Harunoyama Tatsunao (Japanese: 春ノ山 竜尚, born 2 August 1976), known as Tatsunao Haruyama is a former Japanese sumo…Harunoyama Tatsunao (Japanese: 春ノ山 竜尚, born 2 August 1976), known as Tatsunao Haruyama is a former Japanese sumo wrestler from Toyota, Aichi. He made his professional debut in March 1992 and reached the top division in March 2004. His highest rank was maegashira 10. Upon retirement from active competition he became an elder in the Japan Sumo Association, under the name Takenawa. He left the Sumo Association in January 2008.
Iwao Yamane (山根 巌, Yamane Iwao; born July 31, 1976) is a former Japanese football player. His son Towa Yamane is also a…Iwao Yamane (山根 巌, Yamane Iwao; born July 31, 1976) is a former Japanese football player. His son Towa Yamane is also a footballer.
Hidenori Isa (井佐 英徳, Isa Hidenori; born 30 July 1976) is a former Japanese biathlete. He was one of the top male…Hidenori Isa (井佐 英徳, Isa Hidenori; born 30 July 1976) is a former Japanese biathlete. He was one of the top male Japanese biathletes from 2000 until his retirement in 2014.
Hiromasa Suguri (村主 博正, Suguri Hiromasa; born July 29, 1976) is a Japanese former football player. He was most recently…Hiromasa Suguri (村主 博正, Suguri Hiromasa; born July 29, 1976) is a Japanese former football player. He was most recently the manager of J2 League club of Iwaki FC until 14 June 2023.
Toyo Asayama (朝山 東洋, Asayama Toyo; born July 29, 1976) is a former Nippon Professional Baseball outfielder for the…Toyo Asayama (朝山 東洋, Asayama Toyo; born July 29, 1976) is a former Nippon Professional Baseball outfielder for the Hiroshima Toyo Carp.
Kazuhiro Takahashi (高橋 和裕, Takahashi Kazuhiro; born 27 July 1976 in Nara Prefecture) is a Japanese retired sprinter. He…Kazuhiro Takahashi (高橋 和裕, Takahashi Kazuhiro; born 27 July 1976 in Nara Prefecture) is a Japanese retired sprinter. He currently holds the Asian indoor record in the 4 × 400 metres relay with 3:05.90 minutes, achieved with teammates Jun Osakada, Masayoshi Kan and Shunji Karube in March 1999 in Maebashi. He also formerly held the Japanese record in the 200 metres with 20.57 seconds. He is currently (2020) the athletic director at Hamamatsu Koto High School.
Tatsuhiko Kinjoh (Japanese: 金城 龍彦, Korean: 김용언, Hanja: 金龍彦, born July 27, 1976) is a Japanese professional baseball…Tatsuhiko Kinjoh (Japanese: 金城 龍彦, Korean: 김용언, Hanja: 金龍彦, born July 27, 1976) is a Japanese professional baseball coach and former player of Korean descent from Higashinari-ku, Osaka, Japan. He played center field for the Yomiuri Giants. He threw right-handed, and was a switch hitter.
Toshiaki Nishioka (西岡 利晃, Nishioka Toshiaki; born July 25, 1976) is a Japanese former professional boxer who competed…Toshiaki Nishioka (西岡 利晃, Nishioka Toshiaki; born July 25, 1976) is a Japanese former professional boxer who competed from 1994 to 2012. He held the WBC super-bantamweight title from 2008 to 2012, and challenged for the WBO and The Ring super-bantamweight titles in his final-fight. Nishioka is known for his series of fights against Veeraphol Nakonluang-Promotion, with two of their four encounters ending in draws. Unlike many of Japan's other world champions, Nishioka willingly fought outside of his own country.
Naoko Saito (齋藤 尚子, Saitō Naoko; born 25 July 1976) is a Japanese former field hockey player who competed in the 2004…Naoko Saito (齋藤 尚子, Saitō Naoko; born 25 July 1976) is a Japanese former field hockey player who competed in the 2004 Summer Olympics.
Takahiro Satō (佐藤 タカヒロ, Satō Takahiro; 24 July 1976 – 3 July 2018) was a Japanese manga artist from Yamagata…Takahiro Satō (佐藤 タカヒロ, Satō Takahiro; 24 July 1976 – 3 July 2018) was a Japanese manga artist from Yamagata prefecture. Satō created the manga Bachi Bachi, a sumo series that ran in Weekly Shōnen Champion from 2009 to 2012. Bachi Bachi went on to spawn two sequel series, Bachi Bachi BURST and Samejima, Saigo no Jūgonichi. Satō suffered a sudden death on 3 July 2018 at the age of 41 due to acute coronary syndrome. Samejima, Saigo no Jūgonichi was still running at the time of his death, and the last issue was published in July 2018. The final chapters were compiled into the 20th volume, which went on to be published posthumously in October of the same year. Sumo magazine Great Sumo Journal honored Satō with a special issue following his death, which featured the main character of Bachi Bachi. In November 2023, makuuchi-ranked wrestler Kitanowaka also paid tribute to Satō by performing his ring-entering ceremony with a keshō-mawashi made in the image of Samejima, the main character in Bachi Bachi.
Tatsuya Ozeki (小関 竜也, Ozeki Tatsuya; born July 24, 1976 in Sano, Tochigi, Japan) is a professional Japanese baseball…Tatsuya Ozeki (小関 竜也, Ozeki Tatsuya; born July 24, 1976 in Sano, Tochigi, Japan) is a professional Japanese baseball player. Mai Ozeki, his daughter, was one of the members of female idol group Country Girls.
Makoto Azuma (東 信, Azuma Makoto; born July 24, 1976) is a Japanese flower artist, botanical sculptor, and co-founder of…Makoto Azuma (東 信, Azuma Makoto; born July 24, 1976) is a Japanese flower artist, botanical sculptor, and co-founder of JARDINS des FLEURS.
Naoto Suenaga (末永直登, Suenaga Naoto; born 23 July 1976, Kagoshima Prefecture) is a retired Japanese professional…Naoto Suenaga (末永直登, Suenaga Naoto; born 23 July 1976, Kagoshima Prefecture) is a retired Japanese professional drifting driver and the older brother of D1 Grand Prix driver Masao Suenaga. He is known for competing in the D1 Grand Prix series for Team ORANGE. In addition to competitions, he teaches a drift school and formerly works for Ebisu Circuit. Suenaga is the 2008 D1 Street Legal champion, setting a record 5 win in a season.
Passion Yara (パッション屋良, Passhon Yara; born Chōbyō Yara (屋良 朝苗, Yara Chōbyō), July 23, 1976 in the city of Nago, Okinawa)…Passion Yara (パッション屋良, Passhon Yara; born Chōbyō Yara (屋良 朝苗, Yara Chōbyō), July 23, 1976 in the city of Nago, Okinawa) is a Japanese comedian. He is perhaps best known for the angry, passionate chest-beating in his comedy routine. Passion Yara graduated from Kokushikan University's physical education department with the intention of becoming an educator. He is well-built, at 86 kg and 180 cm, and is capable of bench-pressing 160 kg. He enjoys bowling, darts, muscle training, touring, MTV, and canoeing. Yara has appeared on a variety of Japanese comedy-related TV shows and competitions in Japan, typically wearing a tight-fitting white gym outfit with an embroidered letter "P" on the collared shirt. His routine generally includes fits of maniacal, single-fisted chest-beating, for which he has gained some measure of notoriety. His act has been parodied by another Japanese comedian using the stage name "Dark Yara". Passion Yara performed his chest-beating act and other dance moves on the J-ska band Yum!Yum!ORANGE's music video for the song "Clover". Yara has also performed as a competitor on Sasuke (known in the United States as Ninja Warrior), having entered at least two competitions, the 16th and 21st. In the 16th competition, he entertained spectators with his chest-beating before succumbing to the Rolling Log obstacle early in Stage 1. Ninja Warrior later declared him to be the 5th craziest competitor in the history of the event, referring to him in an aired segment as "Screaming Wacko". In the 21st competition, he surpassed his previous performance by reaching the Jumping Spider in Stage 1, where he subsequently fell and was eliminated.
Miho Ninomiya (二宮 美穂, Ninomiya Miho; born August 22, 1975 in Kikuchi District, Kumamoto) is a female Japanese judoka.…Miho Ninomiya (二宮 美穂, Ninomiya Miho; born August 22, 1975 in Kikuchi District, Kumamoto) is a female Japanese judoka. She started Judo at the age of 14. She won All-Japan judo championships 2 times（1997–1998. She has also won silver and bronze medals at the 1997 and 1999 World Judo Championships. However, she was defeated at the Olympic trials so she could not participate in the 2000 Olympics.
Kasuganishiki Takahiro (born August 22, 1975 as Takahiro Suzuki) is a former sumo wrestler from Misaki, Isumi District…Kasuganishiki Takahiro (born August 22, 1975 as Takahiro Suzuki) is a former sumo wrestler from Misaki, Isumi District, Chiba Prefecture, Japan. He made his debut in 1991, reaching the top makuuchi division in 2002. His highest rank was maegashira 5. He retired in 2011 and became an elder of the Japan Sumo Association under the name Takenawa, but admitted involvement in match-fixing after text messages were found on his mobile phone that showed he had arranged the result of bouts with fellow wrestlers the previous year. His testimony was part of the Sumo Association's investigation into the affair which led to 22 other wrestlers being found guilty, most of whom were ordered to retire. Given a two-year suspension, he instead left sumo completely.
Yuichi Kodama (児玉裕一, Kodama Yuichi; born August 20, 1975), is a Japanese video director. He has mainly directed music…Yuichi Kodama (児玉裕一, Kodama Yuichi; born August 20, 1975), is a Japanese video director. He has mainly directed music videos and ads. He often produces music videos and ads that are strongly connected or "tied-up" to each other, such as Perfume's "Secret Secret" and Morinaga Milk's "Eskimo Pino", or Amuro Namie's songs and Vidal sassoon's ads. In 2008, he won 3 awards in the Cannes International Advertising Festival, 4 awards in the Clio Awards and 3 awards in the One Show Interactive for a project he did for UNIQLOCK. Kodama is an alumnus of Tohoku University.
Naoko Fujioka (藤岡奈穂子, Fujioka Naoko; born 18 August 1975) is a Japanese former professional boxer. She is Japan's first…Naoko Fujioka (藤岡奈穂子, Fujioka Naoko; born 18 August 1975) is a Japanese former professional boxer. She is Japan's first ever five-division world champion, having held the WBA female flyweight title between 2017 and 2022. She also previously held the WBC female minimumweight; WBO female junior-flyweight; WBA female super-flyweight; and WBO female bantamweight titles between 2012 and 2017. Fujioka is a member of the International Women's Boxing Hall of Fame.
Nobuhiro Ishida (石田 順裕, Ishida Nobuhiro; born August 18, 1975) is a Japanese former professional boxer. He is a former…Nobuhiro Ishida (石田 順裕, Ishida Nobuhiro; born August 18, 1975) is a Japanese former professional boxer. He is a former WBA interim super welterweight champion who is best known for knocking out James Kirkland in a middleweight bout at the MGM Grand Las Vegas in April 2011. Ishida has so far been promoted by Canelo Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions among others and has been co-trained by Rudy Hernández and Daisuke Okabe, while residing back and forth between Los Angeles, California, United States and Osaka, Japan.
Takahito Suzuki (鈴木 貴人), born August 17, 1975, is a Japanese retired professional ice hockey Right winger. He also…Takahito Suzuki (鈴木 貴人), born August 17, 1975, is a Japanese retired professional ice hockey Right winger. He also served as the head coach of the Japanese national team. Suzuki is noted for being the first Japanese ice hockey player to play for a professional team in the United States. A fan favorite, the Charlotte Checkers placed billboards around the city promoting Suzuki.
Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi (川口 能活, Kawaguchi Yoshikatsu; born 15 August 1975), also known as Yoshi Kawaguchi, is a Japanese…Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi (川口 能活, Kawaguchi Yoshikatsu; born 15 August 1975), also known as Yoshi Kawaguchi, is a Japanese former footballer who played as a goalkeeper. Kawaguchi spent most of his professional career in the Japanese J1 League, with brief spells in Europe as a reserve goalkeeper. He has earned 116 international caps for Japan, making him one of the ten most capped players in the history of the team. He additionally served as captain from 2006 to 2008. He was part of the Japanese squads at the 1998, 2002, 2006 and 2010 editions of the FIFA World Cups, the 2004 and 2007 editions of the AFC Asian Cups, as well as the 1999 Copa América.
Mayu Sakamoto (Japanese: 阪本 真由, Hepburn: Sakamoto Mayu; born 12 August 1975), known professionally as Tomu Ranju (蘭寿…Mayu Sakamoto (Japanese: 阪本 真由, Hepburn: Sakamoto Mayu; born 12 August 1975), known professionally as Tomu Ranju (蘭寿 とむ, Ranju Tomu) is a Japanese singer, TV and musical actress most widely recognized as Takarazuka Revue Flower Troupe's otokoyaku (男役 Takarazuka actresses who play male roles) top star from 2011 to 2014. Ranju is considered one of the triple threat actresses the revue has had in recent years and was selected to record songs for many of Takazuka albums, both while she was with the revue and after she left. After her "graduation" (Takarazuka actresses may not rejoin the revue after they leave), Ranju began to actively pursue a career on stage, focusing mainly on musicals. She could also be seen on television, playing supporting roles and as TV show hosts. In 2016, Ranju got married and became inactive ever since.
Yasuko Hashimoto (橋本 康子, Hashimoto Yasuko; born August 12, 1975) is a Japanese long-distance runner, whose main event…Yasuko Hashimoto (橋本 康子, Hashimoto Yasuko; born August 12, 1975) is a Japanese long-distance runner, whose main event is the marathon. She won the 2007 edition of the Nagoya Marathon, clocking 2:28:49. Her personal best (2:25:21) was set in 2005. Other wins in her career include the Berlin Marathon in 2003 and consecutive wins at the Kagawa Marugame Half Marathon in 2003 and 2004. She was born in Motomiya. She represented her country in the marathon at the 2007 World Championships in Athletics.
Suzu Chiba (千葉 すず, born August 11, 1975, in Yokohama, Kanagawa) is a former freestyle swimmer from Japan. She competed…Suzu Chiba (千葉 すず, born August 11, 1975, in Yokohama, Kanagawa) is a former freestyle swimmer from Japan. She competed for her native country in two consequentive Summer Olympics, starting in 1992. She won the bronze medal in the 400 m Freestyle at the 1991 World Aquatics Championships in Perth, Western Australia. She married swimmer Takashi Yamamoto in 2002. They have four children together.
Tomohiro Nagai (永井 智浩, Nagai Tomohiro; born August 11, 1975) is a Japanese former professional baseball pitcher, and…Tomohiro Nagai (永井 智浩, Nagai Tomohiro; born August 11, 1975) is a Japanese former professional baseball pitcher, and current Executive officer (General Manager of Organization and Training division) and General Manager of Scouting department for the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). He previously played for the Fukuoka Daiei Hawks. His nephew is Ryuta Heinai, who currently plays for the Yomiuri Giants.
Masatoshi Akimoto (秋本 真利, Akimoto Masatoshi; born 10 August 1975) is an independent politician who served in the House…Masatoshi Akimoto (秋本 真利, Akimoto Masatoshi; born 10 August 1975) is an independent politician who served in the House of Representatives of Japan.
Fumie Kurotori (黒鳥 文絵, Kurotori Fumie) (born August 6, 1975 in Funabashi, Chiba) is a retired female medley swimmer…Fumie Kurotori (黒鳥 文絵, Kurotori Fumie) (born August 6, 1975 in Funabashi, Chiba) is a retired female medley swimmer from Japan, who represented her native country at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia. She is best known for winning two gold medals at the 1995 Summer Universiade in Fukuoka.
Masayuki Miyazawa (宮澤正之, Miyazawa Masayuki; born August 6, 1975), known professionally as Sakana-kun (さかなクン), is a…Masayuki Miyazawa (宮澤正之, Miyazawa Masayuki; born August 6, 1975), known professionally as Sakana-kun (さかなクン), is a Japanese illustrator, ichthyologist and television personality. Largely self-taught, he is based in Chiba Prefecture. His trademark is wearing a boxfish cap and a jacket adorned with fish. In 2011, he was a visiting associate professor at Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology and was working with the Japanese government to promote fish consumption, trying to boost the sagging fisheries industry. Sakana-kun testified at the Research Committee on International Economy and Foreign Affairs during a February 12, 2020 House of Councillors committee session, discussing the changing fish habitat due to environmental problems, at the session dedicated to marine resource management and protection. As headgear is not normally allowed in the upper house, Sakana-kun was given special permission to wear his trademark boxfish cap during the testimony. In 2022, Shuichi Okita’s film “The Fish Tale” was released, based on Sakana-kun's autobiography. The film has been described as “a heartwarming story about a lovable outsider”, reflecting Sakana-kun's non-mainstream life. He is the son of Goro Miyazawa, a 9-dan professional Go player.
Tomoaki Hamatsu (浜津 智明, Hamatsu Tomoaki; born 3 August 1975), better known as Nasubi (なすび, "Eggplant"), is a Japanese…Tomoaki Hamatsu (浜津 智明, Hamatsu Tomoaki; born 3 August 1975), better known as Nasubi (なすび, "Eggplant"), is a Japanese comedian and media personality. Hamatsu is best known for appearing on the controversial reality television show Susunu! Denpa Shōnen.
Hideaki Ito (伊藤 英明 (Itō Hideaki), born August 3, 1975) is a Japanese actor known for his leading roles in both…Hideaki Ito (伊藤 英明 (Itō Hideaki), born August 3, 1975) is a Japanese actor known for his leading roles in both television dramas and films. He gained widespread recognition through the Umizaru film series which became a major commercial success. Following this, he expanded his range with more diverse roles, including performances in Takashi Miike’s Sukiyaki Western Django, Lesson of the Evil, and the 2025 Netflix original series Last Samurai Standing, where he played crazed former samurai Bukotsu Kanjiya.
Junko Torikai (鳥飼 淳子, Torikai Junko) (born 3 August 1975) is a Japanese former swimmer who competed in the 1992 Summer…Junko Torikai (鳥飼 淳子, Torikai Junko) (born 3 August 1975) is a Japanese former swimmer who competed in the 1992 Summer Olympics.
Satoshi Fujimoto (born 2 August 1975) is a Japanese Paralympic judoka who competes in international level events. He is…Satoshi Fujimoto (born 2 August 1975) is a Japanese Paralympic judoka who competes in international level events. He is regarded as one of the most successful Paralympic judoka. Fujimoto is visually impaired in his left eye due to an accident aged five years old.
Miki Itakura (Japanese: 板倉 美紀; born August 1, 1975, in Ishikawa, Japan) is a retired Japanese female race walker. She…Miki Itakura (Japanese: 板倉 美紀; born August 1, 1975, in Ishikawa, Japan) is a retired Japanese female race walker. She competed for Japan at the 1992 Summer Olympics.
Yuko Kawakami (川上 優子, Kawakami Yūko; born 1 August 1975 in Kumamoto) is a retired Japanese long-distance runner. She…Yuko Kawakami (川上 優子, Kawakami Yūko; born 1 August 1975 in Kumamoto) is a retired Japanese long-distance runner. She finished fifteenth in 5000 metres at the 1997 World Championships. In 10,000 metres she finished seventh at the 1996 Summer Olympics, won the bronze medal at the East Asian Games and the gold medal at the 1998 Asian Games, finished twelfth at the 1999 World Championships and tenth at the 2000 Summer Olympics. She also finished 36th at the 1995 World Cross Country Championships, and fourth with the Japanese team.
Satoshi Watanabe (渡辺 聡, Watanabe Satoshi; born August 1, 1975) is a Japanese beach volleyball player who won a gold…Satoshi Watanabe (渡辺 聡, Watanabe Satoshi; born August 1, 1975) is a Japanese beach volleyball player who won a gold medal at the 2002 Asian Games.
Toshie Tsukui (born 30 July 1975) is a Japanese former field hockey player who competed in the 2008 Summer Olympics.…Toshie Tsukui (born 30 July 1975) is a Japanese former field hockey player who competed in the 2008 Summer Olympics. She was part of the Japanese team that won the 2007 Asia Cup.
Yoshihiro Akiyama (Japanese: 秋山 成勲; born July 29, 1975), also known as Choo Sung-hoon (Korean: 추성훈) and by his nickname…Yoshihiro Akiyama (Japanese: 秋山 成勲; born July 29, 1975), also known as Choo Sung-hoon (Korean: 추성훈) and by his nickname Sexyama, is a Japanese mixed martial artist and judoka who won the gold medal at the 2001 Asian Championships for South Korea and for Japan at the 2002 Asian Games. He is the former K-1 HERO's Light Heavyweight Grand Prix Tournament Champion.
Takanori Hatakeyama (畑山隆則, Hatakeyama Takanori; born July 28, 1975) is a Japanese former professional boxer who…Takanori Hatakeyama (畑山隆則, Hatakeyama Takanori; born July 28, 1975) is a Japanese former professional boxer who competed from 1993 to 2001. He is a world champion in two weight classes, having held the World Boxing Association (WBA) super-featherweight title from 1998 to 1999 and the WBA lightweight title from 2000 and 2001.
Yuri Komuro (Japanese: 小室友里, Hepburn: Komuro Yuri) (born July 28, 1976 in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan) is a Japanese…Yuri Komuro (Japanese: 小室友里, Hepburn: Komuro Yuri) (born July 28, 1976 in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan) is a Japanese actress, author and former AV idol. She was one of the top actresses in the AV field during the late 1990s and in her dominant period from 1996 to 1999 was called "The AV Queen".
Yoshikazu Kura (倉 義和, Kura Yoshikazu; born July 27, 1975 in Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan) is a professional Japanese baseball…Yoshikazu Kura (倉 義和, Kura Yoshikazu; born July 27, 1975 in Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan) is a professional Japanese baseball player. He plays catcher for the Hiroshima Toyo Carp.
Satoru Terao (寺尾 悟, Terao Satoru; born 25 July 1975) is a Japanese short track speed skater. He competed at the 1994…Satoru Terao (寺尾 悟, Terao Satoru; born 25 July 1975) is a Japanese short track speed skater. He competed at the 1994, 1998, 2002 and the 2010 Winter Olympics.
Ryō Fukawa (ふかわりょう, Fukawa Ryō; born August 19, 1974, in Yokohama, Kanagawa), also known as ROCKETMAN, is a Japanese…Ryō Fukawa (ふかわりょう, Fukawa Ryō; born August 19, 1974, in Yokohama, Kanagawa), also known as ROCKETMAN, is a Japanese comedian and musician. He belongs to Watanabe Entertainment. On television he generally takes minor roles and is characterized by his childlike temperament and boyish looks. He is also a member of the owarai group No Plan. Fukawa graduated from the Department of Economics at Keio University. He is cousin to manga artist Tetsuo Hara.
Yoshika Matsubara (松原 良香, Matsubara Yoshika; born 19 August 1974) is a Japanese football manager and former player who…Yoshika Matsubara (松原 良香, Matsubara Yoshika; born 19 August 1974) is a Japanese football manager and former player who is the current manager of J3 League club Iwate Grulla Morioka.
Takashi Uchiyama (内山隆, Uchiyama Takashi; born 18 August 1974) is a Japanese gymnast. He competed at the 1996 Summer…Takashi Uchiyama (内山隆, Uchiyama Takashi; born 18 August 1974) is a Japanese gymnast. He competed at the 1996 Summer Olympics.
