Kenji Fujimitsu (藤光 謙司, Fujimitsu Kenji; born 1 May 1986) is a Japanese sprinter who specialises in the 200 metres. He…Kenji Fujimitsu (藤光 謙司, Fujimitsu Kenji; born 1 May 1986) is a Japanese sprinter who specialises in the 200 metres. He is a one-time Asian champion and two-time national champion in the event and has a personal best of 20.13 seconds. He is also a bronze medalist in the 4 × 100 metres relay at the 2017 World Championships. He holds the Asian best in the rarely-contested 300 metres.
Manabu Yamaguchi (山口 学, Yamaguchi Manabu; born August 29, 1984), better known by his alias Mabanua (stylized in…Manabu Yamaguchi (山口 学, Yamaguchi Manabu; born August 29, 1984), better known by his alias Mabanua (stylized in lowercase; Japanese pronunciation: [mabaꜜnɯa]), is a Japanese music producer, drummer, and singer. He released his first album Done Already in November 2008 and has participated in production for artists including Kenshi Yonezu, Gen Hoshino, Imase, and Official Hige Dandism. He is also member of the three-person band Ovall.
Ryūichi Yamamoto (山本 龍一, Yamamoto Ryūichi; born May 8, 1984), known by his shikona Yamamotoyama Ryūta (山本山 龍太), or…Ryūichi Yamamoto (山本 龍一, Yamamoto Ryūichi; born May 8, 1984), known by his shikona Yamamotoyama Ryūta (山本山 龍太), or simply Yama, is a Japanese retired sumo wrestler from the city of Saitama in Saitama Prefecture. He made his professional debut in January 2007, and reached the top makuuchi division in January 2009. His highest rank was maegashira 9. At 265 kg (584 lb), Yamamotoyama is the heaviest Japanese-born sumo wrestler in history, and is also thought to be the heaviest Japanese person ever. In April 2011, he was told to retire by the Japan Sumo Association after he and several other wrestlers were found to be involved in match-fixing. He currently participates in sumo exhibitions and amateur tournaments, and has made a number of appearances in television shows, commercials and music videos.
Masumi Hoshino (星野 真澄, born April 4, 1984, in Saitama, Saitama) is a Japanese former professional baseball pitcher in…Masumi Hoshino (星野 真澄, born April 4, 1984, in Saitama, Saitama) is a Japanese former professional baseball pitcher in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball. He played with the Yomiuri Giants from 2010 to 2012. Before joining the Giants in 2010, he pitched for the Shinano Grandserows of the Baseball Challenge League.
Yuji Ohashi (大橋 祐二, Ōhashi Yūji; born 5 September 1983 in Hokkaido) is a Japanese hurdler. He was the former Japanese…Yuji Ohashi (大橋 祐二, Ōhashi Yūji; born 5 September 1983 in Hokkaido) is a Japanese hurdler. He was the former Japanese national high school record holder in the 110 metres hurdles and the first Japanese high school student to run under 14 seconds. He competed in the 60 metres hurdles at the 2008 World Indoor Championships. He played soccer before switching to athletics. He is currently the sprint coach of the track and field club at Japan Women's College of Physical Education.
Nobuya Osodo (born 28 June 1983), is a Japanese futsal player who plays for Shriker Osaka and the Japanese national…Nobuya Osodo (born 28 June 1983), is a Japanese futsal player who plays for Shriker Osaka and the Japanese national futsal team.
Sakaizawa Kenichi (born 11 April 1983 as Kenichi Sakaizawa) is a former sumo wrestler from Saitama, Japan. He made his…Sakaizawa Kenichi (born 11 April 1983 as Kenichi Sakaizawa) is a former sumo wrestler from Saitama, Japan. He made his professional debut in March 2006, and reached the top division in March 2008. His highest rank was maegashira 15. He was forced to retire by the Japan Sumo Association, as a result of the 2011 match-fixing scandal (yaocho).
Eiji Kawashima (川島 永嗣, Kawashima Eiji; born 20 March 1983) is a Japanese professional footballer who plays as a…Eiji Kawashima (川島 永嗣, Kawashima Eiji; born 20 March 1983) is a Japanese professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for J2 League club Júbilo Iwata. Kawashima played in Japan for Omiya Ardija, Nagoya Grampus Eight and Kawasaki Frontale before joining Lierse S.K. in Belgium in 2010. He then played for another Belgian club, Standard Liège, from 2012 to 2015, Dundee United in Scotland from 2015 to 2016; Metz and Strasbourg in France from 2016 to 2023 before returning to Japan with Júbilo Iwata in 2024. He represented Japan at the 2010, 2014 and 2018 FIFA World Cups, earning over 90 caps, and was also named in the final 26-player squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup before announcing retirement from international football one month later.
Yusuke Teshima is a former Japanese motorcycle rider. In 2009 he won the Superstock 600 class in the All Japan Road…Yusuke Teshima is a former Japanese motorcycle rider. In 2009 he won the Superstock 600 class in the All Japan Road Race Championship. He retired after the 2012 season and set up his own team CLUB PLUSONE with T.Pro Innovation, running Tomoyoshi Koyama and Satoru Iwata on Honda CBR600RRs.
Kosuke Ota (太田 康介, Ota Kosuke; born October 26, 1982) is a Japanese former football player who plays as defender and…Kosuke Ota (太田 康介, Ota Kosuke; born October 26, 1982) is a Japanese former football player who plays as defender and midfielder.
Yūko Sasaki (佐々木 優子, Sasaki Yūko; born 18 September 1982), also known as Yūko Saito, is a Japanese former cricketer who…Yūko Sasaki (佐々木 優子, Sasaki Yūko; born 18 September 1982), also known as Yūko Saito, is a Japanese former cricketer who played for the national women's team in 2003 in three One Day International matches. Born in Saitama in 1982, she was primarily a wicket-keeper.
Emiko Suzuki (鈴木 絵美子, Suzuki Emiko; born November 12, 1981) is a Japanese synchronized swimmer. She has competed at the…Emiko Suzuki (鈴木 絵美子, Suzuki Emiko; born November 12, 1981) is a Japanese synchronized swimmer. She has competed at the 2004 and 2008 Summer Olympics.
Hiroyuki Ōshima (大島 裕行, Ōshima Hiroyuki; born June 15, 1981 in Saitama, Saitama) is a retired Japanese professional…Hiroyuki Ōshima (大島 裕行, Ōshima Hiroyuki; born June 15, 1981 in Saitama, Saitama) is a retired Japanese professional outfielder.
Kenichiro Suehiro (末廣 健一郎, Suehiro Kenichirō; born December 27, 1980) is a Japanese composer and arranger, known for…Kenichiro Suehiro (末廣 健一郎, Suehiro Kenichirō; born December 27, 1980) is a Japanese composer and arranger, known for his work on many television dramas, anime series, and films. He is currently represented by ONE MUSIC, a music production company.
Hideki Murai (村井 英樹, Murai Hideki; born 14 May 1980) is a Japanese politician who serves as chairman of the Diet…Hideki Murai (村井 英樹, Murai Hideki; born 14 May 1980) is a Japanese politician who serves as chairman of the Diet Affairs Committee in the Liberal Democratic Party since 2026. He was Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary from 2023 to 2024. He has represented Saitama 1st district in the House of Representatives since 2012. Born in Saitama Prefecture and educated at the University of Tokyo, Murai was an official in the Ministry of Finance before entering politics.
Yumiko Shiina (椎名 裕美子, Shiina Yumiko; born November 25, 1978), known by her stage name Ringo Sheena (椎名 林檎, Shiina…Yumiko Shiina (椎名 裕美子, Shiina Yumiko; born November 25, 1978), known by her stage name Ringo Sheena (椎名 林檎, Shiina Ringo), is a Japanese singer, songwriter and musician. She is also the founder and lead vocalist of the band Tokyo Jihen. She describes herself as "Shinjuku-kei Jisaku-Jien-ya (新宿系自作自演屋, a Shinjuku-style writer-performer)". She was ranked number 36 in a list of Japan's top 100 musicians compiled by HMV in 2003.
Masataka Sakamoto (坂本 將貴, Sakamoto Masataka; born February 24, 1978) is a former Japanese football player.He currently…Masataka Sakamoto (坂本 將貴, Sakamoto Masataka; born February 24, 1978) is a former Japanese football player.He currently works as an individual coach for the Japan national team.
Makoto Yoshino (吉野 誠, born November 19, 1977) is a Japanese former professional baseball pitcher in Nippon Professional…Makoto Yoshino (吉野 誠, born November 19, 1977) is a Japanese former professional baseball pitcher in Nippon Professional Baseball. He played for the Hanshin Tigers from 2000 to 2007 and the Orix Buffaloes from 2008 to 2013.
Daijiro Kato (加藤 大治郎, Katō Daijirō; 4 July 1976 – 20 April 2003) was a Japanese Grand Prix motorcycle road racer, the…Daijiro Kato (加藤 大治郎, Katō Daijirō; 4 July 1976 – 20 April 2003) was a Japanese Grand Prix motorcycle road racer, the 2001 250cc world champion, and the 2000 and 2002 Suzuka 8 Hours winner. He died as a result of injuries sustained after a crash during the 2003 Japanese motorcycle Grand Prix at Suzuka Circuit, Japan.
Hiroshi Hirao (平尾 博嗣, Hirao Hiroshi; born December 31, 1975) is a Japanese Nippon Professional Baseball player. He is…Hiroshi Hirao (平尾 博嗣, Hirao Hiroshi; born December 31, 1975) is a Japanese Nippon Professional Baseball player. He is currently with the Saitama Seibu Lions in Japan's Pacific League. Before playing for the Lions, he was a member of the Hanshin Tigers.
Kazuyoshi Mikami (三上 和良, Mikami Kazuyoshi; born 29 August 1975) is a former Japanese football player. His younger…Kazuyoshi Mikami (三上 和良, Mikami Kazuyoshi; born 29 August 1975) is a former Japanese football player. His younger brother Takuya Mikami is also a football player.
Gamon Kaai (河相 我聞, Kaai Gamon; born May 24, 1975, in Warabi, Saitama, and moved to Ōmiya (now Saitama), Saitama…Gamon Kaai (河相 我聞, Kaai Gamon; born May 24, 1975, in Warabi, Saitama, and moved to Ōmiya (now Saitama), Saitama Prefecture, Japan) is a Japanese actor and tarento represented by Kabushikigaisha Gamon and 365. Kaai's surname is often pronounced as "Kawai."
Yuji Ide (井出有治, Ide Yūji) (born 21 January 1975) is a Japanese racing driver. He is the 2005 Formula Nippon runner-up…Yuji Ide (井出有治, Ide Yūji) (born 21 January 1975) is a Japanese racing driver. He is the 2005 Formula Nippon runner-up and the 2010 Suzuka 1000km winner. He competed in Formula One with the Super Aguri team in 2006, but was demoted to third driver after four races and subsequently lost his FIA Super Licence.
Junpei Shiina (椎名 純平, Shiina Junpei; born August 6, 1974), is a Japanese rhythm and blues singer and songwriter, and…Junpei Shiina (椎名 純平, Shiina Junpei; born August 6, 1974), is a Japanese rhythm and blues singer and songwriter, and older brother to the musician Ringo Sheena. Debuting as a soloist in 1999, Shiina released four albums with major label Sony Music Japan between 2001 and 2004, later signing a contract with R and C to release his fourth album Cruisin' (2006). In 2008 Shiina formed the band Junpei Shiina & The Soul Force, who renamed themselves Dezille Brothers in 2010, releasing their debut album Dashi no Torikata through King Records in the same year. In 2014, Shiina formed the four member band Hitosarai with Tomotaka Imamichi. Shiina has often collaborated with his sister Ringo Sheena by singing duets together, most notably the theme song of the Mika Ninagawa directed film Sakuran (2007), "Kono Yo no Kagiri".
Yumiko Takahashi (高橋 由美子, Takahashi Yumiko; born 7 January 1974, in Ōmiya-ku (formerly Ōmiya), Saitama, Saitama) is a…Yumiko Takahashi (高橋 由美子, Takahashi Yumiko; born 7 January 1974, in Ōmiya-ku (formerly Ōmiya), Saitama, Saitama) is a Japanese actress and singer. She is nicknamed "Good-P" short for Good Personality. She has had prominent roles in a number of television series, feature films and stage productions. As a singer she has released ten albums. Following the prominence of idols such as Momoe Yamaguchi in the 1970s, and Seiko Matsuda, Akina Nakamori, Kyoko Koizumi, and Yoko Minamino in the 1980s, the 1990s was characterized as the "Idol Winter" due to a decline in the genre's popularity. During this period, the media referred to Takahashi as "the last orthodox idol of the 20th century." She has been represented with several agencies, including Big Apple, Hirata Office, Toho Entertainment, and Konni.
Hiroyuki Gotō (後藤 裕之, Gotō Hiroyuki) recited pi from memory to 42,195 decimal places at NHK Broadcasting Centre, Tokyo…Hiroyuki Gotō (後藤 裕之, Gotō Hiroyuki) recited pi from memory to 42,195 decimal places at NHK Broadcasting Centre, Tokyo on 18 February 1995. This set the world record at the time, which was held for more than a decade until Lu Chao beat it in 2005. Goto was born in Tokyo, Japan. He is a game designer at Namco. He is the creator of word puzzle video game Kotoba no Puzzle Moji Pittan, which was released as an arcade game in 2001 and later become available for various console and portable gaming systems.
Teruyuki Tsuchida (土田 晃之, Tsuchida Teruyuki; born September 1, 1972 in Nerima, Tokyo and grew up in Omiya, Saitama) is…Teruyuki Tsuchida (土田 晃之, Tsuchida Teruyuki; born September 1, 1972 in Nerima, Tokyo and grew up in Omiya, Saitama) is a Japanese comedian, tarento and TV presenter. His talent agency is Ohta Production. He has been active as a solo comedian since 2001, but started in the entertainment industry in 1992 as a kombi called U-Turn with Morihiro Tsushima, which dissolved in 2001 when Tsushima retired from the industry.
Kazuyuki Atsuzawa (厚澤 和幸, Atsuzawa Kazuyuki; born August 11, 1972) is a retired Japanese Nippon Professional Baseball…Kazuyuki Atsuzawa (厚澤 和幸, Atsuzawa Kazuyuki; born August 11, 1972) is a retired Japanese Nippon Professional Baseball player. He is the current pitching coach for the Orix Buffaloes.
Minoru Furuya (古谷 実, Furuya Minoru; born March 28, 1972) is a Japanese manga artist from Saitama Prefecture. His debut…Minoru Furuya (古谷 実, Furuya Minoru; born March 28, 1972) is a Japanese manga artist from Saitama Prefecture. His debut work is The Ping Pong Club, published in Young Magazine. It was adapted into a 26-episode anime series in 1995. In 1996, he won the Kodansha Manga Award for The Ping Pong Club. In March 2021, Kodansha USA licensed Ciguatera. Two of his series have been adapted to the big screen, namely Himizu in 2011, and Himeanole in 2016.
Takami Yoshimoto (吉本 多香美, Yoshimoto Takami; born October 13, 1971) is a Japanese actress known for her role as Rena…Takami Yoshimoto (吉本 多香美, Yoshimoto Takami; born October 13, 1971) is a Japanese actress known for her role as Rena Yanase in 1996 Ultraman Tiga series. She won the best actress award at the 9th Japan Movie Professional Awards in 1999. She also starred the 1992 edition of "Christmas Express" commercials for the Central Japan Railway Company.
Kazuhiko Yamazaki (山崎 一彦, Yamazaki Kazuhiki; born 10 May 1971 in Yono) is a Japanese former athlete who specialised in…Kazuhiko Yamazaki (山崎 一彦, Yamazaki Kazuhiki; born 10 May 1971 in Yono) is a Japanese former athlete who specialised in the 400 metres hurdles. He competed in the 1992 Summer Olympics, in the 1996 Summer Olympics, and in the 2000 Summer Olympics. He also competed in the 1991 World Championships, in the 1995 World Championships, in the 1997 World Championships, and in the 1999 World Championships. He was a finalist at the 1995 World Championships and the first Japanese to reach the 400 metres hurdles final at the World Championships. He was the former Asian record holder in the 400 metres hurdles and a two-time Japanese Championships champion.
Satoru Asako (浅子覚, Asako Satoru; born March 2, 1971) is a retired Japanese professional wrestler who worked for All…Satoru Asako (浅子覚, Asako Satoru; born March 2, 1971) is a retired Japanese professional wrestler who worked for All Japan Pro Wrestling and Pro Wrestling Noah.
Asa Higuchi (Japanese: ひぐち アサ, Hepburn: Higuchi Asa; born May 17, 1970) is a Japanese manga artist, born in Urawa…Asa Higuchi (Japanese: ひぐち アサ, Hepburn: Higuchi Asa; born May 17, 1970) is a Japanese manga artist, born in Urawa, Saitama Prefecture (now part of Saitama City). She graduated from Saitama Prefecture's prestigious Urawanishi High School and Hosei University's department of psychology, with a major in sports psychology. During her high school days, she was a member of her school's softball team, which would go on to be an inspiration in her work Big Windup! as well as her high school which is featured in detail (the school now advertising the manga and anime on their website). In 1998, Higuchi won noted seinen manga magazine Monthly Afternoon's Shiki competition with her work Yuku Tokoro. It was noted for the unique relationships shared by its characters and was subsequently published in the August issue of the magazine, thus marking her debut as a manga artist. She is currently working on Big Windup!, which has spanned 37 volumes to date and is serialized in Monthly Afternoon. It won the 10th Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize for best creative work in 2006, and the 31st Kodansha Manga Award for general manga in 2007.
Fumiya Satō (さとう ふみや, Satō Fumiya; born Fumiko Satō (佐藤文子, Satō Fumiko), 22 December 1965 in Omiya, Saitama, Japan) is…Fumiya Satō (さとう ふみや, Satō Fumiya; born Fumiko Satō (佐藤文子, Satō Fumiko), 22 December 1965 in Omiya, Saitama, Japan) is a Japanese manga artist. She is best known for the manga series The Kindaichi Case Files and Detective School Q. In 1995, she received the Kodansha Manga Award for her work on The Kindaichi Case Files.
Ijiri Okada (イジリー岡田, Ijirī Okada; born 23 September 1964, in Kita, Tokyo, Japan), born Noboru Okada (岡田 昇, Okada…Ijiri Okada (イジリー岡田, Ijirī Okada; born 23 September 1964, in Kita, Tokyo, Japan), born Noboru Okada (岡田 昇, Okada Noboru) is a Japanese comedian, impressionist, and television host. His hosting credits include Gilgamesh LIGHT, a revival of the 90s show Gilgamesh Night, and the Nogizaka46 variety show NogiBingo! Okada is represented by Horipro. He was married in 2016 in Hawaii.
Nokko (born November 4, 1963) is a Japanese singer. She was the lead singer of the popular band Rebecca, which had a…Nokko (born November 4, 1963) is a Japanese singer. She was the lead singer of the popular band Rebecca, which had a string of hits in Japan in the 1980s. Nokko was born in Urawa, Saitama, as Nobuko Yamada (山田 信子, Yamada Nobuko). Under her stage name Nokko, she also had multiple hits in Japan throughout her solo career in the 1990s, and released an English-language album in the US produced and mixed by Goh Hotoda and Francois Kevorkian.
Koichi Wakata (若田 光一, Wakata Kōichi; born 1 August 1963) is a Japanese engineer and an astronaut working for Axiom…Koichi Wakata (若田 光一, Wakata Kōichi; born 1 August 1963) is a Japanese engineer and an astronaut working for Axiom Space. Wakata retired from JAXA in 2024 after a career in spaceflight spanning nearly two decades. He logged over 500 days in space across five missions: three aboard the Space Shuttle, one on the Soyuz, and one on the Crew Dragon. His missions included three long-duration stays on the International Space Station (ISS) and two short-duration flights—one to the ISS and one aboard the Space Shuttle. Notably, during Expedition 39, he became the first Japanese commander of the ISS.
Toshiharu Furukawa (古川 俊治, Furukawa Toshiharu; born 14 January 1963) is a Japanese medical doctor, attorney, and…Toshiharu Furukawa (古川 俊治, Furukawa Toshiharu; born 14 January 1963) is a Japanese medical doctor, attorney, and politician of the Liberal Democratic Party.
Akira Furusawa (Japanese: 古澤 明, Hepburn: Furusawa Akira; born 1961) is a Japanese physicist known for his contributions…Akira Furusawa (Japanese: 古澤 明, Hepburn: Furusawa Akira; born 1961) is a Japanese physicist known for his contributions to quantum teleportation. He is a professor of physics in University of Tokyo and specializes in nonlinear optics, quantum optics, and quantum information science.
Izumi Aso (麻生 いずみ, Asō Izumi; born November 14, 1960 in Saitama Prefecture, Japan) is a Japanese manga artist known for…Izumi Aso (麻生 いずみ, Asō Izumi; born November 14, 1960 in Saitama Prefecture, Japan) is a Japanese manga artist known for her Hikari no Densetsu series.
Michiyo Akaishi (赤石 路代, Akaishi Michiyo; born October 11, 1959 in Urawa) is a Japanese manga artist. She graduated from…Michiyo Akaishi (赤石 路代, Akaishi Michiyo; born October 11, 1959 in Urawa) is a Japanese manga artist. She graduated from Saitama Prefectural Dai-Ichi Girls High School. Akaishi then attended Musashino Art University where she graduated with a degree in commercial plastic model design. In 1979, she won first place in the Shogakukan Shinjin Comic Award contest. Akaishi's debut story, "Marshmallow Tea wa Hitori de", appeared in the January 1980 issue of Bessatsu Shōjo Comic. Her story "One More Jump" won the 1994 Shogakukan Manga Award for children's manga. She was one of the judges for the 53rd Shogakukan Manga Awards in 2008.
Satsuki Katayama (née Tomonaga; 9 May 1959) is a Japanese politician serving in Japan's House of Councillors, having…Satsuki Katayama (née Tomonaga; 9 May 1959) is a Japanese politician serving in Japan's House of Councillors, having been elected in July 2010 as a candidate for the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). She previously represented the Shizuoka 7th district in the House of Representatives for one term from 2005 until 2009. She has served as the first woman Minister of Finance since 21 October 2025 in the first and second Takaichi cabinet.
Yoshio Kato (加藤 好男, Katō Yoshio; born August 1, 1957) is a former Japanese football player. He played for Japan…Yoshio Kato (加藤 好男, Katō Yoshio; born August 1, 1957) is a former Japanese football player. He played for Japan national team.
