Yoshihisa Ishida (石田 義久, Ishida Yoshihisa; born May 19, 1944) is a retired shot putter and hammer thrower from Japan…
Yoshihisa Ishida (石田 義久, Ishida Yoshihisa; born May 19, 1944) is a retired shot putter and hammer thrower from Japan, who won a silver medal in each event at the Asian Games. He competed in the hammer throw at the 1968 and 1972 Olympics and placed 13th and 25th, respectively. He also won two medals at the 1975 Asian Championships and the gold medal at the 1967 Summer Universiade. Ishida twice finished on the podium at the British AAA Championships in the hammer throw event at the 1968 AAA Championships and 1970 AAA Championships.
Famous People Born under Taurus
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Nobuyoshi Miura (三浦 信由, Nobuyoshi Miura; born 11 May 1944) is a Japanese former middle-distance runner who competed in…
Nobuyoshi Miura (三浦 信由, Nobuyoshi Miura; born 11 May 1944) is a Japanese former middle-distance runner who competed in the 1968 Summer Olympics.
Genjirō Kaneko (金子 原二郎, Kaneko Genjirō; born 8 May 1944) is a Japanese politician and member of the Liberal Democratic…
Genjirō Kaneko (金子 原二郎, Kaneko Genjirō; born 8 May 1944) is a Japanese politician and member of the Liberal Democratic Party. Kaneko served as Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries from October 2021 to August 2022. He has also represented the Nagasaki At-large district in the House of Councillors since his election in the July 2010 Councillors election. Kaneko is a native of Ikitsuki, Nagasaki and graduate of Keio University.
Tsuneyuki Mitamura (三田村 統之), known as Toji Mitamura (May 8, 1944 – September 16, 2026), was a Japanese politician. He…
Tsuneyuki Mitamura (三田村 統之), known as Toji Mitamura (May 8, 1944 – September 16, 2026), was a Japanese politician. He served five terms as a member of the Fukuoka Prefectural Assembly from 1991 until 2008, including a tenure as Vice Speaker of the Fukuoka Prefectural Assembly from May 2005 to June 2006. Mitamura was then elected Mayor of the city of Yame, Fukuoka Prefecture, for four consecutive terms from November 16, 2008, until November 15, 2024. In 2026, Mitamura was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, 3rd Class, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon, for his service. Mitamura died from complications of cirrhosis at a hospital in Yame city, on September 16, 2026, at the age of 82. He was survived by his wife, Ritsuko. His funeral was held at Koyeksha Ceremony Hall Kourin in Yame on September 19.
Kosaku Shimada (島田 幸作, Shimada Kosaku; 7 May 1944 – 3 November 2008) was a Japanese professional golfer.
Masanori Murakami (村上 雅則, Murakami Masanori, born May 6, 1944), nicknamed "Mashi", is a Japanese former baseball…
Masanori Murakami (村上 雅則, Murakami Masanori, born May 6, 1944), nicknamed "Mashi", is a Japanese former baseball pitcher. He is notable for being the first Japanese player to play for a Major League Baseball (MLB) team. Sent over to the United States by the Nankai Hawks, Murakami saw success as a reliever for the San Francisco Giants, debuting at the age of 20 in 1964. In 1965, he struck out over one batter per inning pitched, posted an ERA under 4 and earned eight saves. Following this season, however, Murakami headed back to the Nankai Hawks due to contractual obligations, where his success continued for another 17 years.
Tokibayama Toshio (born Toshio Haruki; May 5, 1944 - September 20, 1995) was a sumo wrestler from Nanao, Ishikawa…
Tokibayama Toshio (born Toshio Haruki; May 5, 1944 - September 20, 1995) was a sumo wrestler from Nanao, Ishikawa, Japan. He made his professional debut in May 1961, and reached the top division in September 1967. Upon retirement from active competition he became an elder in the Japan Sumo Association under the name Fujigane. He died while an active oyakata.
Takayuki Hida (肥田隆行, Hida Takayuki; born May 4, 1944) is a retired Japanese speed skater. He competed at the 1968 and…
Takayuki Hida (肥田隆行, Hida Takayuki; born May 4, 1944) is a retired Japanese speed skater. He competed at the 1968 and 1972 Winter Olympics in the 500 m events and finished in 37th and 13th place, respectively. His best achievement in the world sprint championships was fourth place in 1971. Personal bests: 500 m – 38.4 (1971) 1000 m – 1:20.8 (1971) 1500 m – 2:07.9 (1971)
Yasuko Muramatsu (Japanese: 村松泰子, born 1944) is a Japanese development economist, author and women's rights activist.…
Yasuko Muramatsu (Japanese: 村松泰子, born 1944) is a Japanese development economist, author and women's rights activist. She was the president of Tokyo Gakugei University and is the president of Japan Women's Learning Foundation.
Isao Kakihara (垣原 功, Kakihara Isao; born 1 May 1944) is a Japanese ice hockey player. He competed in the men's…
Isao Kakihara (垣原 功, Kakihara Isao; born 1 May 1944) is a Japanese ice hockey player. He competed in the men's tournament at the 1972 Winter Olympics.
Yasuko Konoe (近衛 甯子, Konoe Yasuko; born 26 April 1944), formerly Princess Yasuko of Mikasa (甯子内親王, Yasuko Naishinnō)…
Yasuko Konoe (近衛 甯子, Konoe Yasuko; born 26 April 1944), formerly Princess Yasuko of Mikasa (甯子内親王, Yasuko Naishinnō), is the first child of Takahito, Prince Mikasa, and Yuriko, Princess Mikasa. She married Tadateru Konoe on 16 December 1966. As a result, she gave up her imperial title and left the Japanese imperial family, as required by law.
Toyoo Ashida (芦田 豊雄, Ashida Toyoo; April 21, 1944 – July 23, 2011) was a Japanese anime character designer, animator…
Toyoo Ashida (芦田 豊雄, Ashida Toyoo; April 21, 1944 – July 23, 2011) was a Japanese anime character designer, animator and director. He was most notable for directing the original Vampire Hunter D anime, as well as for providing character designs for Vifam, Mashin Hero Wataru, Minky Momo and F-Zero GP Legend. He is the founder of the anime production studio, Studio Live and as well as the Japanese Animation Creators Association (JAniCA) along with Satoshi Kon. His designs are similar to those of Akira Toriyama. Toyoo got his style while working on Dr. Slump. He was also heavily inspired by Tex Avery, Bob Clampett, the Fleischer Brothers, Harvey Kurtzman and Jack Davis.
Kakutaro Kitashiro (北城 恪太郎, Kitashiro Kakutaro; born April 21, 1944) is a Japanese systems engineer and business…
Kakutaro Kitashiro (北城 恪太郎, Kitashiro Kakutaro; born April 21, 1944) is a Japanese systems engineer and business executive. He was the president of IBM Japan, Ltd., IBM's Japanese subsidiary, in 1993–1999, and of IBM Asia Pacific Corporation in 1999–2003, and contributed to the development of the IT business in Japan and Asia-Pacific. He was also the chairperson of Japan Association of Corporate Executives in 2003–2006, and the chair of the Board of Trustees of International Christian University, Tokyo, in 2010–2019. He earned a BS degree from Keio University in 1967 and an MS degree from the University of California at Berkeley in 1972.
Toshiko Ono (小野登志子, Ono Toshiko; born 20 April 1944) is a Japanese politician who was the mayor of Izunokuni city for…
Toshiko Ono (小野登志子, Ono Toshiko; born 20 April 1944) is a Japanese politician who was the mayor of Izunokuni city for two terms, serving from 2013 to 2021. Her previous offices include the member of Shizuoka Prefectural Assembly and the member of Nirayama Municipality, which was abolished in 2005. She was also the first female mayor in the history of Shizuoka Prefecture. She retired from her political life in 2021, after losing her re-appointment election of Izunokuni city's mayor with huge differences between the current mayor of the city, Masayuki Yamashita.
Yuya Niwa (丹羽 雄哉, Niwa Yūya; born 20 April 1944) is a former Japanese politician of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP)…
Yuya Niwa (丹羽 雄哉, Niwa Yūya; born 20 April 1944) is a former Japanese politician of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), who served as a member of the House of Representatives in the Diet (national legislature). A native of Niihari District, Ibaraki and graduate of Keio University he was elected for the first time in 1979 after working as a writer for Yomiuri Shimbun. Later, he served as the Minister of Health in 1992 and in 1999. He was defeated by Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ)-backed candidate Hiroko Ōizumi (former Lieutenant Governor of Yamaguchi Prefecture) in the Japanese general election, 2009.
Yosuke Kamide (1943–2021) was a Japanese physicist. He co-founded the Asia Oceania Geosciences Society and served as…
Yosuke Kamide (1943–2021) was a Japanese physicist. He co-founded the Asia Oceania Geosciences Society and served as vice-president of the International Association of Geomagnetism and Aeronomy from 2003 to 2007. He was a fellow of the American Geophysical Union and the Japan Geoscience Union. He won a Price Medal from the Royal Astronomical Society. He taught at Nagoya University.
Kenzo Oshima (大島 賢三, Ōshima Kenzō; 14 May 1943 – 29 May 2021) was a Japanese diplomat who served as Permanent…
Kenzo Oshima (大島 賢三, Ōshima Kenzō; 14 May 1943 – 29 May 2021) was a Japanese diplomat who served as Permanent Representative to the United Nations from 2004 to 2007.
Kanji Kubomura (久保村 寛, Kubomura Kan; born 11 May 1943) is a former Japanese cyclist. He competed in the team pursuit at…
Kanji Kubomura (久保村 寛, Kubomura Kan; born 11 May 1943) is a former Japanese cyclist. He competed in the team pursuit at the 1960 Summer Olympics.
Fujio Masuoka (舛岡 富士雄, Masuoka Fujio; born May 8, 1943) is a Japanese engineer, who has worked for Toshiba and Tohoku…
Fujio Masuoka (舛岡 富士雄, Masuoka Fujio; born May 8, 1943) is a Japanese engineer, who has worked for Toshiba and Tohoku University, and is currently chief technical officer (CTO) of Unisantis Electronics. He is best known as the inventor of flash memory, including the development of both the NOR flash and NAND flash types in the 1980s. He also invented the first gate-all-around (GAA) MOSFET (GAAFET) transistor, an early non-planar 3D transistor, in 1988.
Mitsuko Kandori (Japanese:香取光子; born 5 May 1943) is a Japanese gymnast. She competed in six events at the 1968 Summer…
Mitsuko Kandori (Japanese:香取光子; born 5 May 1943) is a Japanese gymnast. She competed in six events at the 1968 Summer Olympics.
Yukio Hashi (Japanese: 橋 幸夫; 3 May 1943 – 4 September 2025) was a Japanese enka singer and actor. His real name is…
Yukio Hashi (Japanese: 橋 幸夫; 3 May 1943 – 4 September 2025) was a Japanese enka singer and actor. His real name is Yukio Hashi (橋 幸男), using a different kanji. He died on 4 September 2025, at the age of 82.
Teruo Nimura (二村 昭雄, Nimura Teruo; born May 2, 1943) is a former Japanese football player and manager. He played for…
Teruo Nimura (二村 昭雄, Nimura Teruo; born May 2, 1943) is a former Japanese football player and manager. He played for Japan national team.
Yūji Akiyama (Japanese: 秋山 勇二, Hepburn: Akiyama Yūji; April 27, 1943 – May 12, 2020), better known as George Akiyama…
Yūji Akiyama (Japanese: 秋山 勇二, Hepburn: Akiyama Yūji; April 27, 1943 – May 12, 2020), better known as George Akiyama (ジョージ秋山, Jōji Akiyama), was a Japanese manga artist known for dealing with controversial and incendiary topics in many of his works. He was born the second boy of five siblings. He had an older brother and older sister, as well as a younger brother and younger sister. His father was Korean and an artificial flower craftsman.
Kenji Yamaoka (山岡 賢次, Yamaoka Kenji; born 25 April 1943) is a former Japanese politician of the Democratic Party of…
Kenji Yamaoka (山岡 賢次, Yamaoka Kenji; born 25 April 1943) is a former Japanese politician of the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ), who served as a member of the House of Councillors and the House of Representatives in the Diet (national legislature).
Mutsuo Tahara (田原 睦夫, Tahara Mutsuo; April 23, 1943 – February 19, 2016) was a Japanese judge who was a member of the…
Mutsuo Tahara (田原 睦夫, Tahara Mutsuo; April 23, 1943 – February 19, 2016) was a Japanese judge who was a member of the Supreme Court of Japan. He is notable in Japan for his contributions to bankruptcy law.
Koichi Wajima (輪島 功一, born 21 April 1943) is a Japanese former professional boxer who was the undisputed…
Koichi Wajima (輪島 功一, born 21 April 1943) is a Japanese former professional boxer who was the undisputed light-middleweight champion. He held the WBA and WBC titles from 1971 and 1974, he regained the titles in January 1975 that included The Ring title but lost it right away on June of the same year. He once again won the WBA and The Ring title in 1976.
Otake Hideo (大竹 英雄, Ōtake Hideo; born May 12, 1942) is a retired Japanese professional Go player.
Akiko Santō (山東 昭子, Santō Akiko; born 11 May 1942) is a Japanese politician who served as President of the House of…
Akiko Santō (山東 昭子, Santō Akiko; born 11 May 1942) is a Japanese politician who served as President of the House of Councillors from 2019 to 2022. A member of the Liberal Democratic Party, she was previously the vice president of the House of Councillors from 2007 to 2010.
Norio Niikawa (新川 詔夫, Niikawa Norio; 8 May 1942 – 11 April 2020) was a Japanese physician and medical geneticist who…
Norio Niikawa (新川 詔夫, Niikawa Norio; 8 May 1942 – 11 April 2020) was a Japanese physician and medical geneticist who discovered an autosomal dominant disorder, Kabuki syndrome, also known as Niikawa-Kuroki syndrome.
Takeo Chii (地井武男, Chii Takeo; 5 May 1942 – 29 June 2012) was a Japanese actor. He appeared in more than 70 films…
Takeo Chii (地井武男, Chii Takeo; 5 May 1942 – 29 June 2012) was a Japanese actor. He appeared in more than 70 films between 1968 and 2012.
Asasegawa Takeya (born 4 May 1942 as Kenji Kameyama, died 22 September 2017) was a sumo wrestler from Naniwa-ku, Osaka…
Asasegawa Takeya (born 4 May 1942 as Kenji Kameyama, died 22 September 2017) was a sumo wrestler from Naniwa-ku, Osaka, Japan. He made his professional debut in May 1957 and reached the top division in March 1964. His highest rank was maegashira 1. Upon retirement from active competition he became an elder in the Japan Sumo Association under the name Urakaze. He left the Association in January 1975.
Yutaka Kawashima (Japanese: 川島裕; born 2 May 1942) was a Japanese diplomat who served as Grand Chamberlain to the…
Yutaka Kawashima (Japanese: 川島裕; born 2 May 1942) was a Japanese diplomat who served as Grand Chamberlain to the Emperor from 2007 to 2015. During his diplomatic career, he was Ambassador of Japan to Israel (1997–1999) and Vice Minister (1999–2001). He is a graduate of the University of Tokyo and the University of Cambridge. After retirement he worked at the Brookings Institution and taught at the John F. Kennedy School of Government. In 2003, he published the book Japanese Foreign Policy at the Crossroads. He served as Grand Chamberlain to the Emperor from 2007 to 2015.
Shinya Koshika (小鹿 信也, Koshika Shinya; born April 28, 1942), known by his ring name Great Kojika (グレート小鹿, Gurēto…
Shinya Koshika (小鹿 信也, Koshika Shinya; born April 28, 1942), known by his ring name Great Kojika (グレート小鹿, Gurēto Kojika), is a Japanese professional wrestler. He co-founded the promotion Big Japan Pro Wrestling (BJW). Kojika is the oldest active Japanese wrestler as well as the one with the longest career, having debuted in 1963. He is also the oldest active wrestler in the world.
Sadakazu Fujii (藤井 貞和, Fujii Sadakazu; born 27 April 1942, Tokyo) is a Japanese poet and scholar of Japanese…
Sadakazu Fujii (藤井 貞和, Fujii Sadakazu; born 27 April 1942, Tokyo) is a Japanese poet and scholar of Japanese literature, which includes the genres of ancient novels, the Man'yōshū, oral literature, Okinawan culture, Ainu language, and contemporary poetry. He is well known for his study on the Genji Monogatari. His poems and palindromes have been used in the musical compositions of Takahashi Yuji.
Akira Tonomura (外村 彰, Tonomura Akira; April 25, 1942 – May 2, 2012) was a Japanese physicist, best known for his…
Akira Tonomura (外村 彰, Tonomura Akira; April 25, 1942 – May 2, 2012) was a Japanese physicist, best known for his development of electron holography and his experimental verification of the Aharonov–Bohm effect.
Yūzō Nakamura (中村 祐造, Nakamura Yūzō; April 24, 1942 – July 20, 2010) was a Japanese volleyball player who competed in…
Yūzō Nakamura (中村 祐造, Nakamura Yūzō; April 24, 1942 – July 20, 2010) was a Japanese volleyball player who competed in the 1964 Summer Olympics and in the 1972 Summer Olympics. He was born in Hyōgo Prefecture. In 1964, he was a squad member of the Japanese team which won the bronze medal in the Olympic tournament. Eight years later, in 1972, he won the gold medal with the Japanese team in the 1972 Olympic tournament. He played five matches. Nakamura died at the age of 68 on 20 July 2010 due to thalamic hemorrhage.
Hitonari Maruyama (born 21 April 1942) is a Japanese alpine skier. He competed in the men's downhill at the 1968 Winter…
Hitonari Maruyama (born 21 April 1942) is a Japanese alpine skier. He competed in the men's downhill at the 1968 Winter Olympics.
Toshiaki Kosedo (小瀬戸 俊昭, Kosedo Toshiaki; born May 20, 1941) is a Japanese former volleyball player who competed in the…
Toshiaki Kosedo (小瀬戸 俊昭, Kosedo Toshiaki; born May 20, 1941) is a Japanese former volleyball player who competed in the 1964 Summer Olympics. He was born in Hiroshima Prefecture. In 1964 he was part of the Japanese team which won the bronze medal in the Olympic tournament. He played three matches.
Kinichi Hagimoto (萩本 欽一, Hagimoto Kin'ichi; born May 7, 1941) is a Japanese comedian. He is active as a stage…
Kinichi Hagimoto (萩本 欽一, Hagimoto Kin'ichi; born May 7, 1941) is a Japanese comedian. He is active as a stage performer, emcee, and manager of the amateur Ibaraki Golden Golds (ibaraki goruden goruzu) of the Japanese Baseball Association (nippon yakyuu renmei). Born in the Taito ward of Tokyo, Japan, he graduated from Komagome High School, and now belongs to the Asai Kikaku talent agency. He is called "Kin-chan" by fans and those within the entertainment industry. He is also known as "Hagimo", "Kin", etc. Amongst the many entertainers he has developed on his shows, who are known as the "Kinchan Family", he is known as "Taisho" ("The General"). In the 1970s and 80s, with acts like "nande so naru no!" ("Why does that happen?!") and physical comedy such as his distinctive "Kinchan run" (based on Hachiro Azuma) he blossomed into a polished professional. Many of his famous lines like "dochira dake" and "banzaai nashi yo" are still heard today. Some comedic jargon such as "ukeru" (and "yaya uke", "baka uke", etc.) that have become common Japanese words are said to have originated from his variety show Kinchan No Don To Itte Miyo. He presented three successful variety programmes in the 1970s and 1980s, and by the mid-1980s was one of the most popular comedians on Japanese television.
Shizuko Ihara (井原 静子, Ihara Shizuko; 7 May 1941 – 2 July 2000 (pancreatic cancer)), professionally known as Mina Aoe…
Shizuko Ihara (井原 静子, Ihara Shizuko; 7 May 1941 – 2 July 2000 (pancreatic cancer)), professionally known as Mina Aoe (青江 三奈, Aoe Mina), was a Japanese female enka singer who had a series of popular hits in the late 1960s and continued charting late into her career. With her distinctive husky voice, she acquired the nickname "Queen of the Blues". She appeared 18 times on the annual Kōhaku Uta Gassen show. After her death, a memorial to Aoe was established in the Isezakichō shopping area in Yokohama.
Tsutomu Takebe (武部 勤, Takebe Tsutomu; born 1 May 1941 in Shari, Hokkaidō) is a Japanese politician who served as…
Tsutomu Takebe (武部 勤, Takebe Tsutomu; born 1 May 1941 in Shari, Hokkaidō) is a Japanese politician who served as secretary general of Japan's Liberal Democratic Party from 2004 to 2006. He was succeeded by Hidenao Nakagawa.
Seishirō Etō (衛藤 征士郎, Etō Seishirō; born 29 April 1941) is a former Japanese politician of the Liberal Democratic…
Seishirō Etō (衛藤 征士郎, Etō Seishirō; born 29 April 1941) is a former Japanese politician of the Liberal Democratic Party, who served as a member of the House of Councillors and the House of Representatives in the Diet of Japan.
Midori Suzuki (鈴木 みどり, Suzuki Midori; April 28, 1941 – July 23, 2006) was a Japanese media educator, feminist and media…
Midori Suzuki (鈴木 みどり, Suzuki Midori; April 28, 1941 – July 23, 2006) was a Japanese media educator, feminist and media researcher. She was professor of Media Studies at the Faculty of Social Sciences of Ritsumeikan University in Kyoto from 1994 until her death. Suzuki was known for her work on media literacy, especially several seminal textbooks and the over one hundred workshops, symposia and media watch projects that she facilitated. She also introduced overseas research to Japan, for example through translations of work by Jerry Mander, Catharine MacKinnon, David Buckingham) and the Ontario Teacher's Association. Suzuki was an active member of the World Association of Christian Communication, a co-founder and core member of the Asian Network of Women in Communication, a long-term member of the International Association of Media and Communications Research, and on the International Exchange Committee of the Japan Society for Studies in Journalism and Mass Communication（日本マス・コミュニケーション学会). She also participated in UNESCO-sponsored research and projects, and was involved in the Global Media Monitoring Project (1994, 2000 and 2005), for which she served as a steering committee member and a Japanese liaison. Although Suzuki had received her master's degree in mass communications from Stanford University in 1966, she soon became critical of the mass communications research approach, especially its inherent view of people as 'passive receivers' or consumers of information. She instead began to develop a citizen-centered approach. Through her work with the Forum for Citizen's Television and Media (FCT), which she co-founded in 1977, she focused on informed criticism of commercial television programming, especially for children, as well as of gender stereotypes and other misconceptions and biases found in the mainstream Japanese media. Suzuki noted that "critical is creative" and saw media literacy as part of a bigger vision for media democratization. An early advocate for communication rights in Japan, she championed an active role for citizens in media society, including in policy making.
Yukiaki Okabe (岡部 幸明, Okabe Yukiaki; April 24, 1941 – January 26, 2018) was a Japanese freestyle swimmer. He was part…
Yukiaki Okabe (岡部 幸明, Okabe Yukiaki; April 24, 1941 – January 26, 2018) was a Japanese freestyle swimmer. He was part of the Japanese teams that set a world record in 1963 and won an Olympic bronze medal in 1964 in the 4 × 200 m freestyle relay. In 1964 he also finished fourth in the 4 × 100 m freestyle relay and fifth in the 4 × 100 m medley relay. Okabe died of pneumonia in Tokyo on January 26, 2018, at the age of 76.
Kazuhiro Sugita (杉田 和博, Sugita Kazuhiro; 11 April 1941 – 22 December 2025) was a Japanese government official who…
Kazuhiro Sugita (杉田 和博, Sugita Kazuhiro; 11 April 1941 – 22 December 2025) was a Japanese government official who served as Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary from 2012 to 2021. As such, Sugita was the senior bureaucrat in Japan from the inauguration of the Second Abe Cabinet to the end of the Suga Cabinet. He was previously a police officer.
Sadaharu Oh (Japanese: 王貞治, Ō Sadaharu; born May 20, 1940), also known as Wang Chen-chih (simplified Chinese: 王贞治…
Sadaharu Oh (Japanese: 王貞治, Ō Sadaharu; born May 20, 1940), also known as Wang Chen-chih (simplified Chinese: 王贞治; traditional Chinese: 王貞治; pinyin: Wáng Zhēnzhì), is a Chinese-Japanese former professional baseball player and manager who is currently the chairman of the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). Oh played for 22 consecutive seasons, all of them for the Yomiuri Giants. He holds the world career home run record at 868, over 100 more than MLB record holder Barry Bonds. Oh batted and threw left-handed and primarily played first base. Originally signed with the powerhouse Giants in 1959 as a pitcher, Oh was soon converted to a full-time hitter. Under the tutelage of coach Hiroshi Arakawa, Oh developed his distinctive "flamingo" leg kick. It took Oh three years to blossom, but he went on to dominate Nippon Professional Baseball. He was a 15-time home run champion and was named to the Central League All-Star team 18 times. More than just a power hitter, Oh was a five-time batting champion and won the Japanese Central League's batting triple crown twice. With Oh at first base, the Yomiuri Giants won 11 Japan Series championships, including 9 in a row from 1965 to 1973. Oh was named the Central League's Most Valuable Player nine times, including having the rare honor of winning Central League MVP while not on the team that won the season's pennant, which he did twice, in 1964 by virtue of breaking NPB's single season home run record with 55 home runs, a record that would stand until 2013 when Wladimir Balentien set a new record with 60 home runs that season, and 1974, when he earned his second batting Triple Crown in a row. Oh and Balentien are the only Central League players to win the Central League MVP while not on the pennant winning team the years that they won MVP. In addition to the world career home run record, Oh set many other NPB batting records, including runs batted in (RBI) (2,170), slugging percentage (.634), bases on balls (2,390), and on-base plus slugging percentage (OPS) (1.080). In 1977, Oh became the first recipient of the People's Honour Award, and he became the second baseball player to receive the Order of Culture in 2025. He was inducted into the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame in 1994. After retiring as a player, Oh served as the Giants' manager from 1984 to 1988. He also managed the Fukuoka Daiei/Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks from 1995 to 2008. He was the manager of the Japanese national team in the inaugural World Baseball Classic, which defeated Cuba for the championship. He is currently the chairman of the Hawks.
Keiichi Tsuruoka (鶴岡 啓一, Tsuruoka Keiichi; born 18 May 1940 in Chiba City) is the former mayor of Chiba City in Japan…
Keiichi Tsuruoka (鶴岡 啓一, Tsuruoka Keiichi; born 18 May 1940 in Chiba City) is the former mayor of Chiba City in Japan, serving from his election in 2001 until his arrest and subsequent retirement in 2009 for corruption-related charges. He was an independent politician who had served in the Home Affairs Ministry after graduating from the University of Tokyo.
Kōkichi Tsuburaya (円谷 幸吉, Tsuburaya Kōkichi) (born Kokichi Tsumuraya (円谷 幸吉, Tsumuraya Kōkichi); May 13, 1940 – January…
Kōkichi Tsuburaya (円谷 幸吉, Tsuburaya Kōkichi) (born Kokichi Tsumuraya (円谷 幸吉, Tsumuraya Kōkichi); May 13, 1940 – January 9, 1968) was a Japanese athlete who competed mainly as a marathoner. Kokichi was also a 1st lieutenant in the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force.
Daisuke Inoue (井上 大佑, Inoue Daisuke; born May 10, 1940) is a Japanese businessman best known as an inventor of the…
Daisuke Inoue (井上 大佑, Inoue Daisuke; born May 10, 1940) is a Japanese businessman best known as an inventor of the karaoke machine. Inoue, a musician in his youth employed in backing businesspeople who wanted to sing in bars, invented the machine as a means of allowing them to sing without live back-up. He did not patent the machine and so did not directly profit, but he continued to work in the industry it generated, including patenting a protective pesticide for karaoke machines. Named one of Time magazine's "Most Influential Asians of the Century" in 1999, he was awarded the Ig Nobel Peace Prize in 2004 and in 2005 was the subject of the Japanese biographical film Karaoke. Recent studies have revealed the existence of several people who invented and commercialized karaoke machines prior to Inoue.
Ryoun Yamada, a.k.a. Yamada Ryoun or Yamada Masamichi, the son of the late Yamada Koun, is the current Zen master of…
Ryoun Yamada, a.k.a. Yamada Ryoun or Yamada Masamichi, the son of the late Yamada Koun, is the current Zen master of San'un Zendo in Kamakura, Japan and the Abbot of the Sanbo Zen school of Zen Buddhism.