Rieko Miura (三浦 理恵子, Miura Rieko; pronounced [mʲiɯ̟ᵝɾa̠ ɾʲie̞ko̞]; born 1 September 1973) is a Japanese actress, voice…Rieko Miura (三浦 理恵子, Miura Rieko; pronounced [mʲiɯ̟ᵝɾa̠ ɾʲie̞ko̞]; born 1 September 1973) is a Japanese actress, voice actress, singer and former member of the band CoCo. She was born in Nakano, Tokyo. Her solo debut was on 14 September 1991.
Ryoko Shinohara (篠原 涼子, Shinohara Ryōko; born August 13, 1973) is a Japanese singer and actress. As a singer, she is…Ryoko Shinohara (篠原 涼子, Shinohara Ryōko; born August 13, 1973) is a Japanese singer and actress. As a singer, she is best known for the 1994 song "Itoshisa to Setsunasa to Kokoro Zuyosa to" with producer Tetsuya Komuro, which charted at number one and made her the first female artist in Japan to record a double million in CD single sales. It was followed by the number one album Lady Generation: Shukujo no Jidai (1995). Shinohara's musical output saw waning commercial reception in the latter half of the decade, at which she began concentrating on her acting career. Highlighted by the Japan Times for her "long reign as a TV drama queen", Shinohara's best known acting credits include detective Yukihira Natsumi in the drama series Unfair, which spawned three feature films and several specials; and temp worker Haruko Oomae in Haken no Hinkaku. She has starred in several acclaimed films, winning two Japan Academy Film Prizes for her roles in The House Where the Mermaid Sleeps and Sakura Guardian in the North, both in 2018.
Noriko Ogawa (小川範子, Ogawa Noriko), born Shigemi Tanimoto (谷本重美, Tanimoto Shigemi), is a Japanese actress and J-pop…Noriko Ogawa (小川範子, Ogawa Noriko), born Shigemi Tanimoto (谷本重美, Tanimoto Shigemi), is a Japanese actress and J-pop singer born in Tachikawa, Tokyo, Japan on 20 July 1973. In 1979, she made her acting debut as a child-actress in television drama series Tetsudou Kouankan and, in 1987, her singing debut with the single Namida o Tabanete under Taurus Records. Her alma mater is Waseda University.
Gakuto Oshiro (大城 ガクト, Ōshiro Gakuto; born July 4, 1973), better known as Gackt (stylized in all caps), is a Japanese…Gakuto Oshiro (大城 ガクト, Ōshiro Gakuto; born July 4, 1973), better known as Gackt (stylized in all caps), is a Japanese singer-songwriter, musician, record producer and actor. Born in Okinawa to a Ryukyuan family, Gackt learned the piano at a young age and was raised on classical music and enka before becoming interested in rock music while attending high school. He has been active since 1993, first as the frontman of the short-lived independent band Cains:Feel, and then from 1995 the now-defunct visual kei rock band Malice Mizer. Gackt started his solo career in 1999 with debut mini-album Mizérable and first full-length album Mars (2000). He has released nine studio albums and, with forty-eight singles released, holds the male soloist record for most top ten consecutive singles in Japanese music history. They are mostly conceived around two conceptual stories "Moon Saga" (Moon, Crescent, Diabolos, Last Moon) and "Requiem et Reminiscence" (Rebirth, Re:Born) which are performed live in uniquely elaborate concerts. His single "Returner (Yami no Shūen)" (2007), is his first and only single to reach the number one spot on the Oricon charts. As a solo artist, Gackt has sold over 10 million records. In 2007 became a founding member of S.K.I.N., a Japanese visual kei rock supergroup, and in 2010 formed his own band project Yellow Fried Chickenz. Besides being established in the modern entertainment industry and considered a pop icon, Gackt's music has been used as theme songs for video games (Dirge of Cerberus: Final Fantasy VII), video game films (Dragon Age: Dawn of the Seeker), anime series/films (New Fist of the North Star, Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam, Texhnolyze and Trickster) and television series (Kamen Rider Decade). In addition to his music career, Gackt has voice acted (including characters inspired by him in video games like in Bujingai and Genesis Rhapsodos in Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII), and live acted in a few films, including a film he wrote, Moon Child, his international debut Bunraku, Japan Academy award nomination performance for Best Actor in Fly Me to the Saitama, and TV series most notably as Uesugi Kenshin in the NHK drama Fūrin Kazan. He also performed live in theatre stage plays, Nemuri Kyoshiro Buraihikae and a duology he has written, composed, and directed Moon Saga: Mysteries of Yoshitsune I & II. He also provided the voice samples for Internet Co., Ltd.'s first Vocaloid, Gackpoid.
Yuko Nakazawa (中澤 裕子, Nakazawa Yūko; born June 19, 1973) is a Japanese pop and enka singer, and actress, best known as…Yuko Nakazawa (中澤 裕子, Nakazawa Yūko; born June 19, 1973) is a Japanese pop and enka singer, and actress, best known as one of the original members of the all-female J-pop group Morning Musume. She is also a member of Japanese pop group Dream Morning Musume.
Daisuke Hirakawa (平川 大輔, Hirakawa Daisuke; born 4 June 1973) is a Japanese voice actor and currently active as a…Daisuke Hirakawa (平川 大輔, Hirakawa Daisuke; born 4 June 1973) is a Japanese voice actor and currently active as a freelancer. He is the official Japanese voice actor for Orlando Bloom.
Rinka (梨花; born 21 May 1973, in Sumida, Tokyo) is a Japanese fashion model and tarento. Her real name (and maiden name)…Rinka (梨花; born 21 May 1973, in Sumida, Tokyo) is a Japanese fashion model and tarento. Her real name (and maiden name) is Chieko Nenaka (根中 千恵子, Nenaka Chieko). Rinka is represented with Stardust Promotion. She graduated from Tokyo Girls' School Junior High and High School. Rinka also attended a dental hygienist vocational school.
Kumiko Yokote (横手 久美子, Yokote Kumiko; born April 21, 1973 in Chiba) is a Japanese voice actress and singer who works…Kumiko Yokote (横手 久美子, Yokote Kumiko; born April 21, 1973 in Chiba) is a Japanese voice actress and singer who works for Power Rise under the alias Hyo-sei (氷青, Hyōsei). For adult works, she goes by the name Elena Kaibara (海原 エレナ, Kaibara Erena). Hyo-sei released her first album titled Fuyu Hanabi (冬花火) on April 21, 2010.
Yo Oizumi (大泉 洋, Ōizumi Yō; born April 3, 1973) is a Japanese actor, comedian, television personality and voice actor.…Yo Oizumi (大泉 洋, Ōizumi Yō; born April 3, 1973) is a Japanese actor, comedian, television personality and voice actor. He is a member of the theatrical and musical unit Team Nacs, and is represented by Creative Office Cue. His wife Kumiko Nakajima is a drama producer at Fuji TV. His senior brother Jun Oizumi is 10th public elected Mayor of Hakodate. In 1995, while still in university, Oizumi debuted as an entertainer on the late-night program Mosaic nights aired in Hokkaidō. He first gained popularity on the television series How Do You Like Wednesday?, and has since expanded to various fields of entertainment, such as television dramas, films, voice acting and music.
Etsuko Nishio (西尾 悦子, Nishio Etsuko; born March 9, 1973 in Toyota, Aichi, Japan) is a Japanese singer, actress and…Etsuko Nishio (西尾 悦子, Nishio Etsuko; born March 9, 1973 in Toyota, Aichi, Japan) is a Japanese singer, actress and model, known for her songs Ja Ja Uma ni Sasenaide and Don't mind Lay Lay Boy from the Ranma ½ anime. In 1992 she became a gravure idol, releasing several nude photobooks and videos. She also starred in a couple feature films.
Toku (styled TOKU) is a Japanese jazz musician from Niigata Prefecture, Japan. In addition to being one of the few…Toku (styled TOKU) is a Japanese jazz musician from Niigata Prefecture, Japan. In addition to being one of the few professional jazz vocalists and flugelhorn players in Japan, he is known for promoting jazz in Japan and bringing elements of the genre into J-pop through collaborations with other artists. He has worked with clammbon, Miki Imai, Maki Oguro, Yuji Ohno, Mariko Takahashi, Ken Hirai, DOUBLE, m-flo, and Exile.
Eriko Tamura (田村 英里子, Tamura Eriko; born on January 16, 1973, in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan), sometimes credited only as…Eriko Tamura (田村 英里子, Tamura Eriko; born on January 16, 1973, in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan), sometimes credited only as Eriko, is a Japanese actress and singer. Her anime series Idol Densetsu Eriko (Legendary Idol Eriko) has been syndicated worldwide, airing in such countries as France, Italy, India and Spain. In live action series, she portrayed Princess Yaeko in the television show Heroes and Mai, the villainess in the feature film Dragonball Evolution.
Michiyo Nakajima (中嶋 美智代, Nakajima Michiyo; born 2 January 1973 in Saitama Prefecture) is a Japanese actress, voice…Michiyo Nakajima (中嶋 美智代, Nakajima Michiyo; born 2 January 1973 in Saitama Prefecture) is a Japanese actress, voice actress and former pop singer. Nakajima made her debut on 30 January 1991. Her final JPOP release was on 10 June 1998. She sang the ending theme for the animated (anime) version of Ranma ½, Season 5 (1991) - "Red Poppy" (Hinageshi). She also sang the opening and ending themes of Floral Magician Mary Bell (1992–93). The track 'Ano Subarashii Ai Wo Mou Ichido' from her 1992 Album 'Tanpopo' featured in the ending credits for Hideaki Anno's 1998 film Love & Pop. She played a role in the adventure game "Moon Cradle" released in 1995 for the Panasonic 3DO, which was later ported to the Sega Saturn in 1997.
Yuri Ichii (市井 由理, Ichii Yuri; born December 20, 1972) is a Japanese pop idol and rapper, best known for being a member…Yuri Ichii (市井 由理, Ichii Yuri; born December 20, 1972) is a Japanese pop idol and rapper, best known for being a member in the breakthrough Japanese hip hop trio, East End X Yuri. She was also a singer with the revolving-door group Tokyo Performance Doll (TPD) alongside Ryoko Shinohara. She was part of TPD for a while but sought to do something different, deciding to try rap. Ichii began practicing her rapping in preparation for a solo show with her friend Gaku, who was a part of the group East End. In February 1994 when Gaku performed with Yuri for part of her show, she was seen by File Records (the independent record label that signed East End). They were impressed with her and decided to sign them together for a mini-album. Ichii is a pioneer for women in Japanese hip hop.
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.
Takafumi Horie (堀江 貴文, Horie Takafumi; born October 29, 1972) is a Japanese entrepreneur who founded Livedoor, a…Takafumi Horie (堀江 貴文, Horie Takafumi; born October 29, 1972) is a Japanese entrepreneur who founded Livedoor, a website design operation that grew into a popular internet portal. After being arrested and charged with securities fraud in 2006, he severed all connections with the company. His trial began on September 4, 2006. On March 16, 2007, Horie was sentenced to imprisonment of 2 years and 6 months. He is popularly known as Horiemon (ホリエモン) due to his resemblance to Doraemon, the chubby robot cat in a popular Japanese cartoon. The name Horiemon was also given to a racehorse he owned, after the name had been chosen by voting on a Livedoor website.
Toshinori Yonekura (米倉 利紀, Yonekura Toshinori) born October 21, 1972, is a Japanese singer-songwriter and record…Toshinori Yonekura (米倉 利紀, Yonekura Toshinori) born October 21, 1972, is a Japanese singer-songwriter and record producer originally from Toyonaka, Osaka. Known as "Yone" to fans, Toshinori made his major label debut with the single "Mikan no Android" in 1992 on Geneon Entertainment. Aside from his own music career, Yonekura has crafted songs for some of Japan's best known acts such as KinKi Kids, Hiromi Go, Akiko Wada, and SMAP. In 2008, he made his first foray into acting joining the Japanese production of the Broadway musical, Rent.
Hiroshi Nagano (長野 博, Nagano Hiroshi) is a Japanese singer, actor, and television host. He is a former member of V6, a…Hiroshi Nagano (長野 博, Nagano Hiroshi) is a Japanese singer, actor, and television host. He is a former member of V6, a dance-vocal group formed in 1995 by Johnny & Associates, and its subunit 20th Century. He is best-known for his role in the popular tokusatsu series Ultraman Tiga, as the lead character, Daigo Madoka/Ultraman Tiga.
Masahiro Nakai (中居 正広, Nakai Masahiro; born August 18, 1972) is a Japanese former television personality, actor, radio…Masahiro Nakai (中居 正広, Nakai Masahiro; born August 18, 1972) is a Japanese former television personality, actor, radio personality, and singer. He debuted as the leader of the boy band SMAP, which had been the best-selling boy band in Asia. While working as a member of a boy band, he worked extensively as a television presenter, hosting many of his own talk shows, variety shows, music shows, news programs, and several Olympic games as a sportscaster. He is credited for changing the Japanese entertainment industry, becoming the first non-comedian celebrity to have a career as a television host and expanding the capacity of a boy band. He is one of the wealthiest and highest-paid celebrities in Japan, identified as the highest tax payer in the Japanese entertainment industry by the Japanese National Tax Bureau in 2003. In December 2024 reports surfaced in Japanese tabloids that Nakai sexually assaulted a woman in her twenties in June 2023. Despite Nakai issuing an apology the following month, many of his TV and radio programs were suspended, cancelled, or removed Nakai as a presenter following the withdrawal of numerous sponsors. Nakai subsequently announced his retirement on January 23, 2025.
Keiko Yamada (山田 桂子, Yamada Keiko; born August 18, 1972) is the lead vocalist of the pop group Globe. Since 2001, she…Keiko Yamada (山田 桂子, Yamada Keiko; born August 18, 1972) is the lead vocalist of the pop group Globe. Since 2001, she has had a solo career, starting with the single "A Song Is Born" in collaboration with Ayumi Hamasaki. In late 2003, she released her first solo EP called KCO. Keiko, under the name KCO, released her first solo album O-Crazy Luv on Universal in 2008. The album contains a total of 11 tracks, including her first single under the new name, "Haru no Yuki" (Spring Snow).
Hikaru Nishida (西田 ひかる, Nishida Hikaru; born August 16, 1972) is a Japanese pop singer and actress. She was born in…Hikaru Nishida (西田 ひかる, Nishida Hikaru; born August 16, 1972) is a Japanese pop singer and actress. She was born in Fujisawa, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, and made her singing debut on April 6, 1988 with the release of the single "Fifteen", named after her age at the time. Nishida is affiliated with Manase Productions.
Ai Haruna (はるな 愛, Haruna Ai; born 21 July 1972) is a Japanese transgender TV personality and singer. In October 2009…Ai Haruna (はるな 愛, Haruna Ai; born 21 July 1972) is a Japanese transgender TV personality and singer. In October 2009, Haruna won the "Miss International Queen 2009" transgender beauty pageant held in Pattaya, Thailand, becoming the first Japanese contestant to win the title. On 24 August 2021, she appeared at the beginning of the opening ceremony of the Tokyo Paralympics held at the National Stadium, where she performed a dance performance. A biopic of Haruna, titled This Is I, was released on Netflix on 10 February 2026.
Moomin (むーみん) (born July 13, 1972) and styled as MOOMIN is a Japanese reggae artist. Along with a number of colleagues…Moomin (むーみん) (born July 13, 1972) and styled as MOOMIN is a Japanese reggae artist. Along with a number of colleagues, he is responsible for the growth and popularity of Japan's reggae scene. He is originally from Chigasaki, Kanagawa, and is married with two children. He works at Overheat Studios, and keeps his real name secret. Moomin first appeared on the reggae scene in 1992, and traveled to Jamaica the following year. His official debut with a record label was in 1997 (under Kioon Records), and since 2003 he has been with Universal Music Group.
Michihiro Kuroda (黒田 倫弘, Kuroda Michihiro), or Rin (born June 6, 1972) to his fans, was the lead vocalist in the…Michihiro Kuroda (黒田 倫弘, Kuroda Michihiro), or Rin (born June 6, 1972) to his fans, was the lead vocalist in the Japanese group Iceman. The group lasted from about 1996–1999. Since then Michihiro has pursued a solo career. Michihiro has released 10 CDs and videos, along with 6 books. In 2006 he teamed up with Iceman guitarist Kenichi Ito once again for a more rock oriented group known as Scarecrow. The group has released a single, titled "Steal your misery". 2006–2009 Scarecrow has released 2 albums and 4 singles and 2 live videos. Michihiro Kuroda continues his career as a rock vocalist well known for his high live performance quality, releasing album and music videos every year. From 2000 to 2013, he released 10 albums. He released live videos from every national album live tours. During this decade he collaborated with musicians such as Tokiko Kato, Naoto Kine (TM Network), Haruichi Shindo (Porno Graffitti). After 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, he joined volunteering activity "Stand Up Japan" held by Takanori Nishikawa.
Natsuki Ozawa (Japanese: 小沢 なつき, Hepburn: Ozawa Natsuki) (born April 19, 1972) is a Japanese singer, actress and AV…Natsuki Ozawa (Japanese: 小沢 なつき, Hepburn: Ozawa Natsuki) (born April 19, 1972) is a Japanese singer, actress and AV actress who has appeared in mainstream films and adult videos.
Hiromi Katayama (Japanese: 片山裕美, Hepburn: Katayama Hiromi; born April 5, 1972), known by the stage name Marina Ōno…Hiromi Katayama (Japanese: 片山裕美, Hepburn: Katayama Hiromi; born April 5, 1972), known by the stage name Marina Ōno (大野まりな, Ōno Marina), is a Japanese voice actress. She has also been known as Hiromi Matsumoto (松本裕美) and Hiromi Asō (麻生ひろみ). Some of her major roles in anime are: Faury Carat in Tristia of the Deep Blue Sea, Chiaki Nakahara in Dai-Guard, Aihara in Angel Links and Komoe Harumachi in Eiken. In video games, she voices Aki Nitta in Soul Link, Remit Marlena in Eternal Melody, Ayaka Nanase in First Kiss Story and Uriko in the Bloody Roar series.
Junichi Suwabe (諏訪部 順一, Suwabe Jun'ichi; born March 29, 1972) is a Japanese voice actor from Tokyo. He is affiliated…Junichi Suwabe (諏訪部 順一, Suwabe Jun'ichi; born March 29, 1972) is a Japanese voice actor from Tokyo. He is affiliated with Haikyō. His popular roles include Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez in Bleach, Omega Zero in Megaman Zero 3, Keigo Atobe in The Prince of Tennis, Victor Nikiforov in Yuri!!! on ICE, Freed Justine in Fairy Tail, Masataka Ninomiya in World Trigger, Yami Sukehiro in Black Clover, Sentinel Prime in Transformers: Animated and Transformers One, Ryomen Sukuna in Jujutsu Kaisen, Archer in Fate/stay night, Ren Jinguji in Uta no Prince-sama, Undertaker in Black Butler, Leone Abbacchio in JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Golden Wind, Daiki Aomine in Kuroko's Basketball, Jurota Shishida and Shōta Aizawa in My Hero Academia, Dandy in Space Dandy, Bercouli Synthesis One in Sword Art Online, Akira Hayama in Food Wars! Shokugeki no Soma, Dark Choco Cookie in Cookie Run: Kingdom, Shoei Barou in Blue Lock, Oda Sakunosuke in Bungo Stray Dogs, and Ryoh Grantz in Mashle: Magic and Muscles. He was nominated for a Best Singing Award at the 6th Seiyu Awards, and received a Best Supporting Actor award at the 7th Seiyu Awards. He has also provided dubbing for Korean actor Gong Yoo. He is in a group called PHERO☆MEN (フェロ☆メン) with fellow voice actor Kohsuke Toriumi.
Kaori Hasegawa (長谷川 歌織, Hasegawa Kaori) (born March 11, 1972), simply known by the stage name Ua (Japanese…Kaori Hasegawa (長谷川 歌織, Hasegawa Kaori) (born March 11, 1972), simply known by the stage name Ua (Japanese pronunciation: [ɯːa]), is a Japanese singer. She made her debut under Speedstar Records in 1995 with the single "Horizon". She is also the vocalist for AJICO.
Takashi Fujii (藤井隆, Fujii Takashi), born March 10, 1972) is a Japanese entertainment personality who has performed as…Takashi Fujii (藤井隆, Fujii Takashi), born March 10, 1972) is a Japanese entertainment personality who has performed as comedian, actor, singer, presenter, and music producer affiliated with the Japanese entertainment conglomerate Yoshimoto Kogyo and was the popular host of Matthew's Best Hit TV (as the character Matthew Minami (マシュー南, Mashū Minami), and various other related shows on TV Asahi. He was born in Toyonaka, Osaka. On May 7, 2005, he officially announced his intention to marry Otoha (乙葉), a Japanese idol. They married on July 30, 2005, at the Grand Hyatt in Tokyo, with an audience of 340 guests including many famous Japanese personalities and celebrities. They have one daughter. In 2022, he was the co-host of Love Is Blind: Japan, and host of the Audible podcast Matthew's Matthew: Matthew in Matthew's Room.
Junichi Yamamoto (山本 淳一, Yamamoto Jun'ichi; born 28 February 1972, in Hachiōji, Tokyo) is a Japanese singer, actor…Junichi Yamamoto (山本 淳一, Yamamoto Jun'ichi; born 28 February 1972, in Hachiōji, Tokyo) is a Japanese singer, actor, tarento, and professional wrestler. He is a former member of Hikaru Genji (later changed the name to Hikaru Genji Super 5). Yamamoto graduated from Hachioji-shi Linnan Middle School and Sumida Industrial High School. He is nicknamed Bungee (バンジー, Banjī) and Jun-kun (淳くん). Yamamoto is currently represented with Wing Run.
Mayumi Gojo (五條 真由美, Gojō Mayumi; born February 12, 1972) is a Japanese singer from Ibaraki Prefecture. She formerly…Mayumi Gojo (五條 真由美, Gojō Mayumi; born February 12, 1972) is a Japanese singer from Ibaraki Prefecture. She formerly worked under Hyper Voice Managements. Currently she is affiliated with the Love&Light talent management agency. Gojo is known for her theme song performances for anime series such as Ojamajo Doremi, Pretty Cure, and Yumeiro Patissiere. She has performed as part of Project.R and also provides backup chorus for other artists.
Atsuko Hiyajo (Japanese: 比屋定 篤子, Hepburn: Hiyajō Atsuko; born 24 December 1971) is a Japanese singer and radio…Atsuko Hiyajo (Japanese: 比屋定 篤子, Hepburn: Hiyajō Atsuko; born 24 December 1971) is a Japanese singer and radio personality. Born in Naha, she performed for a band while at Musashino Art University, as well as her own concerts in Tokyo. Making her major label debut in 1997, she released several albums and singles with Epic Records Japan and Sony Music Entertainment Japan in the 1990s and 2000s. Following her return to Okinawa, she began working as an independent musician, collaborating with Ryusenkei and other musicians, and served as the Wednesday host for RBC iRadio's At BBS . One of her songs, "Maware Maware", received renewed popularity from the city pop boom of the 2010s.
Masayoshi Yamazaki (山崎 まさよし, Yamazaki Masayoshi; born 山崎 将義 Yamazaki Masayoshi on December 23, 1971, in Kusatsu Shiga)…Masayoshi Yamazaki (山崎 まさよし, Yamazaki Masayoshi; born 山崎 将義 Yamazaki Masayoshi on December 23, 1971, in Kusatsu Shiga) is a Japanese singer-songwriter who plays guitar-driven blues, rock, and pop music, though he has also recorded piano ballads. Though he primarily plays the guitar, he has played the drums, piano, percussion, saxophone, and glockenspiel on some albums. He released his second album in 1997, which contained his breakout and most famous single "One More Time, One More Chance." This song was used in Makoto Shinkai's anime film 5 Centimeters per Second. In November of 2002, he performed the Beatles song "All My Loving" for Sir Paul McCartney while the latter was backstage after a show in Japan on the Driving World Tour.
Ayumi Shigemori (茂森 あゆみ, Shigemori Ayumi; born in Kumamoto) is a Japanese actress and pop star. She sang on the major…Ayumi Shigemori (茂森 あゆみ, Shigemori Ayumi; born in Kumamoto) is a Japanese actress and pop star. She sang on the major J-pop hit "Dango 3 Kyodai".
Ninety-nine (ナインティナイン, Naintinain), or Nainai (ナイナイ) is a Japanese comic duo from Osaka working for the entertainment…Ninety-nine (ナインティナイン, Naintinain), or Nainai (ナイナイ) is a Japanese comic duo from Osaka working for the entertainment conglomerate Yoshimoto Kogyo. The duo (kombi), consisting of Takashi Okamura as boke (stooge) and Hiroyuki Yabe as tsukkomi (straightman), formed in 1990. The pair met in high school, where they were both involved in the soccer club. Okamura had been receiving guidance from Yabe's brother Yoshiyuki Yabe and throughout their high school life they had a senpai and kōhai relationship. As he was Yoshiyuki's younger brother, his soccer club peers referred to him as "Yabe Juni[or]". Upon graduating from high school, Okamura entered Ritsumeikan University and studied there for one year. Yabe, who was significantly less able academically, was unable to get into any universities and as a result invited Okamura to join Yoshimoto with him as a duo. The pair have stated that one of the reasons that drove them to this decision was their combined admiration for Yabe's brother Yoshiyuki, who had entered Yoshimoto two years before and formed the comedic duo "Channels". However, Yoshiyuki was allegedly opposed to the idea at that time, advising the pair on the harsh realities of a life as an entertainer. Their act is typical of manzai comedy duos, though they are also known for TV segments filmed in locales such as Hong Kong and Italy. Yabe has tended to receive criticism from Japanese fans because his participation in their skits is small and out of proportion compared to the always active and effervescent Okamura, even as a straightman. Okamura and Yabe also famously took the roles of Mario and Luigi (respectively) in the Japanese Hot Mario Bros. advertisement campaign. They have hosted Mecha-Mecha Iketeru!, a Japanese comedy show, and they have also hosted a number of television programs in the past. They also hosted a weekly radio program for All Night Nippon on Fridays as a duo, but since 2015 Okamura hosts this program alone.
Risa Tachibana (立花理佐, Tachibana Risa) (born October 19, 1971) is a former Japanese idol. She is featured in the video…Risa Tachibana (立花理佐, Tachibana Risa) (born October 19, 1971) is a former Japanese idol. She is featured in the video game Risa no Yōsei Densetsu.
Rika Himenogi (姫乃樹 リカ, Himenogi Rika), real name Rika Nishimura (西村理香, Nishimura Rika), is a Japanese singer born on…Rika Himenogi (姫乃樹 リカ, Himenogi Rika), real name Rika Nishimura (西村理香, Nishimura Rika), is a Japanese singer born on October 6, 1971, in Bungo-ōno, Ōita, Japan.
Chisato (千聖; stylized in all caps) (born on August 4, 1971) is a Japanese guitarist and singer. Originally known for…Chisato (千聖; stylized in all caps) (born on August 4, 1971) is a Japanese guitarist and singer. Originally known for being the guitarist of visual kei band Penicillin since 1992, in 1996 he started a solo career that has been successful in Japan. In 2003, he founded the solo project Crack6.
Akihito Tokunaga (徳永 暁人, Tokunaga Akihito) (born 22 September 1971) is a Japanese musician, composer and arranger.…Akihito Tokunaga (徳永 暁人, Tokunaga Akihito) (born 22 September 1971) is a Japanese musician, composer and arranger. After making a name for himself working for Being Inc. in the 1990s, he has been signed to Giza Studio from 2000 until 2023. In 2004, Tokunaga formed the rock band doa. After departure from the agency in 2023, he has become freelancer musician under independent company Floodlight.
Tomoe Hatta (Japanese: 八田 友江, Hepburn: Hatta Tomoe; September 10, 1971 – August 13, 2025), known professionally as Tomo…Tomoe Hatta (Japanese: 八田 友江, Hepburn: Hatta Tomoe; September 10, 1971 – August 13, 2025), known professionally as Tomo Sakurai (櫻井 智, Sakurai Tomo), was a Japanese actress and singer. Originally part of the idol trio Lemon Angel, she started her voice acting career in the 1990s, starring as Mylene Flare Jenius in Macross 7, Meimi Haneoka in Saint Tail, Makimachi Misao in Rurouni Kenshin, the titular character of Super Doll Licca-chan, and Cynthia in all Pokémon animated entries since Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl. She briefly came out of retirement during the last few years of her life, voicing Kaede in the 2024 anime Grandpa and Grandma Turn Young Again.
Tetsuya Kanmuri (冠 徹弥, Kanmuri Tetsuya; born: 7 September 1971) is a Japanese heavy metal singer, originally from Uji…Tetsuya Kanmuri (冠 徹弥, Kanmuri Tetsuya; born: 7 September 1971) is a Japanese heavy metal singer, originally from Uji, Kyoto Prefecture. He took his inspiration from Van Halen's songs.
Fumie Hosokawa (細川 ふみえ; born 2 September 1971) is a Japanese actress, singer, and model. She is often referred to as…Fumie Hosokawa (細川 ふみえ; born 2 September 1971) is a Japanese actress, singer, and model. She is often referred to as the "original" kyonyu (huge breasts) idol.
Ritsuko Tanaka (田中 律子, 田中 理津子, Tanaka Ritsuko; born 17 July 1971, in Setagaya, Tokyo) is a Japanese actress, tarento…Ritsuko Tanaka (田中 律子, 田中 理津子, Tanaka Ritsuko; born 17 July 1971, in Setagaya, Tokyo) is a Japanese actress, tarento and singer. She is formerly represented with Box Corporation. She is the president of the non-profit organization Aqua Planet. She is also the associated president of the Japan Sap Yoga and detoxification in Okinawa.
Junko Noda (野田 順子, Noda Junko; born June 29, 1971) is a Japanese freelance voice actress and singer from Naniwa-ku…Junko Noda (野田 順子, Noda Junko; born June 29, 1971) is a Japanese freelance voice actress and singer from Naniwa-ku, Osaka. She often voices boyish girls and boys. Having grown up in Osaka, she has also voiced characters who speak in the Kansai dialect, typically in supporting roles.
Teruhiko Kobashi (小橋 照彦, Kobashi Teruhiko; born June 8, 1971 in Hakodate, Hokkaido), better known by his stage name…Teruhiko Kobashi (小橋 照彦, Kobashi Teruhiko; born June 8, 1971 in Hakodate, Hokkaido), better known by his stage name TERU, is a Japanese musician and singer best known as vocalist of the rock band Glay, for which he was initially the drummer.
Yoshikazu Mera (米良 美一, Mera Yoshikazu; born May 21, 1971 in Miyazaki) is a Japanese countertenor. His range is three…Yoshikazu Mera (米良 美一, Mera Yoshikazu; born May 21, 1971 in Miyazaki) is a Japanese countertenor. His range is three and a half octaves. Originally wanting to become a pop singer, Mera now primarily sings classical music from the West but also classical Japanese music. He appears frequently as a soloist with the Bach Collegium Japan, which under its conductor Masaaki Suzuki performs Baroque music. His 1998 recital disc "Nightingale" on Sweden's BIS Records was a major success in Japan. It was revealed in a television documentary entitled "米良美一の實話" ("Yoshikazu Mera's true story") that he was born with congenital osteogenesis imperfecta.
Risa Junna (純名りさ, Junna Risa; born March 15, 1971) is a Japanese actress, singer, and voice actress. She was part of…Risa Junna (純名りさ, Junna Risa; born March 15, 1971) is a Japanese actress, singer, and voice actress. She was part of Takarazuka Revue's Snow Troupe and Flower Troupe. During her time in the Revue, she specialized in female roles (musumeyaku). She was the musumeyaku top star from 1995 to 1996.
Eiko Hiraiwa (平岩 英子, Hiraiwa Eiko; 17 February 1971 – 31 March 2021) was a Japanese singer-songwriter. After studying…Eiko Hiraiwa (平岩 英子, Hiraiwa Eiko; 17 February 1971 – 31 March 2021) was a Japanese singer-songwriter. After studying Dalcroze eurhythmics as a child and college student, she made her major-label debut in 1995. She released several singles and albums with Epic Records Japan and Village Records until 2000, entering into a hiatus afterwards.
Noriko Sakai (酒井 法子, Sakai Noriko; born February 14, 1971) is a Japanese singer and actress. Under her former stage…Noriko Sakai (酒井 法子, Sakai Noriko; born February 14, 1971) is a Japanese singer and actress. Under her former stage name Nori-P (のりピー, Noripī), Sakai released her first single, "Otoko no Ko ni Naritai" (男のコになりたい; "I Want to Be a Boy") on February 5, 1987, nine days short of her sixteenth birthday. Over 40,000 copies of the single were sold. She is particularly popular in Hong Kong and Taiwan. Her best-selling single to date is "Aoi Usagi". In August 2009, Sakai was arrested on suspicion of possession and abuse of drugs and sentenced to probation for three years. She divorced her husband Yūichi Takasō (高相 祐一, Takasō Yūichi) after the incident and temporarily stayed away from the media circle until her probation ended, at which she began rehearsals for the theater, and signed on with Office Nigun Niiba, as a first step towards returning to the media community. On May 1, 2021, she left Office Nigun Niiba and joined Smile.
