Sachiko Morimura (森村幸子, Morimura Sachiko; born 28 January 1972) is a Japanese gymnast. She competed in six events at…Sachiko Morimura (森村幸子, Morimura Sachiko; born 28 January 1972) is a Japanese gymnast. She competed in six events at the 1988 Summer Olympics.
Hiroyuki Konishi (小西洋之, Konishi Hiroyuki; born 28 January 1972) is a Japanese politician serving as a member of the…Hiroyuki Konishi (小西洋之, Konishi Hiroyuki; born 28 January 1972) is a Japanese politician serving as a member of the House of Councillors since 2010. He has served as chairman of the land, infrastructure, transport and tourism committee since 2024.
Tsuyoshi Shinjo (新庄 剛志, Shinjō Tsuyoshi; January 28, 1972), also known during the 2022 Nippon Professional Baseball…Tsuyoshi Shinjo (新庄 剛志, Shinjō Tsuyoshi; January 28, 1972), also known during the 2022 Nippon Professional Baseball season as BIGBOSS (ビッグボス, Biggubosu), is a former Japanese professional baseball outfielder and the current manager for the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). Shinjo began his playing career with the Hanshin Tigers, and moved to the United States to play in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the New York Mets. He is the second Japanese-born position player to play an MLB game, as well as the first in the National League. In 2002, he joined the San Francisco Giants and was the first Japanese-born player to appear in the World Series. He had a second stint with the Mets in 2003, and returned to Japan to play for the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters, with whom he won the Japan Series in his final season.
Keijin Okuda (奥田啓人, Okuda Keijin; born January 27, 1972) is a Japanese voice actor from Saitama Prefecture affiliated…Keijin Okuda (奥田啓人, Okuda Keijin; born January 27, 1972) is a Japanese voice actor from Saitama Prefecture affiliated with Mausu Promotion.
Hirobumi Watarai (度会 博文, Watarai Hirobumi; born January 26, 1972) is a Japanese former professional baseball infielder.…Hirobumi Watarai (度会 博文, Watarai Hirobumi; born January 26, 1972) is a Japanese former professional baseball infielder. He played in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) for the Tokyo Yakult Swallows from 1994 to 2008.
Terunori Masuho (増保輝則, Masuho Terunori) (born 29 January 1972 in Tokyo) is a former rugby union player who played as a…Terunori Masuho (増保輝則, Masuho Terunori) (born 29 January 1972 in Tokyo) is a former rugby union player who played as a wing and former Kobelco Steelers coach.
Shinji Takehara (竹原慎二, Takehara Shinji; born January 25, 1972) is a Japanese former professional boxer who competed…Shinji Takehara (竹原慎二, Takehara Shinji; born January 25, 1972) is a Japanese former professional boxer who competed from 1989 to 1996. He was the first Japanese boxer to capture a middleweight title having held the WBA title from 1995 to 1996. Takehara turned pro in 1989 and had a relatively short professional career, spanning only seven years. In 1995, he landed a shot at the WBA middleweight title against Jorge Fernando Castro and won by decision. Takehara lost the belt in his only defeat during his first defense to William Joppy in a 9th-round TKO. He was overwhelmed in the first round and appeared unable to determine incoming attacks. Ringside doctors examination discovered Takehara had posterior vitreous detachment which progressed into retinal detachment and subsequently forced him into retirement.
Tomomi Adachi (足立 智美, Adachi Tomomi; born 1972 in Kanazawa, Ishikawa) is a Japanese vocal and electronics performer…Tomomi Adachi (足立 智美, Adachi Tomomi; born 1972 in Kanazawa, Ishikawa) is a Japanese vocal and electronics performer, composer, and instrument builder. He has performed and recorded with artists such as Jaap Blonk, Nicolas Collins, Carl Stone, Noah Creshevsky, Yuji Takahashi, Toshi Ichiyanagi, Ute Wassermann, Jennifer Walshe, Zbigniew Karkowski, Butch Morris, Otomo Yoshihide. Adachi directed Japan's premiere of John Cage's Europera V and Variations VII. He was invited by Asian Cultural Council to New York from 2009 to 2010 and was a guest of the DAAD Berliner Künstlerprogramm in 2012.
Hikaru Asami (朝海 ひかる, born January 24, 1972) is a Japanese performing artist and a former member of the Takarazuka…Hikaru Asami (朝海 ひかる, born January 24, 1972) is a Japanese performing artist and a former member of the Takarazuka Revue, where she specialized in playing male characters (Otokoyaku). She joined the revue in 1991 and resigned in 2006. She is from Sendai-shi, Miyagi-ken. Her real name is Noriko Komuro (小室 德子) and her nickname is Komu (comes from the last name Komuro).
Naoshi Mizuta (水田 直志, Mizuta Naoshi; born January 24, 1972) is a Japanese video game composer and musician. He is best…Naoshi Mizuta (水田 直志, Mizuta Naoshi; born January 24, 1972) is a Japanese video game composer and musician. He is best known for his work on the Final Fantasy franchise, most notably Final Fantasy XI, and has also composed music for games such as Street Fighter Alpha, Mega Man & Bass, and Parasite Eve II. He started his career at Capcom before moving to Square (now Square Enix) in 1998.
Uchu Tatsumi (born January 23, 1972) is a retired Japanese mixed martial artist. He competed in the Bantamweight and…Uchu Tatsumi (born January 23, 1972) is a retired Japanese mixed martial artist. He competed in the Bantamweight and Featherweight division. Tatsumi fought in Shooto and is known for his series of fights against Alexandre Franca Nogueira, from whom he suffered his only defeat ending his five year undefeated streak.
Hiroshi (ヒロシ), real name Ken'ichi Saitō (斉藤 健一, Saitō Ken'ichi; born February 23, 1972, in Arao, Kumamoto Prefecture)…Hiroshi (ヒロシ), real name Ken'ichi Saitō (斉藤 健一, Saitō Ken'ichi; born February 23, 1972, in Arao, Kumamoto Prefecture), is a Japanese comedian famous for his stand-up act. Originally a member (a quick-tempered tsukkomi) of a kombi called Babies (ベイビーズ), he started working as a host in Tokyo under the host name Ken Saegami (冴神剣 Saegami Ken) when Babies dissolved. Making a mere amount of yen equivalent to $800 per month, he worked as a host for nearly 3 years. After quitting his host job, he returned to the comedy circuit with a new name, "Hiroshi"—taken from the announcer Hiroshi Ikushima (生島ヒロシ Ikushima Hiroshi)—and a new gimmick; one that would eventually gain him stardom in 2004 while landing stand-up spots on various comedy programs including the popular The god of Entertainment. (エンタの神様). His skit always follows the same formula: A simple introduction followed by a recollection of past and present pitiful episodes in his life after which he repeats, "I am Hiroshi." (ヒロシです/Hiroshi desu), while Italian singer Peppino Gagliardi's "Che vuole questa musica stasera" plays in the background. He is always seen wearing typical host-style apparel, and he is known as a depressed character, which is reflected in his skits, and in the way he is treated by other owarai talents.
Tōru Miyamoto (宮本 徹, Miyamoto Tōru; born 22 January 1972) is a member of the Japanese Communist Party who served in the…Tōru Miyamoto (宮本 徹, Miyamoto Tōru; born 22 January 1972) is a member of the Japanese Communist Party who served in the House of Representatives as a representative of the Tokyo proportional representation block for 3 terms between 2014 and 2024. Miyamoto was born in Miki City, Hyogo Prefecture.
Nobuhide Takemura (武村展英, Takemura Nobuhide; born 21 January 1972) is a Japanese politician serving as a member of the…Nobuhide Takemura (武村展英, Takemura Nobuhide; born 21 January 1972) is a Japanese politician serving as a member of the House of Representatives since 2012. From 2003 to 2010, he worked as a Certified Public Accountant at Ernst & Young ShinNihon.
Yasunori Mitsuda (光田 康典, Mitsuda Yasunori; born January 21, 1972) is a Japanese composer. He is best known for his work…Yasunori Mitsuda (光田 康典, Mitsuda Yasunori; born January 21, 1972) is a Japanese composer. He is best known for his work in video games, primarily for the Chrono, Xeno, Shadow Hearts, and Inazuma Eleven franchises, among various others. Mitsuda founded a music production studio and record company, Procyon Studio and Sleigh Bells, in 2001. Mitsuda joined Square upon graduation in 1992. He worked there designing sound effects for two years before being assigned his debut project in Chrono Trigger (1995). Mitsuda went on to compose for several other games at Square, including Xenogears (1998) and Chrono Cross (1999). He left the company and became independent in 1998. Mitsuda has also worked on anime series, films, and television programs. His music in Chrono Trigger, Xenogears, and Chrono Cross has since been cited as among the best in video games.
Ōtsukasa Nobuhide (皇司信秀 (Ōtsukasanobuhide), born February 18, 1971, as Nobuhide Ōuchi) is a former sumo wrestler from…Ōtsukasa Nobuhide (皇司信秀 (Ōtsukasanobuhide), born February 18, 1971, as Nobuhide Ōuchi) is a former sumo wrestler from Miki, Hyōgo, Japan. A former amateur champion, he made his professional debut in 1993. The highest rank he reached was maegashira 4. He retired in March 2009 and is now a sumo coach.
Nozomi Watanabe (渡辺 心, Watanabe Nozomi; born February 18, 1971 in Ōta, Tokyo) is a Japanese former ice dancer. She…Nozomi Watanabe (渡辺 心, Watanabe Nozomi; born February 18, 1971 in Ōta, Tokyo) is a Japanese former ice dancer. She regularly danced with Akiyuki Kido. They are the three time Japanese national champions. They placed 15th at the Torino Olympics.
Eiko Hiraiwa (平岩 英子, Hiraiwa Eiko; 17 February 1971 – 31 March 2021) was a Japanese singer-songwriter. After studying…Eiko Hiraiwa (平岩 英子, Hiraiwa Eiko; 17 February 1971 – 31 March 2021) was a Japanese singer-songwriter. After studying Dalcroze eurhythmics as a child and college student, she made her major-label debut in 1995. She released several singles and albums with Epic Records Japan and Village Records until 2000, entering into a hiatus afterwards.
Gaku Hasegawa (長谷川 岳, Hasegawa Gaku; born 16 February 1971) is a member of the House of Councillors of Japan from…Gaku Hasegawa (長谷川 岳, Hasegawa Gaku; born 16 February 1971) is a member of the House of Councillors of Japan from Hokkaido. He belongs to the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).
Noriko Sakai (酒井 法子, Sakai Noriko; born February 14, 1971) is a Japanese singer and actress. Under her former stage…Noriko Sakai (酒井 法子, Sakai Noriko; born February 14, 1971) is a Japanese singer and actress. Under her former stage name Nori-P (のりピー, Noripī), Sakai released her first single, "Otoko no Ko ni Naritai" (男のコになりたい; "I Want to Be a Boy") on February 5, 1987, nine days short of her sixteenth birthday. Over 40,000 copies of the single were sold. She is particularly popular in Hong Kong and Taiwan. Her best-selling single to date is "Aoi Usagi". In August 2009, Sakai was arrested on suspicion of possession and abuse of drugs and sentenced to probation for three years. She divorced her husband Yūichi Takasō (高相 祐一, Takasō Yūichi) after the incident and temporarily stayed away from the media circle until her probation ended, at which she began rehearsals for the theater, and signed on with Office Nigun Niiba, as a first step towards returning to the media community. On May 1, 2021, she left Office Nigun Niiba and joined Smile.
Masaki Tokudome (徳留 真紀, Tokudome Masaki; born 14 February 1971) is a Japanese occasional motorcycle racer. Tokudome…Masaki Tokudome (徳留 真紀, Tokudome Masaki; born 14 February 1971) is a Japanese occasional motorcycle racer. Tokudome competed in international Grand Prix motorcycle racing between 1994 and 2005, finishing second in the 125cc World Championship behind countryman Haruchika Aoki while riding for the Aprilia factory team in 1996. Tokudome won five Grand Prix races during his career. Tokudome was a longtime competitor in the All-Japan Road Race Championship after departing the international scene. He was the J-GP3 Champion in the class for the first time in 2012, after being runner up on three separate occasions, and again in 2016. Tokudome retired from full-time competition in 2024.
Makoto Iijima (飯島 誠, Iijima Makoto; born February 12, 1971) is a Japanese former professional road and track cyclist.…Makoto Iijima (飯島 誠, Iijima Makoto; born February 12, 1971) is a Japanese former professional road and track cyclist. Considered one of Japan's most successful cyclists in his decade, Iijima has claimed a total of nine track cycling medals (two golds, three silver, and four bronze) at the Asian Championships, two silvers at the Asian Games (1998 and 2002), and three national time trial titles at the Japanese Championships (1998, 2004, and 2005). He also represented his nation Japan in three editions of the Olympic Games (2000, 2004, and 2008). He announced his retirement from professional cycling in October 2010 as a member of the Bridgestone–Anchor team.
Mana Endo (遠藤 愛, Endō Mana) is a Japanese former professional tennis player. She was born on February 6, 1971, in…Mana Endo (遠藤 愛, Endō Mana) is a Japanese former professional tennis player. She was born on February 6, 1971, in Hiroshima and resides in Fukuyama, Hiroshima. She started playing tennis at age seven with her father and coach Hiroshi and played on the WTA Tour from 1991 until 1998. She graduated from the University of Tsukuba while on the tour in March 1993.
Keizoh Kawano (河野啓三, Kawano Keizō; born February 4, 1971) is a Japanese pianist, keyboardist, and composer who served…Keizoh Kawano (河野啓三, Kawano Keizō; born February 4, 1971) is a Japanese pianist, keyboardist, and composer who served as keyboardist and pianist for the band T-Square until August 2020.
Teppei Arita (有田 哲平, Arita Teppei; born 3 February 1971, in Higashi-ku, Kumamoto, Kumamoto Prefecture) is a Japanese…Teppei Arita (有田 哲平, Arita Teppei; born 3 February 1971, in Higashi-ku, Kumamoto, Kumamoto Prefecture) is a Japanese comedian, television presenter and television writer who performs boke of the comedy duo Cream Stew. His partner is Shinya Ueda. He is nicknamed Aripei (アリペイ) and Aripē (アリペー). Arita is represented by Natural Eight.
Sarutoki Minagawa (Japanese: 皆川 猿時, Hepburn: Minagawa Sarutoki; born 1 February 1971) is a Japanese actor. He worked…Sarutoki Minagawa (Japanese: 皆川 猿時, Hepburn: Minagawa Sarutoki; born 1 February 1971) is a Japanese actor. He worked with Suzuki Matsuo in the theater group, Otona Keikaku.
Tomomi Hayashi (林 知充, born February 1, 1971, in Toyama, Japan) is a Japanese-Estonian architect. From 1990 to 1994…Tomomi Hayashi (林 知充, born February 1, 1971, in Toyama, Japan) is a Japanese-Estonian architect. From 1990 to 1994 Tomomi Hayashi studied in the Yokohama National University (横浜国立大学 Yokohama Kokuritsu Daigaku) in the department of architecture. From 1995 to 1999 he studied in the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, at the Washington-Alexandria Architecture Center (WAAC). From 1994 to 1995 Tomomi Hayashi worked in the Maki and Associates architectural bureau as an assistant. From 1999 to 2001 he worked in the Rafael Viñoly Architects architectural bureau. From 2001 to present he works in Estonia - from 2001 to 2003 in HEAD Arhitektid OÜ architectural office, in 2003 in KOSMOS OÜ architectural office and from 2004 to present in Hayashi-Grossschmidt Arhitektuur (HGA). Most notable works of Tomomi Hayashi are the Lasnamäe track and field hall (2003), Museum of Occupations (2003), FOORUM department store (2007), the Rotermann's Old and New Flour Storage (reconstruction and extension of the Old Flour Storage in Rotermanni Quarter) (2009) as well as the renovation of Machinery Hall of the A. M. Lutheri Furniture Factory (2017). HGA was involved with the Estonian National Museum project from 2008 till its completion as the collaborating local architects. Tomomi Hayashi has received the annual architecture prize of the Cultural Endowment of Estonia in 2003 and 2009, and in 2017 architectural grand prize for the Estonian National Museum project. He was nominated for the Mies van der Rohe Prize in 2005, 2009 and 2019. Recently received the Gold prize in the Work category for the IFI Design Distinction Award and Special Mentions in 2020 European Heritage Awards – Europa Nostra Awards for the renovation of Machinery Hall of the A. M. Lutheri Furniture Factory. Since 2012 he has taught at TTK, Tallinn University of Applied Sciences. Between 2012 and 2017 lead the Institute of Architecture in Faculty of Architecture and Environmental Engineering. At the same institute he teaches as an associate professor (2016-2020) and then as a professor (2021-). Tomomi Hayashi is a member of the Union of Estonian Architects and Chartered architect-expert VIII.
Yasuo Manaka (眞中 靖夫, Manaka Yasuo; born January 31, 1971) is a former Japanese football player and manager. His elder…Yasuo Manaka (眞中 靖夫, Manaka Yasuo; born January 31, 1971) is a former Japanese football player and manager. His elder brother Mikio Manaka is also a former footballer.
Takeshi Yamanaka (山中 武司, Yamanaka Takeshi; born 30 January 1971) is a former professional Japanese ice hockey player…Takeshi Yamanaka (山中 武司, Yamanaka Takeshi; born 30 January 1971) is a former professional Japanese ice hockey player and current coach. He competed with Team Japan as a defenceman in the men's ice hockey tournament at the 1998 Winter Olympics. He also was the head coach of the women's ice hockey tournament Team Japan at the 2018 Winter Olympics. Having coached professionally in the Asia League and at the national level, he is currently the assistant coach for the Japanese Men's National Ice Hockey Team.
Yuji Yasuraoka (安良岡裕二 Yasuraoka Yuji) (born January 28, 1971) is a retired Japanese professional wrestler. He is best…Yuji Yasuraoka (安良岡裕二 Yasuraoka Yuji) (born January 28, 1971) is a retired Japanese professional wrestler. He is best known for his work in Wrestle Association R, where he became a one-time Tenryu Project International Junior Heavyweight Champion and a four-time Tenryu Project International Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champion.
Tomoefuji Toshihide (born 27 January 1971 as Toshihide Kurosawa) is a former sumo wrestler from Akita Prefecture…Tomoefuji Toshihide (born 27 January 1971 as Toshihide Kurosawa) is a former sumo wrestler from Akita Prefecture, Japan. His highest rank was komusubi.
Takanori Aki (安藝 貴範, Aki Takanori; born 26 January 1971), also known as 'Aki-san', is the president and CEO of Good…Takanori Aki (安藝 貴範, Aki Takanori; born 26 January 1971), also known as 'Aki-san', is the president and CEO of Good Smile Company. He was born in Sanuki, Kagawa Prefecture, Japan. As the CEO of Good Smile Company he works to provide new content to fans of character figures and goods. He has also been involved in the production and planning of a number of anime series and films, which has led him to become one of the founding board members of the Ultra Super Pictures animation studio.
Hideki Nagai (永井 秀樹, Nagai Hideki; born 26 January 1971) is a former Japanese football player and manager. He is…Hideki Nagai (永井 秀樹, Nagai Hideki; born 26 January 1971) is a former Japanese football player and manager. He is current manager of Tokyo Verdy. His younger brother Atsushi Nagai is also a former footballer.
Eri Imai (今井 恵理, Imai Eri; born January 26, 1971 in Yawata, Kyoto) is a Japanese actress and model. In April 1994, she…Eri Imai (今井 恵理, Imai Eri; born January 26, 1971 in Yawata, Kyoto) is a Japanese actress and model. In April 1994, she won the "Shape Up Girl Audition" Grand Prix, and made appearances with three other models under the "Shape Up Girl" name. She made numerous appearances on television, film, v-cinema, photobooks and on stage during the 1990s. She and her husband, actor Yūjin Nomura, announced the birth of their first child, a son, in October 2009. At the end of that year Imai appeared in the "Shape-Up Girl" calendar with her fellow alumni of that group. She returned for this calendar the following year.
Masayuki Izumikawa (泉川 正幸, Izumikawa Masayuki) (born 22 January 1971) is a Japanese former volleyball player who…Masayuki Izumikawa (泉川 正幸, Izumikawa Masayuki) (born 22 January 1971) is a Japanese former volleyball player who competed in the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona. He also competed in the Summer Universiade in 1993 as the main outside hitter of his national squad, winning a gold medal.
Mito Kakizawa (柿沢未途, Kakizawa Mito; born 21 January 1971) is a Japanese politician and former member of the House of…Mito Kakizawa (柿沢未途, Kakizawa Mito; born 21 January 1971) is a Japanese politician and former member of the House of Representatives. He represented the Tokyo 15th district in the House of Representatives. His father was Koji Kakizawa, a former foreign minister and member of both houses of the Diet, serving in the House of Representatives for seven terms until 2003.
Zentaro Kamei (亀井 善太郎, Kamei Zentarō; born January 20, 1971) is a Japanese politician of the Liberal Democratic Party…Zentaro Kamei (亀井 善太郎, Kamei Zentarō; born January 20, 1971) is a Japanese politician of the Liberal Democratic Party, a member of the House of Representatives in the Diet (national legislature). A native of Isehara, Kanagawa and graduate of Keio University, he was elected for the first time in 2006. In the 45th House of Representatives general election held on August 30, 2009, he ran unsuccessfully for re-election as a candidate endorsed by the Liberal Democratic Party. Prior to be in politics, he worked for Industrial Bank of Japan and Boston Consulting Group. He is the son of the late Japanese politician Yoshiyuki Kamei, who was Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries during the government of Junichiro Koizumi and Minister of Transport during the government of Ryutaro Hashimoto. In April 2026 he was appointed as a professor at the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies, a National University led by Hiroko Ota, formerly a minister in the government of Shinzo Abe.
Aogiyama Hideki (born 18 February 1970 as Hideki Teraki) is a former sumo wrestler from Hikone, Shiga, Japan. He made…Aogiyama Hideki (born 18 February 1970 as Hideki Teraki) is a former sumo wrestler from Hikone, Shiga, Japan. He made his professional debut in March 1985, and reached the top division in March 1993. His highest rank was maegashira 1. He retired in November 2003, and he is an elder in the Japan Sumo Association under the name Edagawa.
Junko Iwao (岩男 潤子, Iwao Junko; born February 18, 1970 in Beppu, Ōita) is a Japanese voice actress and singer. Her most…Junko Iwao (岩男 潤子, Iwao Junko; born February 18, 1970 in Beppu, Ōita) is a Japanese voice actress and singer. Her most notable role is in Cardcaptor Sakura, providing the voice to Sakura's best friend and cousin, Tomoyo Daidōji. She also voiced lead character Mima Kirigoe in Perfect Blue, Ceres in Ceres, Celestial Legend, and Kikyo in Hunter x Hunter. In video games, she voiced Pai Chan in Virtua Fighter, Carole Pepper in Honkai Impact 3rd, Mint in Tales of Phantasia and Serika in To Heart.
Takahisa Yoshida (Japanese: 吉田 孝久; born 17 February 1970) is a Japanese former high jumper who competed in the 2000…Takahisa Yoshida (Japanese: 吉田 孝久; born 17 February 1970) is a Japanese former high jumper who competed in the 2000 Summer Olympics.
Hiroaki Samura (沙村 広明, Samura Hiroaki; born February 17, 1970) is a Japanese manga artist, known for Blade of the…Hiroaki Samura (沙村 広明, Samura Hiroaki; born February 17, 1970) is a Japanese manga artist, known for Blade of the Immortal, as well as several other short works. He has also done various illustrations for magazines and ero guro work.
Shin Nakagomi (中込 伸, Nakagomi Shin; born February 16, 1970) is a retired Japanese professional baseball player and the…Shin Nakagomi (中込 伸, Nakagomi Shin; born February 16, 1970) is a retired Japanese professional baseball player and the former manager of Brother Elephants. In 2010, he was convicted of 5 charges of match fixing as a part of the 2009 game-fixing scandal and sentenced to 20 months in prison.
Naomi Nishida (西田 尚美, Nishida Naomi) is a Japanese actress. She won the Best Supporting Actress award at the 2001…Naomi Nishida (西田 尚美, Nishida Naomi) is a Japanese actress. She won the Best Supporting Actress award at the 2001 Yokohama Film Festival and at the 25th Hochi Film Award for her performance in Nabbie's Love.
Kazuyuki Manabe (真鍋和幸, Manabe Kazuyuki; born February 16, 1970 in Mitoyo, Kagawa) is a Japanese road racing cyclist…Kazuyuki Manabe (真鍋和幸, Manabe Kazuyuki; born February 16, 1970 in Mitoyo, Kagawa) is a Japanese road racing cyclist, who last rode for UCI Continental team Matrix Powertag. Manabe participated in the 1996 Summer Olympics in the men's individual road race, but did not finish. He was third in the Japanese National Road Race Championships in 1998, 2003 and 2005.
Takashi Saito (斎藤 隆, Saitō Takashi; born February 14, 1970) is a Japanese former professional baseball pitcher who is…Takashi Saito (斎藤 隆, Saitō Takashi; born February 14, 1970) is a Japanese former professional baseball pitcher who is currently the chief pitching coach for the Yokohama DeNA BayStars of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). Saito's professional career spanned 23 years. He spent his first 13 seasons pitching for the Yokohama Taiyo Whales / BayStars in the Japanese Central League, compiling a record of 87–80, usually as a starter. He spent the next seven seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a closer and relief pitcher, before finishing his career in Japan with the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles. In his first MLB season of 2006, Saito finished eighth in the National League Cy Young Award voting. In his second season, he was named an All-Star. Dodgers broadcaster Vin Scully bestowed the nickname "the Man from Miyagi" upon him, in reference to the prefecture that encompasses Saito's place of birth. He was also nicknamed "Sammy" by his Dodgers teammates Andre Ethier and Matt Kemp, who affectionally compared him to Sammy Sosa.
