Shotaro Sanada (Japanese: 真田 将太朗, born 9 December 2000) is a Japanese painter and researcher. He is known for…Shotaro Sanada (Japanese: 真田 将太朗, born 9 December 2000) is a Japanese painter and researcher. He is known for large-scale abstract paintings that explore "new landscapes" and for interdisciplinary work linking art, aesthetics, and artificial intelligence.
Hiroki Kumoyama (雲山弘貴, Hiroki Unzan; born 18 July 1999) is a Japanese rugby union player who plays as a fullback. He…Hiroki Kumoyama (雲山弘貴, Hiroki Unzan; born 18 July 1999) is a Japanese rugby union player who plays as a fullback. He currently plays for Hanazono Kintetsu Liners in Japan's domestic Japan Rugby League One.
Haruka Motoyama (本山 遥, Motoyama Haruka; born 5 June 1999) is a Japanese footballer currently playing as a defender for…Haruka Motoyama (本山 遥, Motoyama Haruka; born 5 June 1999) is a Japanese footballer currently playing as a defender for Fagiano Okayama on loan from Vissel Kobe.
Uheiji Uehata (上畑 佑平士, Uehata Uheiji; born 25 July 1998) is a Japanese footballer currently playing as a midfielder for…Uheiji Uehata (上畑 佑平士, Uehata Uheiji; born 25 July 1998) is a Japanese footballer currently playing as a midfielder for Fujieda MYFC.
Mina Myoi (Japanese: 名井 南; born Mina Sharon Myoi, March 24, 1997), known mononymously as Mina (Korean: 미나; Japanese…Mina Myoi (Japanese: 名井 南; born Mina Sharon Myoi, March 24, 1997), known mononymously as Mina (Korean: 미나; Japanese: ミナ), is a Japanese singer and dancer based in South Korea. She is a member of the South Korean girl group Twice, which debuted under JYP Entertainment in 2015, and its subgroup MiSaMo, which debuted in 2023.
Hisui Haza (羽座 妃粋, Haza Hisui; born March 16, 1996) is a Japanese footballer who plays as a defender. She plays for…Hisui Haza (羽座 妃粋, Haza Hisui; born March 16, 1996) is a Japanese footballer who plays as a defender. She plays for INAC Kobe Leonessa in the WE League and for the Japan national team.
Ryo Nagai (永井 龍, Nagai Ryo; born 23 May 1991) is a Japanese football player who can play as a forward, currently…Ryo Nagai (永井 龍, Nagai Ryo; born 23 May 1991) is a Japanese football player who can play as a forward, currently playing for J3 League club Giravanz Kitakyushu.
Shigeru Yokotani (横谷 繁, Yokotani Shigeru; born May 3, 1987 in Nishinomiya, Hyōgo) is a Japanese footballer who plays…Shigeru Yokotani (横谷 繁, Yokotani Shigeru; born May 3, 1987 in Nishinomiya, Hyōgo) is a Japanese footballer who plays for Ehime FC.
Nami Sano (Japanese: 佐野 菜見, Hepburn: Sano Nami; 17 April 1987 – 5 August 2023) was a Japanese manga artist. She made…Nami Sano (Japanese: 佐野 菜見, Hepburn: Sano Nami; 17 April 1987 – 5 August 2023) was a Japanese manga artist. She made her debut in 2010 with the one-shot title Non-Sugar Coffee. She later published two series, Haven't You Heard? I'm Sakamoto (2012–2015) and Migi & Dali (2017–2021), which were both adapted into anime series.
Bkub Okawa (Japanese: 大川ぶくぶ, Hepburn: Ōkawa Bukubu; born October 3, 1986) is a Japanese illustrator and manga artist.…Bkub Okawa (Japanese: 大川ぶくぶ, Hepburn: Ōkawa Bukubu; born October 3, 1986) is a Japanese illustrator and manga artist. With his work consisting of 4-panel comics, Okawa debuted professionally in 2008 with the manga series Super Elegant and rose to popularity with his 2014 series Pop Team Epic. Okawa is also a regular contributing artist for the Ensemble Stars! media franchise.
Akira Tozawa (戸澤 陽, Tozawa Akira, born July 22, 1985) is a Japanese professional wrestler. As of 2016, he is signed to…Akira Tozawa (戸澤 陽, Tozawa Akira, born July 22, 1985) is a Japanese professional wrestler. As of 2016, he is signed to WWE, where he performs on the Raw brand under his real name and is one-half of the Alpha Academy with Otis. He is a former one-time WWE Cruiserweight Champion and 16-time WWE 24/7 Champion. Prior to working for the WWE, he had a 12-year run in Dragon Gate where he is a former Open the Brave Gate, Open the Twin Gate, Open the Triangle Gate and Open the Owarai Gate champion and the winner of the 2011 and 2012 Summer Adventure Tag League. He is also known for his year-long excursion to the United States, during which he performed for promotions such as Chikara, Dragon Gate USA, and Pro Wrestling Guerrilla.
Shuhei Takada (髙田 周平, Takada Shuhei; born June 3, 1985 in Hyōgo, Japan) ("Shoo-Hey") is a Japanese left-handed pitcher…Shuhei Takada (髙田 周平, Takada Shuhei; born June 3, 1985 in Hyōgo, Japan) ("Shoo-Hey") is a Japanese left-handed pitcher for the Shinano Grandserows. He previously played for the Soka University, which has advanced to the semifinal of the All Japan University Baseball Championship Series 2005, the Grandserows, and the Hanshin Tigers.
Naoki Miyanishi (宮西 尚生, Miyanishi Naoki; born June 2, 1985 in Nishinomiya, Japan) is a Japanese professional baseball…Naoki Miyanishi (宮西 尚生, Miyanishi Naoki; born June 2, 1985 in Nishinomiya, Japan) is a Japanese professional baseball pitcher for the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB).
Ryosuke Matsuoka (松岡 亮輔, Matsuoka Ryosuke; born October 23, 1984 in Hyōgo) is a Japanese football player who plays for…Ryosuke Matsuoka (松岡 亮輔, Matsuoka Ryosuke; born October 23, 1984 in Hyōgo) is a Japanese football player who plays for Berkeley Goats FC.
Ryohei Suzuki (鈴木 亮平, Suzuki Ryōhei; born March 29, 1983 in Nishinomiya, Hyōgo Prefecture, Japan) is a Japanese actor…Ryohei Suzuki (鈴木 亮平, Suzuki Ryōhei; born March 29, 1983 in Nishinomiya, Hyōgo Prefecture, Japan) is a Japanese actor who is represented by the talent agency Horipro.
Ryoff Karma (呂布カルマ; born January 7, 1983) is a Japanese rapper known for performing in MC battles and televised…Ryoff Karma (呂布カルマ; born January 7, 1983) is a Japanese rapper known for performing in MC battles and televised competitions. He has also worked as a cultural critic, actor, and voice actor.
Ryusuke Minami (Japanese: 南 竜介, born July 9, 1981, in Nishinomiya) is a Japanese former professional baseball…Ryusuke Minami (Japanese: 南 竜介, born July 9, 1981, in Nishinomiya) is a Japanese former professional baseball outfielder in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball. He played for the Yokohama BayStars in 2004 and 2005 and the Chiba Lotte Marines from 2006 to 2012. He attended Hōtoku Gakuen High School.
Etsuko Tada (多田悦子, Tada Etsuko; born 28 May 1989) is a Japanese professional boxer. She is a former four-time…Etsuko Tada (多田悦子, Tada Etsuko; born 28 May 1989) is a Japanese professional boxer. She is a former four-time mini-flyweight world champion, having held the WBA title from 2009 to 2013; the IBF title from 2015 to 2017; and the WBO title twice between 2018 and October 2021.
Atom Shukugawa (夙川アトム; born December 22, 1979) is a Japanese comedian from Nishinomiya, Hyogo Prefecture. His real name…Atom Shukugawa (夙川アトム; born December 22, 1979) is a Japanese comedian from Nishinomiya, Hyogo Prefecture. His real name is Hiroyuki Tanaka (田中 博之) and the screen name's "Shukugawa" derives from the name of a river running through Nishinomiya. As of August 2009, he belongs to the management company ASH & D corporation. Shukugawa won the 10th place in the R-1 Grand Prix 2008 and the second place in the "Owarai geinin utaga umai ohza ketteisen special" (singing competition for comedians) in August 2009.
Takahiko Yamamura (山村 貴彦, Yamamura Takahiko; born 13 August 1979) is a Japanese sprinter. He competed in the men's 400…Takahiko Yamamura (山村 貴彦, Yamamura Takahiko; born 13 August 1979) is a Japanese sprinter. He competed in the men's 400 metres at the 2000 Summer Olympics.
Ohashi Trio (大橋トリオ; born 12 July 1978) is a Japanese singer-songwriter and composer. Throughout the early 2000s, Trio…Ohashi Trio (大橋トリオ; born 12 July 1978) is a Japanese singer-songwriter and composer. Throughout the early 2000s, Trio performed as a musician and producer, contributing to various albums and live shows under his birth name Yoshinori Ohashi (大橋 好規, Ohashi Yoshinori) before releasing his first self-produced album Pretaporter in 2007. His debut on Avex Group's Rhythm Zone, I Got Rhythm? (2009) topped the iTunes Store's albums chart. Throughout his career, he has released eighteen studio albums, seven singles and composed for multiple films.
Rena Inoue (井上 怜奈, Inoue Rena; born October 17, 1976) is a Japanese-born American retired pair skater. With partner…Rena Inoue (井上 怜奈, Inoue Rena; born October 17, 1976) is a Japanese-born American retired pair skater. With partner John Baldwin, she is the 2004 and 2006 U.S. National Champion. Inoue previously competed for Japan as both a single skater and pair skater. Inoue and Baldwin are the first skaters to perform a throw triple Axel in competition.
Naoyuki Ohmura (大村 直之, born February 13, 1976, in Nishinomiya, Hyōgo) is a professional baseball player for the Orix…Naoyuki Ohmura (大村 直之, born February 13, 1976, in Nishinomiya, Hyōgo) is a professional baseball player for the Orix Buffaloes in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball.
Naoyuki Shimizu (清水 直行, Shimizu Naoyuki; born November 24, 1975), nicknamed "Nao", is a former professional baseball…Naoyuki Shimizu (清水 直行, Shimizu Naoyuki; born November 24, 1975), nicknamed "Nao", is a former professional baseball player from Kyoto, Japan. He is a starting pitcher for the Yokohama DeNA BayStars.
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.
Ryūsui Seiryōin (清涼院 流水, Seiryōin Ryūsui; born August 9, 1974) is a Japanese novelist, active in mystery and various…Ryūsui Seiryōin (清涼院 流水, Seiryōin Ryūsui; born August 9, 1974) is a Japanese novelist, active in mystery and various other fields. He was born in 1974, in Hyōgo Prefecture, Japan. He won the 2nd Mephisto Prize in 1996 while in Kyoto University, and started to work as a novelist. After that, Ryusui published over 60 novels. His works are always controversial. The JDC (Japan Detectives Club) series has inspired tribute novels by authors like Ōtarō Maijō and Nisio Isin. In 2007, he achieved the publication of the series, "What a perfect world!", for 12 consecutive months. In the same year, he carried out "Doumo tour", the autograph sessions for 12 consecutive months held in Japanese major cities, and made a great success. On May 1, 2009, he launched "bbbcircle", his official website, with Kai Chamberlain, a Canadian cartoonist.
Takahiro Yoshikawa (吉川 隆弘, Yoshikawa Takahiro) is a Japanese classical pianist. He is a regular piano soloist at La…Takahiro Yoshikawa (吉川 隆弘, Yoshikawa Takahiro) is a Japanese classical pianist. He is a regular piano soloist at La Scala, Italy's leading opera house.
Naoko Sawamatsu (沢松奈生子, Sawamatsu Naoko; born on 23 March 1973) is a former professional tennis player. In her career…Naoko Sawamatsu (沢松奈生子, Sawamatsu Naoko; born on 23 March 1973) is a former professional tennis player. In her career, she won four singles titles on the WTA Tour. Sawamatsu reached a career-high ranking of world No. 14, on 6 February 1995. At the time of the 1995 Australian Open, her family survived the Great Hanshin earthquake, and Sawamatsu went on to achieve her best Grand Slam result at Melbourne Park, reaching the quarterfinals by defeating compatriot Ai Sugiyama, Laurence Courtois, Kimiko Date in the third round, Mary Joe Fernandez in the fourth round before losing to Arantxa Sánchez Vicario. Her most significant title came in 1993 at Strasbourg, when she defeated clay-courter Judith Wiesner in the final. Sawamatsu had much success at Strasbourg reaching the semifinals in 1991, final in 1992 losing to Judith Wiesner. She retired from professional tennis after losing in the second round of the 1998 Japan Open to Monica Seles in a three-set match. Sawamatsu had wins over the following players during her career: Martina Hingis, Lindsay Davenport, Kimiko Date, Mary Joe Fernandez, Amanda Coetzer, and Conchita Martínez. She was the first player to be beaten by Venus Williams in the main draw of a Grand Slam tournament, at the French Open in 1997. Sawamatsu's has a career win–loss record in singles of 205–143. Since retirement, she has been involved in the development of sport in her native country. Sawamatsu is the daughter of tennis player Junko Sawamatsu and the niece of 1975 Wimbledon ladies doubles champion Kazuko Sawamatsu. Sawamatsu appeared in the 2018 TBS medical drama Black Pean as Yoshie Koyama, the wife of a patient.
Norika Fujiwara (藤原 紀香, Fujiwara Norika; born June 28, 1971) is a Japanese actress, model and beauty pageant…Norika Fujiwara (藤原 紀香, Fujiwara Norika; born June 28, 1971) is a Japanese actress, model and beauty pageant titleholder. She became Miss Nippon in 1992 and was an exclusive model for fashion magazine CanCam. She has appeared in various commercials and TV series and a number of films in Japan.
Akihiro Tabuki (田吹昭博, Tabuki Akihiro; born June 20, 1971) is a retired Japanese professional baseball pitcher. He…Akihiro Tabuki (田吹昭博, Tabuki Akihiro; born June 20, 1971) is a retired Japanese professional baseball pitcher. He played for the Nippon-Ham Fighters during the 1995 Nippon Professional Baseball season.
Nagaru Tanigawa (谷川 流, Tanigawa Nagaru; born December 19, 1970) is a Japanese author. He is a graduate of the law…Nagaru Tanigawa (谷川 流, Tanigawa Nagaru; born December 19, 1970) is a Japanese author. He is a graduate of the law school at Kwansei Gakuin University. He is best known as the creator of the Haruhi Suzumiya light novel series, which was adapted into an anime television series and film, and for which he won the Grand Prize at the eighth annual Sneaker Awards. While Tanigawa was on hiatus from writing his light novel series, he wrote the manga series Amnesia Labyrinth, which was serialized in Dengeki Bunko Magazine.
Yū Yabūchi (やぶうち 優, Yabūchi Yū; born 1 December 1969 in Nishinomiya) is a Japanese manga artist who specializes in…Yū Yabūchi (やぶうち 優, Yabūchi Yū; born 1 December 1969 in Nishinomiya) is a Japanese manga artist who specializes in shōjo manga. Yū Yabuchi's most famous works are Mizuiro Jidai, Shōjo-Shōnen, and Naisho no Tsubomi. The main focus of her manga are the emotional and psychological growth of preteen girls and boys and early romances between them. Her works are popular among preteen and teenage girls. She received the 2009 Shogakukan Manga Award for children's manga for Naisho no Tsubomi. Her favorites subjects to draw are trains and birds (especially the Java sparrow).
Ryō Adachi (安達 亮, Adachi Ryō; born July 2, 1969) is a Japanese football manager and former player. He is the current…Ryō Adachi (安達 亮, Adachi Ryō; born July 2, 1969) is a Japanese football manager and former player. He is the current manager of J2 League club Kataller Toyama .
So Taguchi (田口 壮, Taguchi Sō; born July 2, 1969) is a Japanese former professional baseball outfielder. He played in…So Taguchi (田口 壮, Taguchi Sō; born July 2, 1969) is a Japanese former professional baseball outfielder. He played in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) for the Orix BlueWave / Buffaloes, and in Major League Baseball (MLB) with the St. Louis Cardinals, Philadelphia Phillies, and Chicago Cubs. Taguchi is the third Japanese-born player to win a World Series after Hideki Irabu in 1998 and Tadahito Iguchi in 2005. Taguchi is also the first Japanese player to win two World Series with different teams – with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2006 and the Philadelphia Phillies in 2008.
Norihiro Nakayama (中山 展宏, Nakayama Norihiro; born 16 September 1968) is a Japanese politician of the Liberal Democratic…Norihiro Nakayama (中山 展宏, Nakayama Norihiro; born 16 September 1968) is a Japanese politician of the Liberal Democratic Party, who serves as a member of the House of Representatives.
Toshihide Narimoto (成本 年秀, Narimoto Toshihide; born September 11, 1968, in Nishinomiya, Hyōgo, Japan) is a Japanese…Toshihide Narimoto (成本 年秀, Narimoto Toshihide; born September 11, 1968, in Nishinomiya, Hyōgo, Japan) is a Japanese former Nippon Professional Baseball pitcher.
Hōsei Tsukitei (月亭 方正, Tsukitei Hōsei; born 15 February 1968) formerly known as Hōsei Yamasaki (山崎 邦正, Yamasaki Hōsei)…Hōsei Tsukitei (月亭 方正, Tsukitei Hōsei; born 15 February 1968) formerly known as Hōsei Yamasaki (山崎 邦正, Yamasaki Hōsei) is a Japanese solo comedian and rakugo performer, signed with Yoshimoto Kogyo. He is best known for being one of the five members (and the only solo comedian) of Downtown Gaki no Tsukai's regular cast. His role on the show is usually divided up between the suberi-kyara and the ijime-kyara. Outside of Gaki no Tsukai, he has released three books, a CD single of his signature "Yamazaki Ichi-ban!" song, and has appeared in several Yoshimoto Kogyo compilations and DVD releases.
Morio Asaka (浅香 守生, Asaka Morio; born March 11, 1967) is a Japanese storyboard artist and director. After graduating…Morio Asaka (浅香 守生, Asaka Morio; born March 11, 1967) is a Japanese storyboard artist and director. After graduating Osaka Designers' College, Asaka entered Madhouse. He was inspired to become a director by Phoenix: Yamato Chapter and made his debut as an episode director in episode 40 of Yawara!. He made his chief directorial debut with the 1993 OVA POPS. His noted works include, among others, Cardcaptor Sakura (his directorial anime television series debut), Chobits, Gunslinger Girl, Nana, Chihayafuru, and My Love Story!!. In 1999, he won the Theatrical Film Award in the Animation Kobe awards.
Masaki Ogushi (大串正樹, Ogushi Masaki; born 20 January 1966) is a Japanese politician serving as state minister of…Masaki Ogushi (大串正樹, Ogushi Masaki; born 20 January 1966) is a Japanese politician serving as state minister of economy, trade and industry and state minister of the Cabinet Office since 2024. He has been a member of the House of Representatives since 2012.
Masato Kanda (神田 眞人) is a Japanese bureaucrat at the Ministry of Finance. Since 2021, he has served as Vice Minister of…Masato Kanda (神田 眞人) is a Japanese bureaucrat at the Ministry of Finance. Since 2021, he has served as Vice Minister of Finance for International Affairs (財務官, zaimukan), the country's top currency diplomat. Due to the yen being traded in the weakest range in the past three decades during his tenure, his remarks on the possibility of currency intervention often make news headlines, in which he is sometimes referred to as the country's 'FX Tsar'. He was born in Nishinomiya, Hyogo, on January 17th, 1965. He attended Nada High School in Kobe, then went on to study law at the University of Tokyo. At the university, he learnt international politics from Yōichi Masuzoe, later Governor of Tokyo. After graduation, he started working for the Ministry of Finance. From 1989, he studied economics at St Hugh's College, Oxford, from which he graduated with an MPhil. Although most of his career has been spent at the ministry, he has also spent a few years each working for the World Bank and the OECD. In November 2024, Kanda was elected the 11th President of the Asian Development Bank and assumed office on 24 February 2025.
Shinichi Tsutsumi (堤 真一, Tsutsumi Shin'ichi; born July 7, 1964) is a Japanese stage and screen actor. Internationally…Shinichi Tsutsumi (堤 真一, Tsutsumi Shin'ichi; born July 7, 1964) is a Japanese stage and screen actor. Internationally, he is best known for his roles as Koichi Takagi in the Monday films, Tetsuya Ishigami in the Suspect X films, and Jo Sawashiro in Yakuza: Like a Dragon. In Japan, he is best known for his roles as Ōsuke Nakahara in Yamatonadeshiko drama series, and Norifumi Suzuki in Always: Sunset on Third Street films. He won the Japanese Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in 2005 for Always: Sunset on Third Street. In 2013, he was nominated for an International Emmy Award for best actor for his role in Yasu – A Single Father's Story.
Eizo Sakamoto (坂本 英三, Sakamoto Eizō; also credited as さかもと えいぞう Sakamoto Eizō, born February 23, 1964) is a Japanese…Eizo Sakamoto (坂本 英三, Sakamoto Eizō; also credited as さかもと えいぞう Sakamoto Eizō, born February 23, 1964) is a Japanese musician, singer and songwriter who was born in Nishinomiya, Hyōgo Prefecture. He is most famous for being the lead vocalist of heavy metal band Anthem. In the 1990s he started up the band Animetal which performed heavy metal covers of anime and tokusatsu opening and closing themes. He also was involved with the Anison band JAM Project before reuniting with Anthem. Sakamoto then began a new project called Eizo Japan which is similar to Animetal: more heavy metal covers of theme songs post-disbanding, along with original material.
Kanako Wada (Japanese: 和田 加奈子, Hepburn: Wada Kanako; born 28 October 1961) is a Japanese singer and songwriter.…Kanako Wada (Japanese: 和田 加奈子, Hepburn: Wada Kanako; born 28 October 1961) is a Japanese singer and songwriter. Originally studying classical piano, she studied sculpture and managed the rugby team at the Tokyo University of the Arts before being scouted at a concert she organized. Debuting in November 1985, she released seven original albums and eleven singles with Toshiba EMI before retiring in 1991. She was also a television personality who worked as Akira Inoue's assistant on NHK's Best Sound II , as well as a radio personality at networks such as Asahi Broadcasting Corporation and Nippon Cultural Broadcasting. Her music has received renewed attention amidst the city pop boom of the 2010s and 2020s.
Hiroyuki Matsushita (松下弘幸, Matsushita Hiroyuki), also known by Hiro Matsushita (ヒロ松下), is a Japanese businessman and…Hiroyuki Matsushita (松下弘幸, Matsushita Hiroyuki), also known by Hiro Matsushita (ヒロ松下), is a Japanese businessman and former racing driver. He is the grandson of Kōnosuke Matsushita, the founder of Panasonic. In 1989, Matsushita won the Toyota Atlantic Championship (Pacific), becoming the first and only Japanese driver to do so. He was also the first Japanese driver to race in the Indy 500.
