Shinnosuke Oka (岡 慎之助, Oka Shinnosuke; born 31 October 2003) is a Japanese artistic gymnast. He represented Japan at…Shinnosuke Oka (岡 慎之助, Oka Shinnosuke; born 31 October 2003) is a Japanese artistic gymnast. He represented Japan at the 2024 Summer Olympics where he became the 2024 Olympic all-around champion; additionally he helped the Japanese team win gold in the team event and individually he won gold on horizontal bar and bronze on parallel bars. He is also the 2023 and 2025 Asian and the 2019 Junior World all-around champion.
Takashi Umino (海野 隆司, Umino Takashi; born July 15, 1997) is a Japanese professional baseball catcher for the Fukuoka…Takashi Umino (海野 隆司, Umino Takashi; born July 15, 1997) is a Japanese professional baseball catcher for the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB).
Hinako Sakurai (桜井 日奈子, Sakurai Hinako; born 2 April 1997, in Okayama, Okayama Prefecture, Japan) is a Japanese…Hinako Sakurai (桜井 日奈子, Sakurai Hinako; born 2 April 1997, in Okayama, Okayama Prefecture, Japan) is a Japanese actress, model and tarento who has appeared in a number of feature films and television programmes. Sakurai is represented with Incent.
Mizuki Hiruta (Japanese: 晝田瑞希, Hiruta Mizuki; born 12 April 1996) is a Japanese professional boxer. She has held the…Mizuki Hiruta (Japanese: 晝田瑞希, Hiruta Mizuki; born 12 April 1996) is a Japanese professional boxer. She has held the World Boxing Organization (WBO) super flyweight title since 2022, and the Ring magazine super flyweight title since 2025. At regional level, she held the Japanese flyweight title in 2022. In 2025, she was named The Ring magazine Female Fighter of the Year.
Masumi Aoki (青木益未, Aoki Masumi; born 16 April 1994) is a Japanese athlete specialising in the sprint hurdles. She won a…Masumi Aoki (青木益未, Aoki Masumi; born 16 April 1994) is a Japanese athlete specialising in the sprint hurdles. She won a bronze medal at the 2019 Asian Championships. Her personal bests are 13.17 seconds in the 100 metres hurdles (+1.1 m/s, Yamaguchi 2018) and 8.18 seconds in the 60 metres hurdles (Osaka 2019).
Tatsuhiro Shibata (柴田 竜拓, Shibata Tatsuhiro; born December 16, 1993 in Okayama, Okayama, Japan) is a professional…Tatsuhiro Shibata (柴田 竜拓, Shibata Tatsuhiro; born December 16, 1993 in Okayama, Okayama, Japan) is a professional Japanese baseball player. He plays infielder for the Yokohama DeNA BayStars.
Tsuyoshi Ueda (上田 剛史, Tsuyoshi Ueda; born July 22, 1988 in Okayama, Okayama Prefecture, Japan) is a Zainichi Korean…Tsuyoshi Ueda (上田 剛史, Tsuyoshi Ueda; born July 22, 1988 in Okayama, Okayama Prefecture, Japan) is a Zainichi Korean former professional baseball outfielder. An ethnic Korean, his birth name is Hanja: 周剛史. On December 2, 2020, he become free agent.
Shingo Wake (和氣 慎吾, Wake Shingo; born 21 July 1987) is a Japanese professional boxer and former OPBF super bantamweight…Shingo Wake (和氣 慎吾, Wake Shingo; born 21 July 1987) is a Japanese professional boxer and former OPBF super bantamweight champion. He trained under Satoshi Koguchi at Koguchi Boxing Gym in Tokyo. Wake was scouted early by Koguchi, who spotted his talent and persuaded him to move to Tokyo and pursue a boxing career. He has since changed boxing gym and now trains at Flare boxing gym. A southpaw, Wake is dubbed a "sharp shooter" due to his accuracy and speed in the ring.
Takuya Kokeguchi (苔口 卓也, Kokeguchi Takuya; born 13 July 1985) is a Japanese former football player who last played for…Takuya Kokeguchi (苔口 卓也, Kokeguchi Takuya; born 13 July 1985) is a Japanese former football player who last played for Kataller Toyama.
Kei Nomoto (野本 圭, Nomoto Kei; born July 7, 1984) is a retired Japanese professional baseball outfielder who played for…Kei Nomoto (野本 圭, Nomoto Kei; born July 7, 1984) is a retired Japanese professional baseball outfielder who played for the Chunichi Dragons in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball. He is now part of scouting department with the Dragons.
Shin Koyamada (小山田 真, Koyamada Shin) is a Japanese actor, producer, philanthropist, and martial artist. He is best…Shin Koyamada (小山田 真, Koyamada Shin) is a Japanese actor, producer, philanthropist, and martial artist. He is best known to the international audience for his co-starring roles in The Last Samurai (2003) as Nobutada and the Disney's Wendy Wu: Homecoming Warrior (2006) as Shen. As producer, Koyamada develops and produces numerous content through his production company Shinobi Pictures and multimedia company Laizen Studios. In philanthropy, Koyamada serves as Board Chairs of the Koyamada International Foundation (KIF), Guardian Girls International (GGI), StarAngel International, and the Japan United States Sister City Association (JUSSCA). Koyamada holds black belts in Karate and Tae Kwon Do and won gold medals in Shaolin Kung Fu at the U.S. National Championships.
Hiroaki Sato (佐藤 弘明, Satō Hiroaki; born July 8, 1980) is a Japanese professional wrestler and mixed martial artist…Hiroaki Sato (佐藤 弘明, Satō Hiroaki; born July 8, 1980) is a Japanese professional wrestler and mixed martial artist, better known by the ring name Hikaru Sato (佐藤 光留, Satō Hikaru). Sato started his MMA career in February 2000, fighting for Pancrase Hybrid Wrestling. During the next eight years, Sato fought, on average, five times a year, compiling a record of 18 wins, 19 losses and four draws, which included fights against the likes of Keiichiro Yamamiya, Nathan Marquardt, Ryo Chonan and Yushin Okami. In May 2008, Sato transitioned into the world of professional wrestling, when he was signed by the Dramatic Dream Team (DDT) promotion. He has since had ten MMA fights. In November 2010, Sato first became a triple crown trios champion with Michael Nakazawa and Tomomitsu Matsunaga and then also won DDT's top singles title, the KO-D Openweight Championship. Sato remained affiliated with DDT until January 2014. He is currently working for the All Japan Pro Wrestling promotion, where he is a former two-time World Junior Heavyweight Champion and four-time All Asia Tag Team Champion, while also being a five-time winner of the Jr. Tag Battle of Glory tournament.
Shojiro Hiranuma (平沼正二郎, Hiranuma Shojiro; born 11 November 1979) is a Japanese politician serving as a member of the…Shojiro Hiranuma (平沼正二郎, Hiranuma Shojiro; born 11 November 1979) is a Japanese politician serving as a member of the House of Representatives since 2021. He is the son of Takeo Hiranuma. Hiranuma was appointed director of the LDP Youth Division in October 2025.
Saburo Ohmura (大村 三郎, Ohmura Saburo; born June 1, 1976) also known as Saburo (サブロー) is a Japanese former professional…Saburo Ohmura (大村 三郎, Ohmura Saburo; born June 1, 1976) also known as Saburo (サブロー) is a Japanese former professional baseball outfielder who currently serves as the manager for the Chiba Lotte Marines of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). He played in NPB for the Marines and the Yomiuri Giants from 1995 to 2016.
Kiyoshi Tamura (田村潔司, Tamura Kiyoshi; born December 17, 1969 in Okayama, Okayama) is a Japanese retired professional…Kiyoshi Tamura (田村潔司, Tamura Kiyoshi; born December 17, 1969 in Okayama, Okayama) is a Japanese retired professional wrestler and mixed martial artist. Once a student of legendary professional wrestlers Billy Robinson, Lou Thesz and Akira Maeda, Tamura was known for his skills in catch wrestling and is considered to be one of the greatest shoot wrestlers of all time. Competing exclusively in shoot style wrestling, Tamura began his career with UWF Newborn and later joined its successor group UWF International before transitioning to mixed martial arts. A professional MMA fighter from 1995 until 2008, he competed for the PRIDE Fighting Championships, RINGS, DEEP, DREAM, and fought at K-1's 2007 and 2008 Dynamite!! events. He is a two-time RINGS Openweight Champion and holds notable wins over Renzo Gracie, former UFC Welterweight Champion Pat Miletich, former UFC Middleweight Champion Dave Menne, former Pancrase Super Heavyweight Champion Tsuyoshi Kosaka, former Pancrase Openweight Champion Masakatsu Funaki, Olympic judo gold medallist Makoto Takimoto, three-time sambo champion Volk Han, and Kazushi Sakuraba. Tamura currently serves as an executive director for LIDET Entertainment's professional wrestling promotion GLEAT.
Zen Kajihara (梶原 善, Kajihara Zen; born 25 February 1966 in Okayama), is a Japanese theatre actor. Originally a member…Zen Kajihara (梶原 善, Kajihara Zen; born 25 February 1966 in Okayama), is a Japanese theatre actor. Originally a member of the Tokyo Sunshine Boys theatrical troupe, he now works mainly with the Gekidan Shinkansen troupe. He is known for being very short in stature, but very noisy and wild on stage, specializing in comedy. He had a problem reading kanji (Chinese characters) and insists that his roles have long, complicated, difficult-to-remember names.
Takashi Yamashita (山下 貴司, Yamashita Takashi; born 8 September 1965) is a Japanese prosecutor and politician who has…Takashi Yamashita (山下 貴司, Yamashita Takashi; born 8 September 1965) is a Japanese prosecutor and politician who has served in the House of Representatives since 2012. He was Minister of Justice from 2018 to 2019.
Masahiro Kawai (川相 昌弘, Kawai Masahiro; born September 27, 1964) is a Japanese former professional baseball infielder…Masahiro Kawai (川相 昌弘, Kawai Masahiro; born September 27, 1964) is a Japanese former professional baseball infielder, who currently is a coach for the Yomiuri Giants. He played for 23 years in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), primarily with the Yomiuri Giants. Known for his defense and bunting, he won several Gold Gloves, made two All-Star teams and set several sacrifice hit records. Kawai was a pitcher in high school. In 1982, the Giants took him in the first round of the draft. He was moved to the infield and debuted for the Giants in 1984, mostly as a defensive substitute and pinch-hitter, getting only 126 plate appearances over 159 games in his first four years. He got 81 plate appearances at age 23 in 1988, hitting .268/.307/.423. Masahiro became a regular for the 1989 Giants, batting .254/.312/.361 and won his first Gold Glove as the top defensive shortstop in the Central League. He hit .190/.261/.238 for Yomiuri as they won the 1989 Japan Series. The next season, he set a new Nippon Professional Baseball record with 58 sacrifice hits and put up a good .288/.356/.450 line with career highs in slugging, home runs (9) and steals (9). He made the first of his two All-Star appearances and won another Gold Glove. In the 1990 Japan Series, he went 2 for 10 with a walk and a game four home run, a rare bright spot as the Giants were swept. In 1991, the Yomiuri shortstop took home his third Gold Glove while hitting .251/.330/.312 with a career-best 36 RBI. He laid down 66 successful sacrifice hits, breaking his own record; his mark would later be topped by Shinya Miyamoto. The next year, Masahiro had a .258/.312/.345 and led the Central League with 42 sacrifice hits. Takahiro Ikeyama broke his Gold Glove run at short. Kawai hit .290/.350/.381 in 1993 and made his second All-Star appearance while winning his fourth Gold Glove. His 176 total bases and 23 doubles were career highs and his 45 sacrifice hits gave him the Central League lead for a fourth consecutive year. Masahiro scored a career-high 69 runs in 1994 and hit .302/.376/.357, setting highs in average and OBP as well. He finished 9th in the Central League in average and won his fifth Gold Glove. He only batted .091/.160/.136 in the 1994 Japan Series but Yomiuri still won. In 1995, the 30-year-old veteran produced at a .261/.348/.313 rate and lost the Gold Glove to Kenjiro Nomura. His 47 sacrifice hits led the league. The next season, Kawai batted just .232/.310/.277 and won his sixth and final Gold Glove; he also led in sacrifice hits for the sixth time (56). He was 4 for 13 with 4 walks in the 1996 Japan Series. He capped his 7th sacrifice hit title in 8 years and the last of his career by laying down 45 in 1997, when he hit .288/.355/.392. Masahiro batted .256/.301/.327 during the 1998 season and he failed to reach 100 games played for the first time in six years as Daisuke Motoki was used regularly at short; Kawai remained the starter. He became the chairman of the board of the Japan Professional Baseball Players Association that winter; he would hold the job for three years before Kazuyoshi Tatsunami took his place. By 1999, though, he was on the bench usually, hitting .295/.371/.302 in 149 AB and 82 games, in a backup role again after a decade as the starter. Tomohiro Nioka was now the starting shortstop and would hold the role for years. Kawai had only 58 AB in 54 games in 2000, batting .190/.294/.207 (he was 0 for 1 with a sacrifice in the 2000 Japan Series) and 52 AB in 73 games the next season, hitting .288/.315/.462. His career had come full-circle from defensive sub in the 1980s to starter in the 1990s to defensive sub in the 2000s. In 2002, the 37-year-old produced at a .219/.246/.289 rate in 132 AB over 88 games, backing up Nioka at short, Motoki at third and Toshihisa Nishi at second base. In the 2002 Japan Series, he played one game at third as a defensive sub. His brightest moment may have been in 2003; though he hit only .238/.247/.300 in 80 AB over 72 games and was rarely playing short (primarily subbing for Akira Eto and Motoki at third), he won national acclaim when he laid down his 512th career sacrifice hit. This broke Eddie Collins' world record and got significant media attention in Japan. Robert Whiting, perhaps using a fair bit of hyperbole, says that it "was greeted with as much fanfare as if he had surpassed the home run record. There were fireworks on the Tokyo Dome electronic scoreboard and a flowery ceremony involving Kawai's wife and children, accompanied by tears of joy all around." Yomiuri then tried to pressure him to retire but he refused and the club released him after 20 years with them. Kawai caught on with the Chunichi Dragons for 2004 and hit .261/.393/.391 in 23 AB, playing 80 games, almost exclusively as Tatsunami's backup at third base. In the 2004 Japan Series, he played three games at third and did not bat. In 2005, the 40-year-old again was the defensive substitute at third. He hit .294/.294/.412 in 17 AB over 69 games. For his final season, he batted .273/.304/.273 in 22 AB in 51 games. He played one game in the 2006 Japan Series and, very fittingly, laid down a successful sacrifice bunt in his final plate appearance after 23 years in Nippon Professional Baseball. His career offensive line read .266/.333/.345 with 533 sacrifice hits in 1,909 games. Ken Hirano (451) was second all-time in Nippon Professional Baseball in sacrifice hits at the time of Kawai's retirement with no other player within 200. Kawai retired after the 2006 season and was hired by Chunichi as a coach.
Hiroto Kōmoto (甲本 ヒロト, Kōmoto Hiroto; born 17 March 1963) is a Japanese rock singer who has fronted bands such as The…Hiroto Kōmoto (甲本 ヒロト, Kōmoto Hiroto; born 17 March 1963) is a Japanese rock singer who has fronted bands such as The Blue Hearts, The High-Lows and The Cro-Magnons.
Kōzō Arimori (有森 浩三, Arimori Kōzō; February 13, 1963) is a Japanese retired professional shogi player who achieved the…Kōzō Arimori (有森 浩三, Arimori Kōzō; February 13, 1963) is a Japanese retired professional shogi player who achieved the rank of 8-dan.
On November 5, 1989, Tsutsumi Sakamoto (坂本 堤, Sakamoto Tsutsumi; April 6, 1956 – November 5, 1989), a lawyer working on…On November 5, 1989, Tsutsumi Sakamoto (坂本 堤, Sakamoto Tsutsumi; April 6, 1956 – November 5, 1989), a lawyer working on a class action lawsuit against Aum Shinrikyo, a doomsday cult in Japan, was murdered, along with his wife Satoko and his son Tatsuhiko, by perpetrators who broke into his apartment. Six years later, following the 1995 attack on the Tokyo subway, the murderers were uncovered and it was established that the murderers had been members of Aum Shinrikyo at the time of the crime.
Yōko Ogawa (小川 洋子, Ogawa Yōko; born March 30, 1962) is a Japanese writer. Her work has won every major Japanese…Yōko Ogawa (小川 洋子, Ogawa Yōko; born March 30, 1962) is a Japanese writer. Her work has won every major Japanese literary award, including the Akutagawa Prize and the Yomiuri Prize. Internationally, she has been the recipient of the Shirley Jackson Award and the American Book Award. The Memory Police was also shortlisted for the International Booker Prize in 2020. Some of her most well known works include The Memory Police, The Housekeeper and the Professor, The Diving Pool and Hotel Iris.
Yōji Sakate (坂手 洋二, Sakate Yōji; born March 11, 1962) is a contemporary Japanese playwright notable for his plays that…Yōji Sakate (坂手 洋二, Sakate Yōji; born March 11, 1962) is a contemporary Japanese playwright notable for his plays that frequently comment on social and political issues in Japan. His most prominent plays are The Attic (屋根裏 Yaneura, 2002), Come Out (カムアウト Kamu auto, 1989), Tokyo Trial (トーキョー裁判 Tōkyō saiban, 1988), and Epitaph for the Whales (くじらの墓標 Kujira no bohyō, 1993). In his works, he focuses on dramatizing real-life events, and also depicts the historical past. In 1983, he founded his own theater company called the Phosphorescence Troupe (燐光群 Rinkōgun). Sakate is currently the president of the Japanese Playwrights Association, and the director of both the Japan Directors Association and Japanese Center of International Theater Institute.
Kenya Hara (原 研哉, Hara Ken'ya; born 1958) is a Japanese graphic designer, curator and writer from Okayama prefecture…Kenya Hara (原 研哉, Hara Ken'ya; born 1958) is a Japanese graphic designer, curator and writer from Okayama prefecture, Japan. He is a graduate of the Musashino Art University. Hara joined Nippon Design Center after graduating from master's program at Musashino Art University in 1983. He is employed by the Musashino Art University as a professor and taught Communication Design and Design Theory in Science on the Design Faculty since April 2003. Hara is one of the leading designers in Japan and his books Designing Design and White are recognized as important in the fields of design theory and aesthetics. Hara has been the art director of Muji since 2001 and designed the opening and closing ceremony programs of the 1998 Winter Olympics. In 2008, Hara partnered with fashion label Kenzo for the launch of its men's fragrance Kenzo Power. He designed the official posters for EXPO 2005 Aichi, created the signage system for the Umeda Hospital, the visual identification for the Nagasaki Prefectural Art Museum, worked on a new design for the Matsuya department store in Ginza, and participated in other design projects. In 2021, Hara partnered with Xiaomi, designing a new logo for the company, which was unveiled on 31 March 2021. Hara and his company converted the previous square logo into a combination of a square and a circle. He earned $300,000 from the project.
Shinji Morisue (森末 慎二, Morisue Shinji; born May 22, 1957) is a Japanese gymnast and Olympic champion. The parallel bar…Shinji Morisue (森末 慎二, Morisue Shinji; born May 22, 1957) is a Japanese gymnast and Olympic champion. The parallel bar skill Morisue is named after him.
Takashi Fukutani (福谷たかし; February 4, 1952 – September 9, 2000) was a Japanese manga artist. He is best known for his…Takashi Fukutani (福谷たかし; February 4, 1952 – September 9, 2000) was a Japanese manga artist. He is best known for his manga series Dokudami Tenement.
Hirofumi Akagi (born in Okayama, Japan) is a Japanese electrical engineer and Distinguished Emeritus Professor at the…Hirofumi Akagi (born in Okayama, Japan) is a Japanese electrical engineer and Distinguished Emeritus Professor at the Institute of Science Tokyo. He specializes in power electronics and power conversion systems. He developed the three-level neutral-point-clamped PWM inverters and the three-phase instantaneous power theory, commonly known as p-q theory.
Eiji Mitooka (水戸岡 鋭治, Mitooka Eiji; born 5 July 1947 in Okayama Prefecture) is a Japanese industrial designer…Eiji Mitooka (水戸岡 鋭治, Mitooka Eiji; born 5 July 1947 in Okayama Prefecture) is a Japanese industrial designer, illustrator, and managing director of the industrial design company Don Design Associates (ドーンデザイン研究所). He also works as a design consultant for Kyushu Railway Company (JR Kyushu).
Masahiro Ishii (石井 正弘, Ishii Masahiro; born November 29, 1945) is a former Japanese politician who served as the…Masahiro Ishii (石井 正弘, Ishii Masahiro; born November 29, 1945) is a former Japanese politician who served as the governor of Okayama Prefecture in Japan from November 1996 until November 2012. He then was elected as a member of the House of Councillors representing Okayama at-large district from 2013 until his retirement in 2025. A native of Okayama, Okayama and graduate of the University of Tokyo, he had worked at the Ministry of Construction since 1969 before being elected governor. Ishii was affiliated to the revisionist lobby Nippon Kaigi.
Tatsuo Sasaki (佐々木 達夫; born March 30, 1944) is a Japanese percussionist, playing timpani, xylophone and marimba. He…Tatsuo Sasaki (佐々木 達夫; born March 30, 1944) is a Japanese percussionist, playing timpani, xylophone and marimba. He became a naturalized American citizen and lives in San Diego, California.
Satsuki Eda (江田 五月, Eda Satsuki; 22 May 1941 – 28 July 2021) was a Japanese politician who was the first opposition…Satsuki Eda (江田 五月, Eda Satsuki; 22 May 1941 – 28 July 2021) was a Japanese politician who was the first opposition member to serve as the President of the House of Councillors from 2007 to 2010. Eda had served for three terms in the House of Councillors before his election as president on 7 August 2007, after the success of the Democratic Party in the July 2007 election for the Japanese House of Councillors. He had earlier served four terms in the House of Representatives from 1983 to 1996. Eda was also the head of the Science and Technology Agency.
Kojiro Hongo (本郷功次郎, Hongō Kōjirō; 15 February 1938 – 14 February 2013) was a Japanese actor. Hongo won an Elan d'or…Kojiro Hongo (本郷功次郎, Hongō Kōjirō; 15 February 1938 – 14 February 2013) was a Japanese actor. Hongo won an Elan d'or Award for Newcomer of the Year in 1959. His notable international performances were in the Daiei Studios Gamera films.
Nobuo Yana (Japanese: 八名信夫, Hepburn: Yana Nobuo; born 19 August 1935) is a Japanese film actor. He is most famous for…Nobuo Yana (Japanese: 八名信夫, Hepburn: Yana Nobuo; born 19 August 1935) is a Japanese film actor. He is most famous for playing villains. Before he started his acting career, he was a professional baseball player of Toei Flyer's. In 1956, he joined Toei Flyer's but in 1958, he retired because of an injury. He joined Toei film company and made his film debut in 1959. He debuted as a director with his film Dagashiya Koharu in 2018.
Noboru Akiyama (秋山 登, Akiyama Noboru; born February 3, 1934, died August 12, 2000) was a Japanese Nippon Professional…Noboru Akiyama (秋山 登, Akiyama Noboru; born February 3, 1934, died August 12, 2000) was a Japanese Nippon Professional Baseball pitcher, originally from Okayama, Okayama. He played with the Taiyo Whales. He is a member of the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame.
Kiyoshi Doi (土井 淳, Doi Kiyoshi) is a former baseball player from Japan. He played in the Central League for Taiyō…Kiyoshi Doi (土井 淳, Doi Kiyoshi) is a former baseball player from Japan. He played in the Central League for Taiyō Whales Doi played as a catcher. He coached the Whales in various stints and served as a manager for two seasons.
Kōichi Iijima (飯島耕一, Iijima Kōichi; February 25, 1930- October 14, 2013) was a Japanese poet, novelist, and translator.…Kōichi Iijima (飯島耕一, Iijima Kōichi; February 25, 1930- October 14, 2013) was a Japanese poet, novelist, and translator. He was a member of the Japan Art Academy.
Junnosuke Yoshiyuki (吉行 淳之介, Yoshiyuki Junnosuke; April 13, 1924 – July 26, 1994) was a Japanese novelist and…Junnosuke Yoshiyuki (吉行 淳之介, Yoshiyuki Junnosuke; April 13, 1924 – July 26, 1994) was a Japanese novelist and short-story writer, and a member of the so-called "Third Generation of Postwar Writers" (第3の新人).
Mieko Kamiya (神谷 美恵子, Kamiya Mieko; January 12, 1914 – October 22, 1979) was a Japanese psychiatrist who treated…Mieko Kamiya (神谷 美恵子, Kamiya Mieko; January 12, 1914 – October 22, 1979) was a Japanese psychiatrist who treated leprosy patients at Nagashima Aiseien Sanatorium. She was known for translating books on philosophy. She worked as a medical doctor in the Department of Psychiatry at Tokyo University following World War II. She was said to have greatly helped the Ministry of Education and the General Headquarters, where the Supreme Commander of the Allied Powers stayed, in her role as an English-speaking secretary, and served as an adviser to Empress Michiko. She wrote many books as a highly educated, multi-lingual person; one of her books, titled On the Meaning of Life (ikigai ni tsuite in Japanese), based on her experiences with leprosy patients, attracted many readers.
Kinue Hitomi (人見 絹枝, Hitomi Kinue; January 1, 1907 – August 2, 1931) was a Japanese track and field athlete. She was…Kinue Hitomi (人見 絹枝, Hitomi Kinue; January 1, 1907 – August 2, 1931) was a Japanese track and field athlete. She was the world record holder in several events in the 1920s – 1930s. Hitomi was also the first Japanese and Asian woman to win an Olympic medal. She was also the first woman to represent Japan at the Olympics.
Ishizu Ryosuke (石津 良介, Ishizu Ryōsuke; 1907 – 1986) was a Japanese photographer whose work was included in 328…Ishizu Ryosuke (石津 良介, Ishizu Ryōsuke; 1907 – 1986) was a Japanese photographer whose work was included in 328 Outstanding Japanese Photographers (2000). He was associated with the New Photography (shinkō shashin) movement of the 1930s. Born in Okayama and active as an editor in Tokyo, he later returned to his home region, where he became an influential figure in photography circles around the Chūgoku and San'in area.
Eisuke Yoshiyuki (吉行 エイスケ, Yoshiyuki Eisuke; May 10, 1906 – July 8, 1940) was a Japanese author. He was born in Okayama…Eisuke Yoshiyuki (吉行 エイスケ, Yoshiyuki Eisuke; May 10, 1906 – July 8, 1940) was a Japanese author. He was born in Okayama Prefecture. His son, Junnosuke Yoshiyuki, was also a noted author; his daughter, Kazuko Yoshiyuki, a well-known actress; and his other daughter, Rie Yoshiyuki, was a poet and novelist. The 1997 NHK Asadora Aguri was based on Eisuke's life with his wife Aguri. He also took a role in the Japanese Dada Movement.
Yukiharu Miki (三木 行治, Miki Yukiharu; 1 May 1903 – 21 September 1964) was a Japanese physician and politician. He served…Yukiharu Miki (三木 行治, Miki Yukiharu; 1 May 1903 – 21 September 1964) was a Japanese physician and politician. He served as Governor for the Okayama Prefecture from 3 May 1951 until his death on 21 September 1964. During his period as governor, the prefecture went through considerable modernisation, becoming an important industrial district. Yukiharu Miki was awarded the 1964 Ramon Magsaysay Award for Government Service.
Michihiko Hachiya (蜂谷道彦, Hachiya Michihiko; 1903 in Okayama Prefecture - 1980) was a Japanese physician who survived…Michihiko Hachiya (蜂谷道彦, Hachiya Michihiko; 1903 in Okayama Prefecture - 1980) was a Japanese physician who survived the atomic bombing of Hiroshima in August 1945. He kept a personal diary of his experience in the aftermath of the bombing which was later published as Hiroshima Diary in 1955.
Tomu Uchida (Japanese: 内田吐夢, Hepburn: Uchida Tomu; 26 April 1898 – 7 August 1970), born Tsunejirō Uchida (内田常次郎), was a…Tomu Uchida (Japanese: 内田吐夢, Hepburn: Uchida Tomu; 26 April 1898 – 7 August 1970), born Tsunejirō Uchida (内田常次郎), was a Japanese film director and screenwriter. Uchida chose the stage name Tomu, a transliteration of the English Tom, written in Kanji characters meaning "to spit out dreams".
Seiichirō Yasui (Japanese: 安井誠一郎; 11 March 1891 – 19 January 1962) was a Japanese politician and bureaucrat who held a…Seiichirō Yasui (Japanese: 安井誠一郎; 11 March 1891 – 19 January 1962) was a Japanese politician and bureaucrat who held a variety of positions in Japanese government. He served as appointed Governor of Niigata Prefecture from 1940 to 1941, then as appointed Governor of Tokyo from 1946 to 1947, then as elected Governor of Tokyo from 1947 to 1959. He also served as one of the members of the House of Representatives from 1960 to his death in 1962.
