, 1984) is a Japanese retired professional wrestler best known for…Tequila Saya (テキーラさや, Tekira Saya) (born January 19, 1984) is a Japanese retired professional wrestler best known for her tenure with the Japanese promotions Ice Ribbon and Oz Academy.
Makoto Hasebe (長谷部 誠, Hasebe Makoto; born 18 January 1984) is a Japanese professional football coach and former player…Makoto Hasebe (長谷部 誠, Hasebe Makoto; born 18 January 1984) is a Japanese professional football coach and former player who played as a centre-back or defensive midfielder. He is currently the assistant coach of Japan national team. Hasebe started his professional playing career with Urawa Red Diamonds in 2002, joining the club from his hometown Fujieda Higashi high school team. In January 2008, he moved to the German Bundesliga, where he remained for the rest of his playing career; he first joined VfL Wolfsburg, winning a league title during the 2008–09 season, before moving to 1. FC Nürnberg late into the 2013 summer transfer window. Following Nürnberg's relegation at the end of the 2013–14 season, Hasebe joined Eintracht Frankfurt in July 2014, where he played over 300 matches across ten seasons and won a DFB-Pokal and UEFA Europa League title. Hasebe made his senior debut with the Japan national team in 2006. He earned 114 international caps and scored twice, making him one of ten most capped players in the history of the team. He additionally served as captain from 2010 to his retirement from international football in 2018. He was part of the Japanese squads at the 2010, 2014 and 2018 editions of the FIFA World Cups, as well as 2011 and 2015 editions of the AFC Asian Cups. He captained the starting line-up that won the 2011 Asian Cup final.
Toshiyuki Igarashi (五十嵐 俊幸, Igarashi Toshiyuki; born January 17, 1984 in Yurihonjō, Akita) is a Japanese boxer and a…Toshiyuki Igarashi (五十嵐 俊幸, Igarashi Toshiyuki; born January 17, 1984 in Yurihonjō, Akita) is a Japanese boxer and a former WBC, The Ring and Lineal Flyweight World Champion.
Manami Mitsuboshi (三星 マナミ) (born January 16, 1984, in Yokohama) is a Japanese freestyle skier, specializing in…Manami Mitsuboshi (三星 マナミ) (born January 16, 1984, in Yokohama) is a Japanese freestyle skier, specializing in halfpipe. Mitsuboshi competed at the 2014 Winter Olympics for Japan. She placed 23rd in the qualifying round in the halfpipe, failing to advance. As of April 2014, her best showing at the World Championships is 4th, in the 2013 halfpipe. Mitsuboshi made her World Cup debut in March 2006. As of April 2014, she has one World Cup podium finish, a silver medal at Cardrona in 2012–13. Her best World Cup overall finish in halfpipe is 6th, in the 2010–11.
Yuki Yamazaki (山崎 勇喜, Yamazaki Yūki; born 16 January 1984 in Toyama) is a Japanese race walker. Yamazaki began to…Yuki Yamazaki (山崎 勇喜, Yamazaki Yūki; born 16 January 1984 in Toyama) is a Japanese race walker. Yamazaki began to participate in race walking at high school, and competed at the World Junior championships in his junior year. At the Osaka World Championships in 2007, he was in contention in the 50 km race until he was misdirected by officials and disqualified for entering the stadium without completing the full course. If he had finished in the top eight, he would have qualified for the 2008 Summer Olympics. He managed to qualify for the 2008 Olympics after setting a new Japanese record at the Japanese national championships.
Shogo Fukuda (福田 将吾, Fukuda Shōgo) is a Japanese basketball coach and a former player. He was college basketball coach…Shogo Fukuda (福田 将吾, Fukuda Shōgo) is a Japanese basketball coach and a former player. He was college basketball coach of National Institute of Fitness and Sports in Kanoya, Westmont College, and St. John's University. On 9 July 2016, Shogo signed with Yokohama B-Corsairs in the Japanese B.League for the 2019–20 season.
Aya Hirayama (平山 あや, Hirayama Aya; born January 13, 1984) is a Japanese actress who has appeared in various films…Aya Hirayama (平山 あや, Hirayama Aya; born January 13, 1984) is a Japanese actress who has appeared in various films including Waterboys (2001) and Lovers' Kiss (2003). Hirayama was born in Kuroiso, Tochigi, Japan, which is now part of Nasushiobara. Aya made her acting debut in 1999 with Tengoku no Kiss, a Nippon Television drama, at the age of 15. Subsequently, she established herself as a television regular with appearances in many Japanese TV dramas. In 2001, Hirayama played significant parts in the television drama Fighting Girl and the film Waterboys. Hirayama's most notable acting role to date is her leading appearance as Yoko in the 2004 South Korean movie Fighter in the Wind. In 2005, Hirayama played the title character Haruka in the Japanese television drama Haruka 17.
Ryota Takasugi (髙杉 亮太, Takasugi Ryōta; born January 10, 1984 in Ube, Yamaguchi) is a Japanese football player currently…Ryota Takasugi (髙杉 亮太, Takasugi Ryōta; born January 10, 1984 in Ube, Yamaguchi) is a Japanese football player currently playing for Tochigi SC.