Kohei Aoki (born December 13, 1980), nicknamed Cohey, is a Japanese former professional basketball player who last…Kohei Aoki (born December 13, 1980), nicknamed Cohey, is a Japanese former professional basketball player who last played for Rizing Fukuoka of the bj League in Japan. He played college basketball for Senshu University.
Yuki Shoujou (正城ユウキ, Shōjō Yūki; born December 12, 1980, birthname pronounced same by written 正城悠樹) is a Japanese…Yuki Shoujou (正城ユウキ, Shōjō Yūki; born December 12, 1980, birthname pronounced same by written 正城悠樹) is a Japanese professional mixed martial artist. He is currently fighting in Shooto's bantamweight division, equivalent to North America's flyweight division which is 125.0 pounds (56.7 kg).
Yuya Sato (佐藤友哉, Satō Yūya; born 1980) is a Japanese novelist from Hokkaido Prefecture. He won the 21st Mephisto Prize…Yuya Sato (佐藤友哉, Satō Yūya; born 1980) is a Japanese novelist from Hokkaido Prefecture. He won the 21st Mephisto Prize for Flicker Style, and the 20th Yukio Mishima Prize for 1000 Novels and Backbeard. His works have been translated into English, Chinese and Korean. Sato's short story "Same As Always" was translated for The Penguin Book of Japanese Short Stories (2018), and has been described as "an acerbic meditation on the complex interplay of gender and nurturing in post-Fukushima Japan." Kenzaburō Ōe, Kenji Nakagami and especially J. D. Salinger affected Sato's style.
Kei Yasuda (保田 圭, Yasuda Kei; born on December 6, 1980) is a Japanese singer, musician and actress under the Hello!…Kei Yasuda (保田 圭, Yasuda Kei; born on December 6, 1980) is a Japanese singer, musician and actress under the Hello! Project. She was a member and co-leader of the Japanese girl group Morning Musume. Yasuda, along with Mari Yaguchi and Sayaka Ichii, were the second generation of singers to be recruited into Morning Musume. Morning Musume had only released one official single, Morning Coffee, prior to their joining. Yasuda was also a member of Japanese pop group Dream Morning Musume.
Shoji Ito (伊藤 鐘史, Itō Shōji; born 2 December 1980) is a coach and former Japanese rugby union player. He was named in…Shoji Ito (伊藤 鐘史, Itō Shōji; born 2 December 1980) is a coach and former Japanese rugby union player. He was named in Japan's squad for the 2015 Rugby World Cup. He is currently the assist coach of the Japan national team.
Jobu Morita (森田 丈武, Morita Jōbu; born November 29, 1980) is a former baseball utility player who played for the Tohoku…Jobu Morita (森田 丈武, Morita Jōbu; born November 29, 1980) is a former baseball utility player who played for the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles of Nippon Professional Baseball from 2009 to 2011. Morita attended Yamanashi Gakuindai Fuzoku High School. Before playing professionally in Japan, Morita played for the Elmira Pioneers of the independent Northeast League in 2004, hitting .271 with 55 hits in 68 games. He returned to Elmira - now of the Can-Am Association - for 2005, and hit .263 with 65 hits in 71 games. During his time with Elmira, he played all over the diamond, but spent considerable time at second base and in the outfield. Overall, he hit .267 with 120 hits in 139 games. He joined the Kagawa Olive Guyners of the independent Shikoku-Kyūshū Island League in 2006, where he remained through 2008. The Golden Eagles took him as their first pick in the 2008 developmental draft. He made his NPB debut in 2009, hitting .300 with 6 hits (including 4 doubles) in 9 games. He played a total of four games with the Golden Eagles in 2010 and 2011 and went hitless in 7 at-bats. Overall, he hit .222 with 6 hits in 13 games.
Satoshi Ohno (大野 智, Ōno Satoshi; born November 26, 1980) is a former Japanese idol, singer, actor, radio host, artist…Satoshi Ohno (大野 智, Ōno Satoshi; born November 26, 1980) is a former Japanese idol, singer, actor, radio host, artist, dancer, and choreographer, registered under Johnny & Associates and later under Starto Entertainment. He was the lead vocalist and leader of the boy band Arashi, hence his nickname Leader (リーダー, Rīdā). Ohno began his career in the entertainment industry when he joined the Japanese talent agency Johnny & Associates in 1994 at the age of 13. He started an acting career in 1997 when he was cast to be part of the stage play Kyo to Kyo. In 2008, Ohno became the first and the only artist from Johnny's to hold his own art exhibition, titled "Freestyle", and also received his first starring role in a Japanese television drama, Maō, for which he earned a handful of Best Actor awards. Since then, he continued to star in numerous dramas and movies, receiving a number of awards and nominations for his roles. For his work as an artist, a singer, and an actor in Kaibutsu-kun the Movie, Ohno became one of the recipients of GQ Japan's Men of the Year Award in 2011. In February 2026, it was announced that, together with the end of activities of the group, Ohno would be leaving the agency on May 31, 2026. In July 2026, Ohno appeared on a video reporting the opening of his official website and SNS.
Kohei Kono (河野公平, Kōno Kōhei) (born November 23, 1980) is a Japanese professional boxer. He is a two-time world…Kohei Kono (河野公平, Kōno Kōhei) (born November 23, 1980) is a Japanese professional boxer. He is a two-time world champion, having held the WBA super-flyweight title twice between 2012 and 2016 with three successful defenses.
Toshimasa Takahashi (Japanese: 高橋 利匡, born December 15, 1979) is a Japanese physician and medical researcher. He serves…Toshimasa Takahashi (Japanese: 高橋 利匡, born December 15, 1979) is a Japanese physician and medical researcher. He serves as a visiting faculty member at the Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, and is working as Visiting Professor at the University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine since November 2024. His areas of expertise include geriatric medicine, diabetes, and gastroenterology, with a particular focus on autophagy (the cellular self-cleaning mechanism).
Kazuya Yuasa (湯浅 和也, Yuasa Kazuya) is a Japanese professional wrestler, better known for his ring names Gaina (stylized…Kazuya Yuasa (湯浅 和也, Yuasa Kazuya) is a Japanese professional wrestler, better known for his ring names Gaina (stylized in all capital letters) and Shisao (シーサー王, Shīsāō). He has worked in Michinoku Pro Wrestling, Osaka Pro Wrestling and Okinawa Pro Wrestling, having titles in all the three promotions.
Aiko Uemura (上村 愛子, Uemura Aiko) is a Japanese freestyle skier. She participates in moguls and dual moguls. Her family…Aiko Uemura (上村 愛子, Uemura Aiko) is a Japanese freestyle skier. She participates in moguls and dual moguls. Her family moved to Hakuba town, Nagano Prefecture, Japan in 1986. She graduated from Hakuba High School in 1998, and works for the Kitano Construction Corporation in Nagano city, Japan. She is the first Japanese woman to win the 2007–08 World Cup in moguls, and also won two gold medals at FIS Freestyle World Ski Championships 2009. She took part in the Winter Olympic Games in 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010, and 2014. In June 2009, she married alpine skier Kentaro Minagawa. At the 2014 Sochi Olympics, she was beaten for bronze by Hannah Kearney, the previous Olympic champion.
Takayoshi Toda (戸田 賢良, Toda Takayoshi; born December 8, 1979) is a former Japanese football player. His elder brother…Takayoshi Toda (戸田 賢良, Toda Takayoshi; born December 8, 1979) is a former Japanese football player. His elder brother Mitsuhiro Toda is also a former footballer.
Hirokazu Otsubo (大坪 博和, Otsubo Hirokazu; born December 7, 1979) is a former Japanese football player who is currently a…Hirokazu Otsubo (大坪 博和, Otsubo Hirokazu; born December 7, 1979) is a former Japanese football player who is currently a football referee.
Takuma Miyaji (宮路拓馬, Miyaji Takuma; born 6 December 1979) is a Japanese politician serving as a member of the House of…Takuma Miyaji (宮路拓馬, Miyaji Takuma; born 6 December 1979) is a Japanese politician serving as a member of the House of Representatives since 2014. He is the son of Kazuaki Miyaji.
Miwa Yonetsu (米津 美和, Yonetsu Miwa; born December 4, 1979) is a former Japanese football player. She played for Japan…Miwa Yonetsu (米津 美和, Yonetsu Miwa; born December 4, 1979) is a former Japanese football player. She played for Japan national team.
Shinji Murai (村井 慎二, Murai Shinji; born December 1, 1979) is a former Japanese football player. He played for Japan…Shinji Murai (村井 慎二, Murai Shinji; born December 1, 1979) is a former Japanese football player. He played for Japan national team.
Yumi Nakashima (中島優美, Nakashima Yumi; born December 1, 1979) is a Japanese vocalist, guitarist and singer-songwriter.…Yumi Nakashima (中島優美, Nakashima Yumi; born December 1, 1979) is a Japanese vocalist, guitarist and singer-songwriter. She was the guitarist and main vocalist in the rock band GO!GO!7188 and is the founding member of Chirinuruwowaka. Nakashima has also released two solo albums since 2004.
Takahiro Konagawa (小名川 高弘, Konagawa Takahiro; born November 30, 1979 in Ōita Prefecture), nicknamed Kona, is a Japanese…Takahiro Konagawa (小名川 高弘, Konagawa Takahiro; born November 30, 1979 in Ōita Prefecture), nicknamed Kona, is a Japanese guitarist, singer, and musical composer from Kashiwa, Chiba. He came out as a guitarist of Charcoal Filter in November 1999. He has also performed as a solo artist since December 2003. His first solo album The first tears was released in July 2006. He played guitar on the Puffy AmiYumi song Tokyo I'm on My Way
Yasuyo Yamagishi (山岸 靖代, Yamagishi Yasuyo; born 28 November 1979) is a former Japanese football player. She played for…Yasuyo Yamagishi (山岸 靖代, Yamagishi Yasuyo; born 28 November 1979) is a former Japanese football player. She played for Japan national team.
Yu Irie (入江 悠, Irie Yū; born November 25, 1979) is a Japanese film director / screenwriter who was born in Yokohama…Yu Irie (入江 悠, Irie Yū; born November 25, 1979) is a Japanese film director / screenwriter who was born in Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture, and grew up in Fukaya, Saitama Prefecture. After a number of short films, including Obsession and Seven Drives which were screened at the Yubari International Fantastic Film Festival in 2003 and 2004, Irie directed two softcore erotic V-Cinema videos in 2007, Cream Lemon 7 and Swimsuit Spy - SPY GIRLS. The latter video, an erotic comedy, starred AV Idol Mihiro. In 2009 the second feature film he directed, 8000 Miles (SR サイタマノラッパー, SR: Saitama no Rapper), won the grand prize in the Off Theatre Competition at the Yubari International Fantastic Film Festival. It also earned Irie the Directors Guild of Japan New Directors Award. The film follows four friends from suburban Fukuya (punned on Fukaya) who dream of becoming rap stars. The mostly amateur cast also included adult video actress Mihiro.
Hiroaki Eto (衛藤博昭, Eto Hiroaki; born 25 November 1979) is a Japanese politician serving as a member of the House of…Hiroaki Eto (衛藤博昭, Eto Hiroaki; born 25 November 1979) is a Japanese politician serving as a member of the House of Representatives since 2026. He is the son of Seiichi Eto.
Toshihiro Kaneishi (金石 年弘, Kaneishi Toshihiro; born December 19, 1978 in Osaka Prefecture, Japan) is a Japanese racing…Toshihiro Kaneishi (金石 年弘, Kaneishi Toshihiro; born December 19, 1978 in Osaka Prefecture, Japan) is a Japanese racing driver. He has competed in such series as Formula Nippon and Super GT.
Shunsuke Kato (加藤 俊介, Katō Shunsuke; born December 18, 1978), known by his stage name Funky Kato (ファンキー加藤, Fankī Katō)…Shunsuke Kato (加藤 俊介, Katō Shunsuke; born December 18, 1978), known by his stage name Funky Kato (ファンキー加藤, Fankī Katō), is a Japanese singer-songwriter. He is best known as the vocalist of the band Funky Monkey Babys, which disbanded in 2013.
Ryusuke Hamaguchi (濱口 竜介, Hamaguchi Ryūsuke; [hamaꜜɡɯtɕi ɾʲɯꜜːsɯ̥ke] ; born 16 December 1978) is a Japanese filmmaker.…Ryusuke Hamaguchi (濱口 竜介, Hamaguchi Ryūsuke; [hamaꜜɡɯtɕi ɾʲɯꜜːsɯ̥ke] ; born 16 December 1978) is a Japanese filmmaker. An alumnus of the University of Tokyo and Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music, he first gained international recognition for Happy Hour (2015), Asako I & II (2018) and Wheel of Fortune and Fantasy (2021), which premiered in the main competitions of Locarno, Cannes, and Berlin respectively. For Drive My Car (2021), Hamaguchi was nominated at the 94th Academy Awards for Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay; the film was the first Japanese production to be nominated for Best Picture, and it won the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film. Following Drive My Car, Hamaguchi wrote and directed the critically acclaimed films Evil Does Not Exist (2023), which won the Grand Jury Prize at Venice, and All of a Sudden (2026), which won the award for Best Actress at Cannes.
Hiroki Konno (今野 浩喜, Konno Hiroki; born December 12, 1978 in Niiza, Saitama, Japan) is a Japanese comedian and actor…Hiroki Konno (今野 浩喜, Konno Hiroki; born December 12, 1978 in Niiza, Saitama, Japan) is a Japanese comedian and actor who was a member of the comedy duo King of Comedy. Konno lives in Saitama, Saitama.
Tenn (stylized as TENN; 11 December 1978 – 25 September 2014) was a Japanese MC who was a member of the J-pop group…Tenn (stylized as TENN; 11 December 1978 – 25 September 2014) was a Japanese MC who was a member of the J-pop group ET-King. He was from Osaka Prefecture. His real name was Takahiro Moriwaki (森脇 隆宏, Moriwaki Takahiro). His wife was Takako Uehara of Speed.
Teruo Misawa (born 11 December 1978) is a Japanese former professional boxer who competed from 1998 to 2008. He held…Teruo Misawa (born 11 December 1978) is a Japanese former professional boxer who competed from 1998 to 2008. He held the Japanese mini-flyweight title from 2006 to 2007 and challenged for the WBC interim mini-flyweight title in 2008.
Da Pump (ダパンプ, Da Panpu, stylized in all caps) is a Japanese boy band made up of lead vocalist, Issa Hentona and MCs…Da Pump (ダパンプ, Da Panpu, stylized in all caps) is a Japanese boy band made up of lead vocalist, Issa Hentona and MCs Ken Okumoto, Yukinari Tamaki and Shinobu Miyara. The band formed as students at Okinawa Actors School in 1996. They made their debut on the Avex Trax subsidiary avex tune under the guidance of producer Akio Togashi on June 11, 1997, with "Feelin' Good - It's Paradise". As one of the few male bands unassociated with Johnny's Entertainment, they were the first to gain major popularity reaching their peak in 2001 with the release of Da Best of Da Pump. On April 7, 2006, Shinobu formally left the band following a hiatus due to a drunk driving incident in 2005. The band went on an unofficial hiatus at the end of 2006. On December 18, 2008, it was announced that Yukinari was leaving the band and that Ken and Issa were actively looking for his replacement. Within hours, their management company announced a brand new Da Pump with seven new members and a new concept as a multimedia entertainment group. The band will start their official comeback on July 15, 2009, with the new single, "Summer Rider" and a tour in the fall. It was announced on December 5, 2009, that Ken Okumoto had left Da Pump to pursue a solo career, leaving Issa the only original member left. Da Pump now consists of Issa, Kenzo, Tomo, Kimi, Yori, and U-Yeah. Da Pump made their comeback in May 2018 with the hit single, "U.S.A.", a song originally written by Italian singer Joe Yellow.
D'espairsRay (formerly stylized as DéspairsRay, D'ESPAIRSRAY or +DéspairsRay+) is a Japanese visual kei heavy metal…D'espairsRay (formerly stylized as DéspairsRay, D'ESPAIRSRAY or +DéspairsRay+) is a Japanese visual kei heavy metal band active from 1999 to 2011. The lineup of Hizumi on vocals, Karyu on guitar, Zero on bass and Tsukasa on drums remained the same, with the group having released four full-length records, three EPs and thirteen singles. Outside Japan, D'espairsRay have toured Europe and North America and had domestic releases in those territories. They performed at the Wacken Open Air festival in 2006, to several thousand people, and a second album, titled Mirror was released on April 11, 2007. They also performed during Jrock Revolution 2007 held on Memorial Weekend in Los Angeles, California. In 2008 they performed at the Taste of Chaos tour in the United States. On March 11, 2009, their third album Redeemer was released. In the summer of 2010, the band had a world tour entitled Human-Clad Monsters in which they performed in Japan, the US, Canada and Europe. After the last show of the tour, on December 30, the band went on an indefinite hiatus so Hizumi could recover from a rare throat condition. However, on June 15, 2011, D'espairsRay announced that they had no choice but to disband, due to Hizumi's health having no recovery in sight. D'espairsRay reunited for a one-night performance on July 29, 2014.
Michinao Yamamura (山村 路直, born December 5, 1978) is a Japanese former professional baseball pitcher who played in…Michinao Yamamura (山村 路直, born December 5, 1978) is a Japanese former professional baseball pitcher who played in Nippon Professional Baseball for the Fukuoka Daiei Hawks in 2005 and the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks in 2006 and 2007.
Kazuhiro Takahashi (高橋 和廣, shinjitai: 高橋 和広, Takahashi Kazuhiro; born 4 December 1978 in Hōya (now Nishitōkyō), Tokyo)…Kazuhiro Takahashi (高橋 和廣, shinjitai: 高橋 和広, Takahashi Kazuhiro; born 4 December 1978 in Hōya (now Nishitōkyō), Tokyo) is a Japanese ice sledge hockey player. He was part of the Japanese sledge hockey team that won a silver medal at the 2010 Winter Paralympics. He injured his spinal cord during a snowboarding accident when he was 21.
Hiroaki Doi (土井宏昭, Doi Hiroaki; born December 2, 1978) is a Japanese hammer thrower. His personal best throw is 74.08…Hiroaki Doi (土井宏昭, Doi Hiroaki; born December 2, 1978) is a Japanese hammer thrower. His personal best throw is 74.08 metres, achieved in June 2007 in Inba.
Naoki Tanizaki (谷嵜 直樹, Tanizaki Naoki; ring name: 谷嵜 なおき) (born December 1, 1978) is a Japanese professional wrestler.…Naoki Tanizaki (谷嵜 直樹, Tanizaki Naoki; ring name: 谷嵜 なおき) (born December 1, 1978) is a Japanese professional wrestler. He is known for his work in Dragon Gate. He previously went under the ring name Mr. Kyu Kyu Naoki Tanizaki Toyonaka Dolphin (Mr.キューキュー“谷嵜なおき”豊中ドルフィン, Mr. Kyū Kyū Tanizaki Naoki Toyonaka Dorufin).
Tomohiro Nagatsuka (長塚智広, Nagatsuka Tomohiro; born November 28, 1978) is a Japanese cyclist. He won the silver medal in…Tomohiro Nagatsuka (長塚智広, Nagatsuka Tomohiro; born November 28, 1978) is a Japanese cyclist. He won the silver medal in the Men's team sprint in the 2004 Summer Olympics along with Toshiaki Fushimi and Masaki Inoue. In Japan, he is mostly known as a keirin cyclist.
Asuka Tono is an actress who was a top star (musumyaku) for Star Troupe of Takarazuka Revue. She joined the revue…Asuka Tono is an actress who was a top star (musumyaku) for Star Troupe of Takarazuka Revue. She joined the revue company in 1998 and became the top star along with Kei Aran. She is from Chiba Prefecture, her birthday is November 28, 1978 and her nicknames are Asuka and Fukui. She was the second pupil of her class to reach top star status, also the first musumeyaku (Takarazuka actresses who play female roles) from Cosmos Troup to reach top status.
Ayumi Ogasawara (小笠原 歩, Ogasawara Ayumi) is a Japanese curler, born November 25, 1978, as Ayumi Onodera (小野寺 歩, Onodera…Ayumi Ogasawara (小笠原 歩, Ogasawara Ayumi) is a Japanese curler, born November 25, 1978, as Ayumi Onodera (小野寺 歩, Onodera Ayumi). She skipped her own team in Sapporo, Hokkaido, until 2015, which represented Japan at the 2014 Winter Olympics before retiring from competitive sports. Currently she is working as a curling coach.
