Akane Shiga (Japanese: 志賀 紅音, しが あかね, Hepburn: Shiga Akane; born 3 March 2001) is a Japanese ice hockey player for PWHL…Akane Shiga (Japanese: 志賀 紅音, しが あかね, Hepburn: Shiga Akane; born 3 March 2001) is a Japanese ice hockey player for PWHL Detroit of the Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) and member of the Japanese national team. She played for PWHL Ottawa in the inaugural season of the PWHL.
Aoi Shiga (Japanese: 志賀 葵, しが あおい, Hepburn: Shiga Aoi; born 4 July 1999) is a Japanese ice hockey player and member of…Aoi Shiga (Japanese: 志賀 葵, しが あおい, Hepburn: Shiga Aoi; born 4 July 1999) is a Japanese ice hockey player and member of the Japanese national team, currently playing in the Swedish Women's Hockey League with Modo.¹
Maya Sakura (さくら まや, Sakura Maya; born Maya Kusano (草野 真耶) on 26 July 1998 in Obihiro, Hokkaidō, Japan) is an enka…Maya Sakura (さくら まや, Sakura Maya; born Maya Kusano (草野 真耶) on 26 July 1998 in Obihiro, Hokkaidō, Japan) is an enka singer and child actress. In 2008, she made her debut with the single "Tairyō Matsuri" (大漁まつり) at the age of 10. In 2009, she received a "New Artist" award at the 51st Annual Japan Record Awards, becoming the youngest person to do so. She also appeared as a special guest on the 60th Kōhaku Uta Gassen in the "children's Kōhaku" section of the program.
Toshihiro Sugiura (杉浦 稔大, Sugiura Toshihiro; born February 25, 1992 in Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan) is a professional…Toshihiro Sugiura (杉浦 稔大, Sugiura Toshihiro; born February 25, 1992 in Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan) is a professional Japanese baseball player who currently pitches for the Chunichi Dragons. His wife is Japanese announcer Asami Konno.
Kohei Mitamura (三田村 康平, Mitamura Kōhei), born February 19, 1992, is a Japanese professional ice hockey forward playing…Kohei Mitamura (三田村 康平, Mitamura Kōhei), born February 19, 1992, is a Japanese professional ice hockey forward playing for the Oji Eagles of the Asia League. Since 2010 he plays for the Oji Eagles. He previously played at amateur level for the Shirakaba Gakuen team. He also plays in the senior Japan national team since 2012.
Kenji Yamada (山田 賢二, Yamada Kenji; born 15 March 1989) is a Japanese former footballer who last played as a goalkeeper…Kenji Yamada (山田 賢二, Yamada Kenji; born 15 March 1989) is a Japanese former footballer who last played as a goalkeeper and currently goalkeeper coach of Renofa Yamaguchi from 2024.
Ryohei Haga (羽賀 亮平, Haga Ryōhei; born 17 September 1988) is a Japanese speed skater who is specialized in the sprint…Ryohei Haga (羽賀 亮平, Haga Ryōhei; born 17 September 1988) is a Japanese speed skater who is specialized in the sprint distances.
Takako Suzuki (鈴木 貴子, Suzuki Takako; born 5 January 1986) is a Japanese politician from the Liberal Democratic Party of…Takako Suzuki (鈴木 貴子, Suzuki Takako; born 5 January 1986) is a Japanese politician from the Liberal Democratic Party of Japan (LDP) and a member of the House of Representatives in the Diet (national legislature).
Eriko Ishino (Japanese: 石野 枝里子, Hepburn: Ishino Eriko; born 1 December 1985) is a Japanese speed skater. She competed…Eriko Ishino (Japanese: 石野 枝里子, Hepburn: Ishino Eriko; born 1 December 1985) is a Japanese speed skater. She competed in four events at the 2006 Winter Olympics.
Maki Tsuji (辻 麻希, Tsuji Maki; born 27 April 1985) is a Japanese speed skater. She competed at the 2011, 2013 and 2014…Maki Tsuji (辻 麻希, Tsuji Maki; born 27 April 1985) is a Japanese speed skater. She competed at the 2011, 2013 and 2014 World Sprint Championships, and at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi.
Mayu Kida (木田 真有, Kida Mayu; born September 14, 1982 in Obihiro, Hokkaidō) is a retired Japanese sprinter, who…Mayu Kida (木田 真有, Kida Mayu; born September 14, 1982 in Obihiro, Hokkaidō) is a retired Japanese sprinter, who specialized in the 400 metres. Kida competed for the women's 4 × 400 m relay at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, along with her teammates Sayaka Aoki, Satomi Kubokura, and Asami Tanno. She ran on the third leg of the first heat, with an individual-split time of 52.72 seconds. Kida and her team finished the relay in last place for a seasonal best time of 3:30.52, failing to advance into the final.
Shinsuke Kashiwagi (柏木 真介、born December 22, 1981) is a Japanese professional basketball player. He plays for the…Shinsuke Kashiwagi (柏木 真介、born December 22, 1981) is a Japanese professional basketball player. He plays for the SeaHorses Mikawa of the B.League. Kashiwagi was a member of the Japan national basketball team. He played for the team in the 2006 FIBA World Championship and the FIBA Asia Championship 2007 and FIBA Asia Championship 2009. In the 2009-10 season, Kashiwagi entered the month-long winter break averaging 13.7 points and 3.5 assists per game for the Seahorses. He was named to the West squad for the 2009-10 JBL Super League All-Star game.
Eriko Seo (妹尾 栄里子, Seo Eriko; born 12 March 1979) is a Japanese speed skater. She competed at the 2002 Winter Olympics…Eriko Seo (妹尾 栄里子, Seo Eriko; born 12 March 1979) is a Japanese speed skater. She competed at the 2002 Winter Olympics and the 2006 Winter Olympics.
Kotomi Ishizaki (石崎 琴美, Ishizaki Kotomi; born January 4, 1979) is a Japanese curler from Sapporo. She won a silver…Kotomi Ishizaki (石崎 琴美, Ishizaki Kotomi; born January 4, 1979) is a Japanese curler from Sapporo. She won a silver medal at the 2022 Winter Olympics as the alternate of the team skipped by Satsuki Fujisawa.
Jun Kasai (葛西 純, Kasai Jun) (born September 9, 1974) is a Japanese professional wrestler, primarily competing for Pro…Jun Kasai (葛西 純, Kasai Jun) (born September 9, 1974) is a Japanese professional wrestler, primarily competing for Pro Wrestling Freedoms. Dubbed the Crazy Monkey (クレイジーモンキー, Kureijī Monkī) for his violent and often self-harmful style of hardcore wrestling, Kasai is considered a breakthrough talent in Japanese wrestling, able to work both hardcore and technical styles. Outside Freedoms, Kasai has worked for the original Pro Wrestling Zero-One, Hustle, Ice Ribbon, Combat Zone Wrestling (CZW) and Big Japan Pro Wrestling (BJW).
Hiroyasu Shimizu (清水 宏保, Shimizu Hiroyasu; born 27 February 1974) is a Japanese speed skater. A five-time world…Hiroyasu Shimizu (清水 宏保, Shimizu Hiroyasu; born 27 February 1974) is a Japanese speed skater. A five-time world champion in the 500 meters, Shimizu became the first Japanese speed skater to win a gold medal with his performance at the 1998 Winter Olympics. At the 1998 World Championships, Shimizu set a world record (34.82) and became the first person to break the 35-second barrier in the event. Shimizu later broke this record at the 2001 World Championships with a time of 34.42. He was married to Japanese fashion model Reiko Takagaki.
Hidetada "Hide" Yamagishi (山岸 秀匡, Yamagishi Hidetada) (born 30 June 1973) is a Japanese IFBB professional bodybuilder.…Hidetada "Hide" Yamagishi (山岸 秀匡, Yamagishi Hidetada) (born 30 June 1973) is a Japanese IFBB professional bodybuilder. In 2007 he became the first Japanese bodybuilder to compete in the Mr. Olympia contest and was the first Japanese bodybuilder to have been invited to compete at the Arnold Classic.
Tetsu Takano (高野哲, Takano Tetsu; born December 12, 1972 in Obihiro, Japan) is a Japanese rock musician and…Tetsu Takano (高野哲, Takano Tetsu; born December 12, 1972 in Obihiro, Japan) is a Japanese rock musician and singer-songwriter. He first became known as vocalist of the visual kei rock band Malice Mizer from 1992 to 1994. After leaving them, Tetsu formed and performed with Mega8Ball from 1995 to 1997. From 1999 to 2002 he was part of the supergroup Zigzo, who became quite popular despite being an independent band and reunited in 2012. In addition to Zigzo, Tetsu is currently active in the bands Nil, The JuneJulyAugust, Disco Volante and Sillys, all of which are on his record label Afro Skull Records.
Kitakachidoki Hayato (born 1 January 1966 as Hayato Kuga) is a former sumo wrestler from Obihiro, Hokkaidō, Japan. He…Kitakachidoki Hayato (born 1 January 1966 as Hayato Kuga) is a former sumo wrestler from Obihiro, Hokkaidō, Japan. He made his professional debut in 1981, and reached the top division in 1989. His highest rank was maegashira 3. After retirement he became an elder in the Japan Sumo Association. He took over as head coach at Isenoumi stable, when former head coach Fujinokawa reached mandatory retirement age in September 2011.
Shinichi Yokoyama (横山 信一, Yokoyama Shin'ichi; born July 21, 1959) is a Japanese politician who is a member of the House…Shinichi Yokoyama (横山 信一, Yokoyama Shin'ichi; born July 21, 1959) is a Japanese politician who is a member of the House of Councillors of Japan.
Mikio Oyama (大山 三喜雄, Ōyama Mikio; born 29 October 1955) is a Japanese speed skater. He competed in two events at the…Mikio Oyama (大山 三喜雄, Ōyama Mikio; born 29 October 1955) is a Japanese speed skater. He competed in two events at the 1976 Winter Olympics.
Yoshie Taira (平 淑恵, Taira Yoshie) (born October 12, 1954, in Obihiro, Hokkaido) is a Japanese actress. She graduated…Yoshie Taira (平 淑恵, Taira Yoshie) (born October 12, 1954, in Obihiro, Hokkaido) is a Japanese actress. She graduated from St. Margaret's Junior College in Suginami, Tokyo. From 1985 to 1999, she was a costar in the TBS prime-time television series Ōoka Echizen in the role of Yukie, the wife of Ōoka Tadasuke. She has also appeared in many other jidaigeki, including Gokenin Zankurō, Mito Kōmon, and Abarenbō Shōgun. Stage roles have included Akai Tsuki, Nemuri Hime, Koi Yamabiko, Benkei, Shishi o Kau – Rikyū to Hideyoshi, Zenigata Heiji, Kawaite Sōrō and many others. As a voice actress, she dubbed the mother in Doogie Howser, M.D., Amy Hasting in an episode of The New Perry Mason, and Abigail Bartlet in The West Wing. Taira has also appeared in films, and in television commercials for Yōmeishu and Kao. She is married to filmmaker Rintaro Mayuzumi (m. 1989), the son of composer Toshiro Mayuzumi and actress Yōko Katsuragi.
Miyazawa Goro (宮沢吾朗, Miyazawa Goro; born November 29, 1949) is a professional Go player. Miyazawa turned professional…Miyazawa Goro (宮沢吾朗, Miyazawa Goro; born November 29, 1949) is a professional Go player. Miyazawa turned professional in 1966 and reached 9 dan in 1993. He currently resides in the Kanagawa Prefecture in Japan. He is the father of Sakana-kun, an illustrator, ichthyologist and television personality.
Natsuki Ikezawa (池澤 夏樹, Ikezawa Natsuki; born July 7, 1945 in Obihiro, Hokkaido) is a Japanese novelist, poet…Natsuki Ikezawa (池澤 夏樹, Ikezawa Natsuki; born July 7, 1945 in Obihiro, Hokkaido) is a Japanese novelist, poet, essayist, and translator. His literary work frequently explores themes concerning the relationship between civilization and nature. As a translator, Ikezawa has translated a diverse range of literature into Japanese, spanning contemporary Greek poetry, modern world fiction, and American literature. He is the father of voice actress Haruna Ikezawa.
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)
Akira Onodera (Japanese: 小野寺 昭, Hepburn: Onodera Akira; born September 19, 1943 in Hokkaido) is a Japanese actor and…Akira Onodera (Japanese: 小野寺 昭, Hepburn: Onodera Akira; born September 19, 1943 in Hokkaido) is a Japanese actor and narrator. He is well known for his role as Denka in Taiyō ni Hoero!. He made his television debut in 1969 with Panto Akogare. In 2015, Onodera won the award for best supporting actor of Tokyo Sports Film Award for Ryuzo and the Seven Henchmen.
Umeko Ando (安東 ウメ子, Andō Umeko; November 20, 1932 – July 15, 2004) was an Ainu singer and mukkuri player. Her…Umeko Ando (安東 ウメ子, Andō Umeko; November 20, 1932 – July 15, 2004) was an Ainu singer and mukkuri player. Her participation in Oki Kano's second album Hankapuy, helped her gain recognition. She recorded several albums, including her solo debut album, Ihunke, produced by Oki in 2001, that was praised by critics and artists alike, and many music publications in Japan declared it the best world music album of the year. It was followed by her second studio album, Upopo Sanke, in 2003, with Chikar Studio, which gained worldwide attention. She died from cancer on July 15, 2004, at her hometown Makubetsu-cho, Hokkaido, at the age of 71. She is featured posthumously on the Samurai Champloo soundtrack with her song "Pekambe Uk" (ペカンベ ウㇰ; "Wheat Harvesting Song"). The seventeenth episode, "Lullabies of the Lost", which featured this song, was dedicated to her memory with the message "May her soul rest in peace" in the ending credits.
Kana Ichinose (市ノ瀬 加那, Ichinose Kana; born December 20, 1996) is a Japanese voice actress. She played her first main…Kana Ichinose (市ノ瀬 加那, Ichinose Kana; born December 20, 1996) is a Japanese voice actress. She played her first main role in 2018 as Ichigo in the anime series Darling in the Franxx. Ichinose went on to headline Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury in 2022 as Suletta Mercury, the franchise's first female protagonist of a TV anime. She also voices Fern in Frieren: Beyond Journey's End, Sayu Ogiwara in Higehiro and Marlya Noel in Fairy Gone.
Yoshitsugu Matsuoka (松岡 禎丞, Matsuoka Yoshitsugu; born September 17, 1986) is a Japanese voice actor from Hokkaido…Yoshitsugu Matsuoka (松岡 禎丞, Matsuoka Yoshitsugu; born September 17, 1986) is a Japanese voice actor from Hokkaido affiliated with the talent agency I'm Enterprise. He was honored at the 6th Seiyu Awards for Best New Actor in 2012 and the 10th Seiyu Awards for Best Lead Actor in 2016. As of June 17, 2019, he is the current official Guinness World Record holder for the most unique sound bites provided by a voice actor in a mobile game, exceeding 10,000 words in Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?: Memoria Freese.
Mana Watanabe (渡部 愛, Watanabe Mana; born June 26, 1993) is a Japanese women's professional shogi player ranked 3-dan.…Mana Watanabe (渡部 愛, Watanabe Mana; born June 26, 1993) is a Japanese women's professional shogi player ranked 3-dan. She is a former Women's Ōi title holder. She is also the first women's professional to come out of the Ladies Professional Shogi-players' Association of Japan (LSPA) and subsequently be recognized as such by the Japan Shogi Association.
Ryuichi Kijima (Japanese: 木島隆一, Hepburn: Kijima Ryūichi; born March 29, 1985) is a Japanese voice actor. Some of his…Ryuichi Kijima (Japanese: 木島隆一, Hepburn: Kijima Ryūichi; born March 29, 1985) is a Japanese voice actor. Some of his noteworthy roles include Hifumi Izanami in Hypnosis Mic, Lenka Utsugi in God Eater, Shun Mizuki in Time Travel Girl, and Mitsuki in Boruto: Naruto Next Generations.
Miki Nagasawa (長沢 美樹, Nagasawa Miki; born July 11, 1970) is a Japanese voice actress. She was raised in Fukushima.…Miki Nagasawa (長沢 美樹, Nagasawa Miki; born July 11, 1970) is a Japanese voice actress. She was raised in Fukushima. Formerly affiliated for Haikyo, she is affiliated with Atomic Monkey. On anime roles, she voiced the eponymous character in Vampire Princess Miyu, Wedy in Death Note and Maya Ibuki in Neon Genesis Evangelion. In video games, she voiced Shelinda in Final Fantasy X and X-2, Kuyo in Genji: Dawn of the Samurai, Karin in Shadow Hearts 2, and Sleigh Presty in Super Robot Wars. Nagasawa attended Nan Desu Kan in 2009.
Fumiko Nakajō (中城ふみ子 Nakajō Fumiko, real name 野江富美子 Noe Fumiko, November 25, 1922 in Obihiro, Hokkaidō – August 3, 1954…Fumiko Nakajō (中城ふみ子 Nakajō Fumiko, real name 野江富美子 Noe Fumiko, November 25, 1922 in Obihiro, Hokkaidō – August 3, 1954 in Sapporo) was a Japanese tanka poet.