Mitsugu Yamamoto (山本光, Yamamoto Hikaru; born 12 May 1981) is a Japanese rugby union player who played as a prop or…Mitsugu Yamamoto (山本光, Yamamoto Hikaru; born 12 May 1981) is a Japanese rugby union player who played as a prop or hooker. He's currently playing for Coca-Cola Red Sparks in Japan's domestic Top League. He was named in the Japan squad for the 2007 Rugby World Cup, but withdrew from the tournament due to injury. He made a further 10 appearances for Japan in his career, scoring three tries.
Daisuke Matsui (松井 大輔, Matsui Daisuke; born 11 May 1981) is a Japanese former professional footballer who played as a…Daisuke Matsui (松井 大輔, Matsui Daisuke; born 11 May 1981) is a Japanese former professional footballer who played as a midfielder. He previously played for the Japan national team. His former wife is Japanese actress Rosa Kato.
Tomoko Nagai (永井 奉子, Nagai Tomoko; born May 5, 1981) is a Japanese swimmer who won a bronze medal in the 4 × 200 m…Tomoko Nagai (永井 奉子, Nagai Tomoko; born May 5, 1981) is a Japanese swimmer who won a bronze medal in the 4 × 200 m freestyle relay at the 2001 World Aquatics Championships. Her team finished in fifth place, but the Australian and US squads were disqualified. She also competed in three events at the 2004 Summer Olympics. Her best achievement was fifth place in the 4 × 100 m medley relay.
Mamoru Kishida (岸田 護, Kishida Mamoru; born May 10, 1981) is a Japanese former professional baseball starting pitcher…Mamoru Kishida (岸田 護, Kishida Mamoru; born May 10, 1981) is a Japanese former professional baseball starting pitcher who currently serves as the manager for the Orix Buffaloes of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). He played in NPB for Orix from 2006 to 2019.
Kazuyuki Morisaki (森﨑 和幸, Morisaki Kazuyuki; born 9 May 1981) is a Japanese former football player. His twin brother…Kazuyuki Morisaki (森﨑 和幸, Morisaki Kazuyuki; born 9 May 1981) is a Japanese former football player. His twin brother Koji Morisaki is also a footballer.
Koji Morisaki (森﨑 浩司, Morisaki Kōji; born May 9, 1981) is a former Japanese football player. His twin brother Kazuyuki…Koji Morisaki (森﨑 浩司, Morisaki Kōji; born May 9, 1981) is a former Japanese football player. His twin brother Kazuyuki Morisaki is also a footballer.
Mizuto Hirota (Japanese: 廣田瑞人, Hirota Mizuto; born May 5, 1981) is a Japanese mixed martial artist currently competing…Mizuto Hirota (Japanese: 廣田瑞人, Hirota Mizuto; born May 5, 1981) is a Japanese mixed martial artist currently competing in the Featherweight division of the Rizin Fighting Federation. A professional competitor since 2005, he appeared in the Japanese MMA event Dynamite!! 2009 event and has also competed for Ultimate Fighting Championship, Shooto, and Strikeforce.
Yukari Watanabe (渡邊 ゆかり, Watanabe Yukari; born 28 April 1981) is a Japanese speed skater. She competed at the 2002…Yukari Watanabe (渡邊 ゆかり, Watanabe Yukari; born 28 April 1981) is a Japanese speed skater. She competed at the 2002 Winter Olympics and the 2006 Winter Olympics.
Sola Aoi (Japanese: 蒼井 そら, Hepburn: Aoi Sora; born April 26, 1981) is a Japanese former AV idol, nude model, and…Sola Aoi (Japanese: 蒼井 そら, Hepburn: Aoi Sora; born April 26, 1981) is a Japanese former AV idol, nude model, and actress. Starring in more than 600 adult films between 2002 and 2011, Aoi is widely considered to be one of the most popular adult videos (AV) idols of the 2000s. Her popularity as a porn actress alone has led to celebrity status as a media personality both in Japan and internationally.
Fumiyo Yoshida (吉田 文代, Yoshida Fumiyo; born 25 April 1981 in Tako, Chiba) is a Japanese triple jumper. She competed at…Fumiyo Yoshida (吉田 文代, Yoshida Fumiyo; born 25 April 1981 in Tako, Chiba) is a Japanese triple jumper. She competed at the 2007 World Championships without reaching the final. She was a nine-time Japanese Championships triple jump champion.
Marcus Túlio Tanaka (田中 マルクス 闘莉王, Tanaka Marukusu Tūrio; born Marcus Túlio Lyuji Murzani Tanaka on 24 April 1981) is a…Marcus Túlio Tanaka (田中 マルクス 闘莉王, Tanaka Marukusu Tūrio; born Marcus Túlio Lyuji Murzani Tanaka on 24 April 1981) is a former professional footballer who played as a centre-back. Born in Brazil, he represented Japan at international level.
Hiroaki Ishiura (石浦 宏明, Ishiura Hiroaki; born April 23, 1981) is a Japanese racing driver from Tokyo. He currently…Hiroaki Ishiura (石浦 宏明, Ishiura Hiroaki; born April 23, 1981) is a Japanese racing driver from Tokyo. He currently drives in the Super GT series for Rookie Racing. He was the 2015 and 2017 Super Formula champion, and is known as a fast and strong driver. Ishiura made his Super GT debut in 2006. In 2007, he won the GT300 championship, in the apr MR-S with Kazuya Oshima. In 2008, he started racing in the GT500 class as part of Team Tsuchiya. He went on to join Cerumo after driving for SARD. In 2025, he ended his 18-year run in the GT500 class, finishing third in his final race. However, he is not retiring.
Megu Hirose (廣瀬芽) (born April 23, 1981 in Hyōgo Prefecture) is a Japanese softball player who won the gold medal at the…Megu Hirose (廣瀬芽) (born April 23, 1981 in Hyōgo Prefecture) is a Japanese softball player who won the gold medal at the 2008 Summer Olympics.
Ryota Arimitsu (有光 亮太, Arimitsu Ryōta; born 21 April 1981) is a Japanese former professional footballer who played as a…Ryota Arimitsu (有光 亮太, Arimitsu Ryōta; born 21 April 1981) is a Japanese former professional footballer who played as a forward.
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).
Wen Yuju (温又柔) (born 1980) is a Japanese writer of Taiwanese descent. Her name is also romanized as Wen Yourou and On…Wen Yuju (温又柔) (born 1980) is a Japanese writer of Taiwanese descent. Her name is also romanized as Wen Yourou and On, Yūjū. She was born in Taipei to Taiwanese parents, and moved with her family to Tokyo when she was 3 years old. She graduated from Hosei University in 2006. Her books include Kokyokoraika (2009), Raifuku no ie (2011), Tatta Hitotsu no Watashi no mono dewa nai Namae (2012), and Taiwan umare Nihongo sodachi (2015). She was named as one of the best young Japanese writers by Granta magazine in 2016.
Daisuke Ichikawa (市川 大祐, Ichikawa Daisuke; born May 14, 1980) is a Japanese former professional footballer who played…Daisuke Ichikawa (市川 大祐, Ichikawa Daisuke; born May 14, 1980) is a Japanese former professional footballer who played as a defender. He played for the Japan national team.
Hideki Murai (村井 英樹, Murai Hideki; born 14 May 1980) is a Japanese politician who serves as chairman of the Diet…Hideki Murai (村井 英樹, Murai Hideki; born 14 May 1980) is a Japanese politician who serves as chairman of the Diet Affairs Committee in the Liberal Democratic Party since 2026. He was Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary from 2023 to 2024. He has represented Saitama 1st district in the House of Representatives since 2012. Born in Saitama Prefecture and educated at the University of Tokyo, Murai was an official in the Ministry of Finance before entering politics.
Maho Nonami (野波麻帆 Nonami Maho born 13 May 1980 in Tokyo, Japan) is a Japanese actress, best known for her role in the…Maho Nonami (野波麻帆 Nonami Maho born 13 May 1980 in Tokyo, Japan) is a Japanese actress, best known for her role in the critically acclaimed 2LDK.
Mayumi Kita (喜多 真裕美, Kita Mayumi; née Kawasaki (川崎), born 10 May 1980) is a Japanese race walker from Ibaraki…Mayumi Kita (喜多 真裕美, Kita Mayumi; née Kawasaki (川崎), born 10 May 1980) is a Japanese race walker from Ibaraki Prefecture. She represented her country in the 20 km race walk at the 2004, 2008 and 2012 Summer Olympics. Her personal best time for the 20 km race walk is 1:28:49 hours. A three-time Asian Race Walk Champion, she is a former national record holder and the second fastest Japanese race walker after Masumi Fuchise. Kawasaki has competed at the World Championships in Athletics on four occasions, with her best finish being tenth in 2007.
Norihiro Nishi (西 紀寛, Nishi Norihiro; born May 9, 1980) is a former Japanese football player. He played for Japan…Norihiro Nishi (西 紀寛, Nishi Norihiro; born May 9, 1980) is a former Japanese football player. He played for Japan national team.
Nagisa Arakaki (新垣 渚, Arakaki Nagisa; born May 9, 1980 in Naha, Okinawa) is a former Japanese professional baseball…Nagisa Arakaki (新垣 渚, Arakaki Nagisa; born May 9, 1980 in Naha, Okinawa) is a former Japanese professional baseball player. He is currently with the Tokyo Yakult Swallows in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball. Despite having one of the best fastballs and sliders of anyone in the league, Arakaki has battled control problems and injuries throughout his career. In 2007, Arakaki set the NPB record for most wild pitches in a season with 21, breaking Kazuhisa Ishii's record. Arakaki was first seen at the 1998 Koshien summer tournament, and caught the eyes of many scouts with his fastball and sharp break on his slider. Despite his team not going far in the tournament, he was scouted by the Orix BlueWave and offered a contract. However, Arakaki turned it down stating that he did not intend to play for Orix. In both 2008 and 2009, Arakaki had been in and out of the lineup due to persistent shoulder problems. From the end of '07 to late '08, the righty did not win a start, a stretch that spanned from September 17, 2007, to August 28, 2008. In the 2008 campaign, Arakaki finished with a 4-6 record and a 4.18 ERA. The 2009 season was far less kind, as the embattled righty went 0-2 with a 7.91 ERA whilst battling shoulder injuries. He did not pitch at the Major League level in 2010 and 2011 due to injury. He finally cracked the Opening Day roster in 2012 for his first action in nearly three years.
Ryo Yoshimoto (吉本 亮, Yoshimoto Ryo; born May 8, 1980) is a Japanese former Nippon Professional Baseball infielder, and…Ryo Yoshimoto (吉本 亮, Yoshimoto Ryo; born May 8, 1980) is a Japanese former Nippon Professional Baseball infielder, and current second squad hitting coach for the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). He previously played for the Fukuoka Daiei Hawks and the Tokyo Yakult Swallows.
Kei Igarashi (五十嵐 圭、born May 7, 1980 in Jōetsu, Niigata, Japan) is a Japanese professional basketball player. He plays…Kei Igarashi (五十嵐 圭、born May 7, 1980 in Jōetsu, Niigata, Japan) is a Japanese professional basketball player. He plays for the Gunma Crane Thunders of the B.League. He also was a member of the Japan national basketball team, playing for the team in the 2006 FIBA World Championship and both the FIBA Asia Championship 2007 and FIBA Asia Championship 2009. Igarashi averaged 9 points and 3 assists per game for the host Japanese at the 2006 FIBA World Championship. Igarashi scored a team-high 18 points and added three assists in Japan's lone win at the tournament, a 78-61 preliminary round victory over Panama. In his most recent, national team appearance, Igarashi had a team-leading 3.6 assists per game, good for third best overall in the tournament. Despite his performance, Japan stumbled to a disappointing tenth-place finish, its worst ever performance in 24 FIBA Asia Championship appearances. In the 2009-10 season, he entered the month-long winter break averaging 9.3 points and 2.9 assists per game for the Alvark. The popular Igarashi was also named to the JBL All-Star Game as the leading point guard vote-getter for the East.
Noriaki Sanenobu (実信 憲明, Sanenobu Noriaki; born May 7, 1980) is a former Japanese football player and is currently…Noriaki Sanenobu (実信 憲明, Sanenobu Noriaki; born May 7, 1980) is a former Japanese football player and is currently manager of FC Kagura Shimane
Shuichiro Osada (長田 秀一郎, Osada Shuichirō; born May 6, 1980 in Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan) is a professional Japanese…Shuichiro Osada (長田 秀一郎, Osada Shuichirō; born May 6, 1980 in Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan) is a professional Japanese baseball player. He plays pitcher for the Niigata Albirex Baseball Club.
Masashi Oguro (大黒 将志, Ōguro Masashi; born 4 May 1980) is a Japanese former professional footballer who played as a…Masashi Oguro (大黒 将志, Ōguro Masashi; born 4 May 1980) is a Japanese former professional footballer who played as a forward. He made 22 appearances scoring 5 goals for Japan national team between 2005 and 2008.
Takashi Miyake (born 2 May 1980) is a Japanese former international rugby union player. Miyake, a native of Kyoto…Takashi Miyake (born 2 May 1980) is a Japanese former international rugby union player. Miyake, a native of Kyoto, attended Fushimi Technical High School and was a member of Japan's top-ranked collegiate team during his time at Kanto Gakuin University. He played his rugby for Panasonic Wild Knights. A versatile back, Miyake was capped four times for Japan, debuting against Spain in 2005. He made three appearances as starting fullback in the 2006 Pacific 5 Nations and scored a try against the Junior All Blacks. Miyake announced his retirement from rugby at the end of the 2014–15 Top League season.
Masaharu Yamada (山田 政晴, Yamada Masaharu; born May 1, 1980 in Gunma) is a Japanese weightlifter. He competed in…Masaharu Yamada (山田 政晴, Yamada Masaharu; born May 1, 1980 in Gunma) is a Japanese weightlifter. He competed in Weightlifting at the 2008 Summer Olympics in the 56 kg division finishing ninth, with a new personal best of 259 kg. He beat his previous best by 6 kg. He is 5 ft 1 inches tall and weighs 130 lb.
Yousuke Ichikawa (市川 洋介, Ichikawa Yōsuke; born May 1, 1980 in Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan) is a Japanese…Yousuke Ichikawa (市川 洋介, Ichikawa Yōsuke; born May 1, 1980 in Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan) is a Japanese former actor and model who is affiliated with Pocket. He graduated from Yokohama National University's University of Electro-Communications.
Atsushi Satō (Japanese: 佐藤 篤志, Hepburn: Satō Atsushi; born April 30, 1980), known as Atsushi or Exile Atsushi (stylized…Atsushi Satō (Japanese: 佐藤 篤志, Hepburn: Satō Atsushi; born April 30, 1980), known as Atsushi or Exile Atsushi (stylized as ATSUSHI and EXILE ATSUSHI) is a Japanese singer-songwriter. Debuting as a member of the J-pop group EXILE in 2001, Atsushi is one of the main vocalists for the group. In 2004, Atsushi began working as a producer for the group Deep (then known as Color), and in 2011 released his debut solo single "Itsuka Kitto...". In 2016, he announced his temporary hiatus from EXILE and formed a new band named Red Diamond Dogs. Atsushi returned to EXILE in 2018 and later graduated from the group in December 2020 to focus on his solo activities. Atsushi rejoined the Exile Power of Wish tour on a limited basis in 2022 and announced that he would officially return to Exile's activities on the last day of the tour, 21 December 2022.
Natsuyo Ishinoda (石野田 奈津代, Ishinoda Natsuyo; born April 28, 1980), is a Japanese singer-songwriter from Kōzu-shima in…Natsuyo Ishinoda (石野田 奈津代, Ishinoda Natsuyo; born April 28, 1980), is a Japanese singer-songwriter from Kōzu-shima in the Izu Islands in Tokyo. She released her debut album Himawari in 1999. Her 2009 single "Haru Sora" is her most successful single, reaching number 39 on Oricon's singles charts.
Kentaro Hashimoto (橋本 健太郎, Hashimoto Kentarō; born April 28, 1980) is a Japanese professional baseball pitcher. He was…Kentaro Hashimoto (橋本 健太郎, Hashimoto Kentarō; born April 28, 1980) is a Japanese professional baseball pitcher. He was born in Yao, Osaka. He is currently playing for the Chiba Lotte Marines of the NPB.
