Rando Ayamine (綾峰欄人, Ayamine Rando; born 1974) is a Japanese manga artist known for illustrating the GetBackers series.…Rando Ayamine (綾峰欄人, Ayamine Rando; born 1974) is a Japanese manga artist known for illustrating the GetBackers series. Since the completion of Get Backers, he has been working on a new manga series called Holy Talker.
Kosuke Yamashita (山下 康介, Yamashita Kōsuke; born February 17, 1974) is a Japanese composer and arranger from Hamamatsu…Kosuke Yamashita (山下 康介, Yamashita Kōsuke; born February 17, 1974) is a Japanese composer and arranger from Hamamatsu, Shizuoka. Yamashita is best known for his work on Digimon Xros Wars, Xenosaga: The Animation, and the tokusatsu television series Mahou Sentai Magiranger, Kaizoku Sentai Gokaiger, and Kamen Rider Gaim. He is a member of Project.R. Yamashita often collaborates with Nobuhiko Obayashi, as Yamashita met him soon after Yamashita graduated from the Tokyo College of Music. He is a board member of the Japanese Composer Arranger Association. Since April 2011, Yamashita has been a guest lecturer at the Senzoku Gakuen College of Music. In 2013, released the album A Classical in collaboration with J-pop singer Ayumi Hamasaki. It was the first classical music album to top the Oricon album chart.
Hiroyuki Miura (三浦 弘行, Miura Hiroyuki; born February 13, 1974) is a Japanese professional shogi player, ranked 9-dan.…Hiroyuki Miura (三浦 弘行, Miura Hiroyuki; born February 13, 1974) is a Japanese professional shogi player, ranked 9-dan. He is a former Kisei title holder and became the first active Class A professional to lose to a computer when he lost to the GPS Shogi program in April 2013. In October 2016, he was falsely accused of cheating in the 29th Ryūō challenger controversy, which resulted in him losing the chance to play for the Ryūō title. A third-party investigative panel was convened and eventually cleared Miura of all charges. The panel's findings led to the resignation of the Japan Shogi Association's president as well as the dismissal of several board members.
Hollywood Zakoshisyoh (ハリウッドザコシショウ, Hariuddo Zakoshishō; born 13 February 1974) is a Japanese comedian from Shimizu-shi…Hollywood Zakoshisyoh (ハリウッドザコシショウ, Hariuddo Zakoshishō; born 13 February 1974) is a Japanese comedian from Shimizu-shi (now Shimizu-ku, Shizuoka), Shizuoka Prefecture who has appeared in many television variety shows, as well as television dramas, radio and web series. His real name is Shigeki Nakazawa (中澤 滋紀, Nakazawa Shigeki). After going through Yoshimoto Kogyo and Watanabe Entertainment, he currently belongs to the SMA NEET Project. His stage name during his kombi years was Zakoshisyoh (ザコシショウ, Zakoshishō; There was also the notation "Zako Shishō" (ザコ師匠; Zako Master)). He is nicknamed "Zakoshi," (ザコシ) "Zakoshisyoh". Martial artist Shinya Aoki is his cousin. His stage name was derived from the fact that Hulk Hogan was identifying himself as Hollywood Hulk Hogan at the time when nWo was formed.
Hiroshi Nakamura (born 1974) is a Japanese architect, who designed the Kamikatsu Zero Waste Center, receiving the…Hiroshi Nakamura (born 1974) is a Japanese architect, who designed the Kamikatsu Zero Waste Center, receiving the Dezeen, Architectural Institute of Japan and Japan Institute of Architects awards for it.
Toranosuke "Tora" Takagi (高木 虎之介; born 12 February 1974) is a Japanese former racing driver, having notably competed in…Toranosuke "Tora" Takagi (高木 虎之介; born 12 February 1974) is a Japanese former racing driver, having notably competed in Formula One from 1998 to 1999 for Tyrrell and Arrows, having served as test driver for the former in 1997. Outside of Formula One, Takagi won the 2005 Super GT series in the GT500 class alongside Yuji Tachikawa, and the 2000 Formula Nippon Championship.
Takenori Daita (代田 建紀, Daita Takenori; born February 4, 1974) is a former baseball player from Japan. He played for the…Takenori Daita (代田 建紀, Daita Takenori; born February 4, 1974) is a former baseball player from Japan. He played for the Chiba Lotte Marines, Yakult Swallows, Osaka Kintetsu Buffaloes and many other teams of the Japan Pacific League.
Gaku Hashimoto (橋本 岳, Hashimoto Gaku; born 5 February 1974) is a Japanese politician of the Liberal Democratic Party…Gaku Hashimoto (橋本 岳, Hashimoto Gaku; born 5 February 1974) is a Japanese politician of the Liberal Democratic Party and a member of the House of Representatives in the Diet. He represents the 4th District of Okayama prefecture.
Eri Miyajima (宮島 依里, Miyajima Eri; born February 3, 1974) is a Japanese voice actress from Tokyo, Japan. She voices…Eri Miyajima (宮島 依里, Miyajima Eri; born February 3, 1974) is a Japanese voice actress from Tokyo, Japan. She voices Guren in Naruto: Shippuden and Kana in Haibane Renmei.
Junko Omote (Japanese: 表 純子, Hepburn: Omote Junko; born 2 February 1974)) is a Japanese professional golfer. She is a…Junko Omote (Japanese: 表 純子, Hepburn: Omote Junko; born 2 February 1974)) is a Japanese professional golfer. She is a member of the Ladies Professional Golfers' Association of Japan (LPGA of Japan) and is affiliated with the Chubu Health Inspection Center. She was born in Asaminami Ward, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture, and graduated from Hiroshima Municipal Hiroshima Commercial High School. Omote began playing golf at the age of 18. She passed the professional exam on 22 August 1996 and joined the 68nd class of the LPGA of Japan on 1 September of that year. In 2005, she won her first tournament title at the Meiji Cup. Although she did not win again until 2005, Omote won two tournament titles that year, the second being the Stanley Ladies' Golf Tournament. After this victory she did not win again until the 2013 Yonex Ladies Tournament. In 2019, she won her first Legends Tour tournament, the LPGA Legends Championship. On 8 April 2025, Omote won the Okamoto Ayako Cup, a tournament named for her mentor. Omote is a noted Hiroshima Toyo Carp fan and has dressed in the team's colors during tournaments. Having been a fan of the team since childhood, Omote has said that she considers herself the original "carp girl," a moniker used to describe female fans of the team.
Akira Shoji (小路晃) (born January 31, 1974) is a retired Japanese mixed martial artist and professional wrestler. He is…Akira Shoji (小路晃) (born January 31, 1974) is a retired Japanese mixed martial artist and professional wrestler. He is most known as being a regular in almost all the beginning Pride Fighting Championship Shoji was in Pride 1 to Pride 7, and was part of the first Pride open weight Grand Prix in 2000. Shoji was consistently a regular in Pride, and moved from Heavyweight to Light Heavyweight (Middleweight in Pride) due to his smaller stature. Despite his losing record, Shoji was a constant favourite of the audience, and was nicknamed "Mr. Pride" for his popularity and adherence to the mixed martial arts promotion. He was known for his mic performance, die hard spirit, stellar submission escapes, razor sharp armbar and a fighting spirit demonstrated by his willingness to take on all comers. According to fight commentator Stephen Quadros and John Hyams, director of the documentary "The Smashing Machine", Shoji cleaned his house and prepared his will before every competition in case he is killed during the fight. He also worked as a judge for the Dream organization.
Rio Yamase (山瀬 理桜, Yamase Rio) is a Japanese violinist, arranger, and composer. She directed the music for the 2006…Rio Yamase (山瀬 理桜, Yamase Rio) is a Japanese violinist, arranger, and composer. She directed the music for the 2006 Studio Ghibli animation short film Mizugumo Monmon.
Noriko Munekata (宗像 記子, Munekata Noriko; born 30 January 1974) is a Japanese speed skater. She competed in the women's…Noriko Munekata (宗像 記子, Munekata Noriko; born 30 January 1974) is a Japanese speed skater. She competed in the women's 3000 metres at the 1998 Winter Olympics.
Uzi (pronounced as "Uji") is a popular Japanese hip-hop artist. He has released four major albums, most recently his…Uzi (pronounced as "Uji") is a popular Japanese hip-hop artist. He has released four major albums, most recently his “Natural 9” album released in March 2008. Uzi is one of the rappers to incorporate more overt elements of Japanese culture into his music and videos, specifically aspects referring to the samurai (to which he claims direct ancestry). He is a great example of an artist who maintains the localization of hip-hop music through his dependence on the incorporation of Japanese themes into his work. Such non-Americanization of his hip-hop music has been met with varying opinions; some view this as disrespectful of the origins of hip-hop culture, while there are those who appreciate Uzi’s apparent embracing of Japanese culture.
Tsuyoshi Nakasako (Japanese: 中迫剛; born January 29, 1974) is a Japanese retired heavyweight kickboxer who competed in…Tsuyoshi Nakasako (Japanese: 中迫剛; born January 29, 1974) is a Japanese retired heavyweight kickboxer who competed in K-1. During his ten-year career from 1998 until 2008, he fought a variety of K-1 champions including Ernesto Hoost, Peter Aerts, Remy Bonjasky, Mark Hunt, and Andy Hug.
Kōji Wada (和田 光司, Wada Kōji; January 29, 1974 – April 3, 2016) was a Japanese pop singer. He was best known for…Kōji Wada (和田 光司, Wada Kōji; January 29, 1974 – April 3, 2016) was a Japanese pop singer. He was best known for performing theme songs for several installments of the Digimon anime television series, including his recording debut in 1999 with his first and most famous single, "Butter-Fly", the theme song of the anime Digimon Adventure. He was signed with the Lantis recording label. His nickname is "Immortal Butterfly Anisong Singer" (不死蝶のアニソンシンガー).
Yasunori Nomura (born 21 January 1974 - ) is a theoretical physicist working on particle physics, quantum gravity, and…Yasunori Nomura (born 21 January 1974 - ) is a theoretical physicist working on particle physics, quantum gravity, and cosmology. He is a professor of physics at University of California, Berkeley, a senior faculty scientist at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, a senior research scientist at Riken, and an affiliate member at Kavli Institute for the Physics and Mathematics of the Universe. Since 2015, he has been the director of the Berkeley Center for Theoretical Physics.
Fuyuko Matsui (松井冬子, Matsui Fuyuko; born January 20, 1974) is a contemporary Japanese artist, specialized in Nihonga…Fuyuko Matsui (松井冬子, Matsui Fuyuko; born January 20, 1974) is a contemporary Japanese artist, specialized in Nihonga paintings. She is known for her "new Kusozu" series. Matsui has been making her works based on her psychoanalysis results, putting heavy weight on her feelings and interests in violence, experience of loss, repression, stress, and trauma. Through the process of self-investigation, she found her works common to all living beings—life and death, sex, self-love, self-mutilation, self and the other, this world and the next, desire and passions.
Misae Watanabe (渡辺みさえ, Watanabe Misae) better known by her ring name Misae Genki is a Japanese retired professional…Misae Watanabe (渡辺みさえ, Watanabe Misae) better known by her ring name Misae Genki is a Japanese retired professional wrestler best known for her tenure with the Japanese promotions NEO Japan Ladies Pro-Wrestling, All Japan Women's Pro-Wrestling and JWP Joshi Puroresu.
Yuka Sato (佐藤 有香, Satō Yuka; born February 14, 1973) is a Japanese former competitive figure skater and choreographer.…Yuka Sato (佐藤 有香, Satō Yuka; born February 14, 1973) is a Japanese former competitive figure skater and choreographer. She is the 1994 World champion, the 1990 World Junior champion and the 1993 & 1994 Japanese national champion. She placed 7th at the 1992 Winter Olympics and 5th at the 1994 Winter Olympics.
Makoto Niitsu (新津 誠, Niitsu Makoto; born February 9, 1973), known as Makoto Shinkai (新海 誠, Shinkai Makoto), is a…Makoto Niitsu (新津 誠, Niitsu Makoto; born February 9, 1973), known as Makoto Shinkai (新海 誠, Shinkai Makoto), is a Japanese filmmaker and novelist. A founder of CoMix Wave Films, he is known for his anime feature films enriched with visually-appealing animation and romantic stories depicting teenagers and high school students. Shinkai began his career as a video game animator with Nihon Falcom in 1996, and gained recognition as a filmmaker with the release of the original video animation (OVA) She and Her Cat (1999). Shinkai then released the science fiction OVA Voices of a Distant Star in 2002 as his first feature with CoMix Wave, followed by his debut feature film The Place Promised in Our Early Days (2004). Shinkai's films have consistently received highly positive reviews from both critics and audiences, and he is considered to be one of Japan's most commercially successful filmmakers. His three most recent films Your Name (2016), Weathering with You (2019), and Suzume (2022), collectively known as his Disaster Trilogy, are all among the highest-grossing Japanese films of all time, both in Japan and worldwide at the time of their release.
Yoshitomo Tani (谷 佳知, born February 9, 1973) is a former Japanese professional baseball player from Higashiōsaka…Yoshitomo Tani (谷 佳知, born February 9, 1973) is a former Japanese professional baseball player from Higashiōsaka, Osaka, Japan. He played as an outfielder for the Orix Buffaloes and Yomiuri Giants. He holds the Pacific League record for hits in a single season by a right-handed batter with 189 hits in 2003 for Orix. He also holds the Japanese NPB record for doubles in a single season with 52 in 2001. Tani emerged as a recurrent Best Nine award winner in the late 90s and early 2000s for Orix, and played a large role in carrying the Blue Wave/Buffaloes following Ichiro Suzuki's departure to play with the Seattle Mariners in MLB
Yoshihide "Yoshi" Muroya (室屋 義秀, Muroya Yoshihide; born 27 January 1973) is a Japanese aerobatics pilot and race pilot…Yoshihide "Yoshi" Muroya (室屋 義秀, Muroya Yoshihide; born 27 January 1973) is a Japanese aerobatics pilot and race pilot of the Red Bull Air Race World Championship. He started glider flight training in 1991 because it was an inexpensive way to fly. Muroya went to the United States privately to earn his airplane license at the age of twenty. After that, he worked long hours to earn enough money to get his training in the United States for a period of two months a year. At the same time, he continued glider training in Japan and learned long-distance flight techniques in Australia. In 2009 he participated in the Red Bull Air Race World Championship as first Japanese and first Asian pilot. Special Team Mate Robert Fry joined as Team coordinator. In the final race in Barcelona, Spain he took 6th place. In 2017 he became Red Bull Air Race's World Champion. Until now, he has held some 170 air-shows over 12 years without incident. In 2021, Muroya partnered with Lexus to launch Lexus/Pathfinder Air Racing, a joint team competing in the Air Race World Championship.
Tatsuki Katayama (片山 立規, Katayama Tatsuki; born 26 January 1973) is a Japanese ice hockey player. He competed in the…Tatsuki Katayama (片山 立規, Katayama Tatsuki; born 26 January 1973) is a Japanese ice hockey player. He competed in the men's tournament at the 1998 Winter Olympics.
Mayu Shinjo (新條まゆ, Shinjō Mayu; born 1973) is a Japanese manga artist. She debuted in 1994 in Shogakukan's Shōjo Comic…Mayu Shinjo (新條まゆ, Shinjō Mayu; born 1973) is a Japanese manga artist. She debuted in 1994 in Shogakukan's Shōjo Comic with "Anata no Iro ni Somaritai". She continued writing for Shogakukan until 2007, with her works appearing in both Shōjo Comic and their other magazine Cheese!. She left the company to go freelance citing a dispute over working conditions and abusive treatment by her editor.
Kota Sasaki (佐々木 孝太, Sasaki Kōta; born January 26, 1973 in Mie) is a Japanese racing driver who was the 2005 Super GT…Kota Sasaki (佐々木 孝太, Sasaki Kōta; born January 26, 1973 in Mie) is a Japanese racing driver who was the 2005 Super GT champion for the GT300 category. He raced a Toyota MR-S with Tetsuya Yamano to win the 2005 title. He also won the 1998 and 2023 Japan Formula 4 title.
Shinichi Shinohara (篠原 信一, Shinohara Shin'ichi; born 23 January 1973 in Kobe, Japan) is a Japanese television…Shinichi Shinohara (篠原 信一, Shinohara Shin'ichi; born 23 January 1973 in Kobe, Japan) is a Japanese television personality, judoka and winner of two gold medals at the 1999 World Championships in Birmingham.
Shoko Fujibayashi (藤林 聖子, Fujibayashi Shōko; born February 18, 1972) is a Japanese lyricist who has written the lyrics…Shoko Fujibayashi (藤林 聖子, Fujibayashi Shōko; born February 18, 1972) is a Japanese lyricist who has written the lyrics for several tokusatsu television series' theme songs. Most recently, Fujibayashi has worked with Shuhei Naruse on the soundtracks of Kamen Rider Den-O, Kamen Rider Kiva, and their films. She has also worked with Nana Mizuki, May'n, BoA, Ken Hirai, Sowelu, 2PM, Mikuni Shimokawa, Crystal Kay, Beni Arashiro, Daisuke Hasegawa, Issa of Da Pump, Lead, and Miho Kanno.
Takashi Kiyama (木山 隆之, Kiyama Takashi; born February 18, 1972) is a Japanese professional football manager and former…Takashi Kiyama (木山 隆之, Kiyama Takashi; born February 18, 1972) is a Japanese professional football manager and former player who is the manager of J1 League club Fagiano Okayama.
Takashi Ishizeki (石関 貴史, Ishizeki Takashi; born 18 February 1972) is a former Japanese politician of the Democratic…Takashi Ishizeki (石関 貴史, Ishizeki Takashi; born 18 February 1972) is a former Japanese politician of the Democratic Party of Japan, who served as a member of the House of Representatives in the Diet (national legislature).
Tosanoumi Toshio (born February 16, 1972, as Toshio Yamamoto in Aki City, Kōchi Prefecture, Japan), is a former sumo…Tosanoumi Toshio (born February 16, 1972, as Toshio Yamamoto in Aki City, Kōchi Prefecture, Japan), is a former sumo wrestler. He first reached the top division of professional sumo in 1995, winning 13 special prizes and earning 11 kinboshi or gold stars for defeating yokozuna over his long career. The highest rank he reached was sekiwake. He retired in 2010 to become a coach at his stable, Isenoumi stable under the name of Tatekawa.
Naoko Ogigami (荻上 直子, Ogigami Naoko; born 1972 in Chiba Prefecture) is a Japanese film director, screenwriter, and…Naoko Ogigami (荻上 直子, Ogigami Naoko; born 1972 in Chiba Prefecture) is a Japanese film director, screenwriter, and cinematographer. She first began gaining attention after winning several prizes at the PIA Film Festival for her short film Hoshino-Kun, Yumeno-Kun (2001). Among her most notable works are her films Kamome Shokudo and Megane. Her filmography is typified by their minimalistic quality and a common theme of questioning national identity. At the 2008 Berlin International Film Festival Megane won the Manfred Salzgeber Award, for "broadening the boundaries of cinema today."
Musōyama Masashi (born February 14, 1972, as Takehito Oso) is a former sumo wrestler from Mito, Ibaraki, Japan. A…Musōyama Masashi (born February 14, 1972, as Takehito Oso) is a former sumo wrestler from Mito, Ibaraki, Japan. A former amateur champion, he turned professional in January 1993, and he won promotion to the top makuuchi division in just four tournaments. He won thirteen special prizes and spent a total of 31 tournaments at komusubi and sekiwake before finally reaching the second highest rank of ōzeki in 2000, shortly after winning his only top division tournament championship or yūshō. He retired in 2004. He is now the head coach of Fujishima stable.
Kōichi Fukaura (深浦 康市, Fukaura Kōichi; born February 14, 1972) is a Japanese professional shogi player ranked 9-dan. He…Kōichi Fukaura (深浦 康市, Fukaura Kōichi; born February 14, 1972) is a Japanese professional shogi player ranked 9-dan. He is a three-time winner of the Ōi tournament, and also a former member of the Japan Shogi Association's board of directors.
Junichi Kogawa (古川 純一, Kogawa Jun'ichi; born 12 February 1972) is a Japanese skier. He competed in the Nordic combineds…Junichi Kogawa (古川 純一, Kogawa Jun'ichi; born 12 February 1972) is a Japanese skier. He competed in the Nordic combineds at the 1994 Winter Olympics and the 1998 Winter Olympics.
Mayumi Gojo (五條 真由美, Gojō Mayumi; born February 12, 1972) is a Japanese singer from Ibaraki Prefecture. She formerly…Mayumi Gojo (五條 真由美, Gojō Mayumi; born February 12, 1972) is a Japanese singer from Ibaraki Prefecture. She formerly worked under Hyper Voice Managements. Currently she is affiliated with the Love&Light talent management agency. Gojo is known for her theme song performances for anime series such as Ojamajo Doremi, Pretty Cure, and Yumeiro Patissiere. She has performed as part of Project.R and also provides backup chorus for other artists.
Yoshihiko Saito (斎藤 嘉彦, Saitō Yoshihiko; born 12 February 1972 in Tomioka, Gunma) is a retired Japanese athlete who…Yoshihiko Saito (斎藤 嘉彦, Saitō Yoshihiko; born 12 February 1972 in Tomioka, Gunma) is a retired Japanese athlete who specialized in the 400 metres hurdles. He was the first Asian to run under 49 seconds in the event. With a personal best time of 48.64 seconds, achieved in October 1998 in Kumamoto, he is a former Asian record holder. The Asian record currently belongs to Hadi Soua'an Al-Somaily with 47.53 seconds, and the Japanese record to Dai Tamesue.
Noboru Yamaguchi (ヤマグチ ノボル, Yamaguchi Noboru; February 11, 1972 – April 4, 2013) was a Japanese light novel and game…Noboru Yamaguchi (ヤマグチ ノボル, Yamaguchi Noboru; February 11, 1972 – April 4, 2013) was a Japanese light novel and game scenario author from Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan. He was well known for being the author of The Familiar of Zero light novels and visual novels by Frontwing.
Akiko Suwanai (諏訪内 晶子, Suwanai Akiko; born February 7, 1972) is a Japanese classical violinist. At the age of 18, she…Akiko Suwanai (諏訪内 晶子, Suwanai Akiko; born February 7, 1972) is a Japanese classical violinist. At the age of 18, she became the youngest winner of the International Tchaikovsky Competition in 1990. In addition, she was awarded second prize in the Paganini Competition in 1988 and Queen Elisabeth Competition in 1989 and is a laureate of the Music Competition of Japan. She has studied with Toshiya Eto at the Toho Gakuen School of Music, with Dorothy DeLay and Cho-Liang Lin at the Juilliard School of Music while at Columbia University, and with Uwe-Martin Haiberg at the Universität der Künste Berlin. Until 2019 she played the 1714 Dolphin Stradivarius, on loan from the Nippon Music Foundation. After it was returned she received the "Charles Reade" Guarneri del Gesù on loan from Japanese collector Ryuji Ueno.
Hisashi Tonomura (外村 尚, Tonomura Hisashi; born February 2, 1972), better known by his stage name HISASHI, is a Japanese…Hisashi Tonomura (外村 尚, Tonomura Hisashi; born February 2, 1972), better known by his stage name HISASHI, is a Japanese musician best known as the lead guitarist of the rock band Glay. He is particularly associated with the brand Tokai, designing a series of personal signature guitars, based on their Talbo model.
Makio Madarame (班目 真紀夫, Madarame Makio; born 1 February 1972) is a Japanese former cyclist. He competed in the team…Makio Madarame (班目 真紀夫, Madarame Makio; born 1 February 1972) is a Japanese former cyclist. He competed in the team pursuit at the 1992 Summer Olympics. He later became a teacher and coach at a high school in Fukushima Prefecture.
Yuriko Nanahara (七原由理子, Nanahara Yuriko; born 1 February 1972) is a Japanese gymnast. She competed in six events at the…Yuriko Nanahara (七原由理子, Nanahara Yuriko; born 1 February 1972) is a Japanese gymnast. She competed in six events at the 1988 Summer Olympics.
Hiroshi Moriyasu (森保 洋, Moriyasu Hiroshi; born January 29, 1972) is a Japanese former football player. His brother…Hiroshi Moriyasu (森保 洋, Moriyasu Hiroshi; born January 29, 1972) is a Japanese former football player. His brother Hajime Moriyasu is also a former footballer.
Noriko Kubo (久保 紀子, Kubo Noriko; born 29 January 1972) is a Japanese fencer. She competed in the women's individual and…Noriko Kubo (久保 紀子, Kubo Noriko; born 29 January 1972) is a Japanese fencer. She competed in the women's individual and team épée events at the 1996 Summer Olympics.