TV Personality: 964 people
Yūzō Kayama (加山 雄三, Kayama Yūzō; born April 11, 1937) is a Japanese musician, singer-songwriter and actor.
Keisuke Sagawa (砂川 啓介, Sagawa Keisuke; February 12, 1937 – July 11, 2017) was a Japanese actor and tarento. He is…
Keisuke Sagawa (砂川 啓介, Sagawa Keisuke; February 12, 1937 – July 11, 2017) was a Japanese actor and tarento. He is notable for being the first actor of the Taisō no Onīsan in the Uta no Ehon program on the long-running television program Okaasan to Issho. His wife was actress, television personality, and voice actress Nobuyo Ōyama.
Chiemi Eri (江利 チエミ, Eri Chiemi; January 11, 1937 – February 13, 1982) was a Japanese singer and actress. Eri was born…
Chiemi Eri (江利 チエミ, Eri Chiemi; January 11, 1937 – February 13, 1982) was a Japanese singer and actress. Eri was born as Chiemi Kubo (久保 智恵美, Kubo Chiemi) on January 11, 1937 in Tokyo, Japan. She was born to a musician father and a mother who was a singer, thus encouraging her musical career. She started her singing career at the age of 14 with her version of "Tennessee Waltz." She regularly sang on American military bases as a teenager. Her repertoire consisted largely of traditional Japanese songs as well as a few American songs such as "Jambalaya" and "Come on-a My House". Eri started her career as an actress similar to Hibari Misora. Eri, Misora and Izumi Yukimura formed a trio. In her concerts, she was supported by Nobuo Hara's jazz band. The actress was one of Japan's best-known singers in the mid-20th century and also appeared in numerous television shows from the early 1950s until just before her death. However, she is fairly unknown in many other parts of the world since her albums were rarely distributed in other markets, in which her music can almost only be accessed via the internet. Eri married Ken Takakura in 1959 and they divorced in 1971. She released the single "Sakaba Nite" (酒場にて, lit. "At the Bar") in 1974. The song was later included in the omnibus album "Enka no Kokoro".
Kumi Mizuno (水野久美, Mizuno Kumi; born 1 January 1937) is a Japanese actress best known for appearing in several Toho…
Kumi Mizuno (水野久美, Mizuno Kumi; born 1 January 1937) is a Japanese actress best known for appearing in several Toho kaiju films of the 1960s and early 1970s.
Fuyumi Shiraishi (白石冬美, Shiraishi Fuyumi; 14 October 1936 – 26 March 2019) was a Japanese actress, voice actress and…
Fuyumi Shiraishi (白石冬美, Shiraishi Fuyumi; 14 October 1936 – 26 March 2019) was a Japanese actress, voice actress and narrator.
Anton Wicky (アントン・ウィッキー) (born September 26, 1936) is an educator and celebrity in Japan. His full name is Anton Wicky…
Anton Wicky (アントン・ウィッキー) (born September 26, 1936) is an educator and celebrity in Japan. His full name is Anton Wicky Ampalavanar. He was born in Ceylon and went to Japan in 1961 as a Mombusho scholar. In 1969 he earned a doctorate from the University of Tokyo. His teaching career has included Ohu and Reitaku Universities. He began his Nippon Television show Wicky-san's One-point English Conversation in 1979. It ran for fifteen years. The show began again in 2007. Since 2006, Wicky has appeared in commercials for Yellow Hat, a chain of automotive-supply retail stores.
Kazuo Umezu or Kazuo Umezz (楳図 かずお, Umezu Kazuo; birth name 楳図一雄; September 3, 1936 – October 28, 2024) was a Japanese…
Kazuo Umezu or Kazuo Umezz (楳図 かずお, Umezu Kazuo; birth name 楳図一雄; September 3, 1936 – October 28, 2024) was a Japanese manga artist, musician and actor. Starting his career in the 1950s, he is among the most famous artists of horror manga and has been vital for its development, considered the "god of horror manga". In 1960s shōjo manga like Reptilia, he broke the industry's conventions by combining the aesthetics of the commercial manga industry with gruesome visual imagery inspired by Japanese folktales, which created a boom of horror manga and influenced manga artists of following generations. He created successful manga series such as The Drifting Classroom, Makoto-chan and My Name Is Shingo, until he retired from drawing manga in the mid 1990s. He was a public figure in Japan, known for wearing red-and-white-striped shirts and doing his signature "Gwash" hand gesture.
Hiroshi Kawaguchi (Japanese: 川口 浩, romanized: Kawaguchi Hiroshi, 22 August 1936 – 17 November 1987) was a Japanese film…
Hiroshi Kawaguchi (Japanese: 川口 浩, romanized: Kawaguchi Hiroshi, 22 August 1936 – 17 November 1987) was a Japanese film actor. He appeared in more than 50 films between 1956 and 1986. He was born in Tokyo, Japan. Kawaguchi's father, writer Matsutarō Kawaguchi, was an executive at Daiei Film, where Kawaguchi acted. In 1960 he married Daiei actress Hitomi Nozoe.
Sandayū Dokumamushi (毒蝮 三太夫, Dokumamushi Sandayū) born Iyoshi Ishii (石井 伊吉, Ishii Iyoshi) on 31 March 1936 in Osaka…
Sandayū Dokumamushi (毒蝮 三太夫, Dokumamushi Sandayū) born Iyoshi Ishii (石井 伊吉, Ishii Iyoshi) on 31 March 1936 in Osaka, Japan) is a Japanese actor. He portrayed the role of Daisuke Arashi in the original Ultraman series (1966-1967) and Shigeru Furuhashi in Ultra Seven. He has been a radio personality on the Tokyo Broadcasting System (TBS) since 1969. His radio program is famous for vulgar language and is popular with an older audience.
Yukiji Asaoka (朝丘 雪路, Asaoka Yukiji; 23 July 1935 – 27 April 2018) was a Japanese singer and an actress from Chūō…
Yukiji Asaoka (朝丘 雪路, Asaoka Yukiji; 23 July 1935 – 27 April 2018) was a Japanese singer and an actress from Chūō, Tokyo. She was the daughter of a famous Japanese painter of shin hanga style prints, Shinsui Itō, and her second husband was actor Masahiko Tsugawa. Asaoka was in the Takarazuka Revue from 1952 to 1955. She was a cast member (musumeyaku), belonging to the Moon Troupe (Tsuki). She was famous for her roles in Japanese television series and appeared starring opposite Shintaro Katsu in both a film from the Zatoichi series and in the first film of the Hanzo the Razor trilogy. She was, however, mostly famous for her singing. She was also a voice actor in the 1999 anime film My Neighbors the Yamadas directed by Isao Takahata. She died of Alzheimer's disease.
Shunji Fujimura (藤村 俊二, Fujimura Shunji; December 8, 1934 – January 25, 2017) was a Japanese actor from Kamakura…
Shunji Fujimura (藤村 俊二, Fujimura Shunji; December 8, 1934 – January 25, 2017) was a Japanese actor from Kamakura, Kanagawa, Japan. He appeared in the second series of Monkey as the horse. He appeared in the Death Note live-action movie as Quillsh Wammy A.K.A. Watari.
Akira Takarada (Japanese: 宝田 明, Hepburn: Takarada Akira; April 29, 1934 – March 14, 2022) was a Japanese actor best…
Akira Takarada (Japanese: 宝田 明, Hepburn: Takarada Akira; April 29, 1934 – March 14, 2022) was a Japanese actor best known for his roles in the Godzilla film series.
Kyosen Ōhashi (大橋 巨泉, Ōhashi Kyosen; March 22, 1934 – July 12, 2016) was a Japanese television host and writer. He also…
Kyosen Ōhashi (大橋 巨泉, Ōhashi Kyosen; March 22, 1934 – July 12, 2016) was a Japanese television host and writer. He also served briefly as a member of the House of Councillors in the Diet of Japan. His real name was Ōhashi Katsumi (大橋 克巳). Born in Sumida, Tokyo, he grew up in Chiba prefecture and dropped out of the Waseda University. Declaring "semi-retirement", he then spent most of his time outside Japan, particularly in Canada during the summer, as well as in Australia and New Zealand during the winter in the northern hemisphere, in which he ran his "OK Gift Shop" (OK stands for Ohashi Kyosen). When he resigned in the House of Councillors, Ōhashi was succeeded by Marutei Tsurunen, the first European-descended and openly foreign-born Japanese person to serve in the Diet.
Kiyoshi Kodama (児玉 清, Kodama Kiyoshi; real name: Kiyoshi Kitagawa (北川 清), born as Kiyoshi Kodama (小玉 清), 1 January 1934…
Kiyoshi Kodama (児玉 清, Kodama Kiyoshi; real name: Kiyoshi Kitagawa (北川 清), born as Kiyoshi Kodama (小玉 清), 1 January 1934 – 16 May 2011) was a Japanese TV personality and actor. He hosted the Asahi Broadcasting Corporation quiz show Panel Quiz Attack 25 continuously for thirty-six years from its start in April 1975 until he was forced to step down due to poor health at the end of March 2011. His signature catchphrase on the show is "Attack Chance!" An avid reader, Kodama hosted a TV book review show. He also published his own books. He was a voice actor for the voice of Robert Stephenson in the Japanese version of the 2004 animated movie Steamboy. Kodama died of stomach cancer at a hospital in Chuo, Tokyo on 16 May 2011.
Peggy Hayama (Japanese: ペギー葉山) born Shigeko Kotakari (Japanese: 小鷹狩 繁子; 9 December 1933 – 12 April 2017) was a Japanese…
Peggy Hayama (Japanese: ペギー葉山) born Shigeko Kotakari (Japanese: 小鷹狩 繁子; 9 December 1933 – 12 April 2017) was a Japanese singer. Born Shigeko Kotakari in Yotsuya, Hayama attended Aoyama Gakuin Senior High School, where she was discovered while singing jazz. She debuted at the age of 18 in 1952, and two years later entered the Kohaku Uta Gassen for the first time. Hayama was known for singing the Japanese-language version of "Do-Re-Mi", a show tune from The Sound of Music later placed on the Nihon no Uta Hyakusen in 2007. She also lent her voice to Japanese dubs of Disney films and released a Japanese cover of "The Wedding" under its original title "La Novia". Hayama's famous Japanese songs included "Having Left Tosa", "School Days", and "Shimabara Lullaby". Her last performance was held in March 2017, at a memorial concert for Fubuki Koshiji. Hayama was honored by the Ministry of Education in 1993 for her contributions to fine arts in Japan. Two years later, she received the Medal with Purple Ribbon. In 2004, Hayama was awarded an Order of the Rising Sun, fourth class. She became the first chairwoman of the Japanese Singers Association in 2007, and served until 2010. Hayama was married to Jun Negami from 1965 until his death in 2005. She died at the age of 83 in 2017, after being hospitalized in Tokyo due to pneumonia.
Joe Shishido (宍戸 錠, Shishido Jō; December 6, 1933 – January 18, 2020) was a Japanese actor recognizable for his…
Joe Shishido (宍戸 錠, Shishido Jō; December 6, 1933 – January 18, 2020) was a Japanese actor recognizable for his intense, eccentric yakuza film roles. He appeared in some 300 films but is best known in the West for his performance in the cult film Branded to Kill (1967). In Japan, he is also known by the nickname Joe the Ace (エースのジョー, Ēsu no Jō) for his popular role in the Western Quick Draw Joe (1961).
Tetsuko Kuroyanagi (黒柳 徹子, Kuroyanagi Tetsuko; born August 9, 1933) is a Japanese actress and television personality.…
Tetsuko Kuroyanagi (黒柳 徹子, Kuroyanagi Tetsuko; born August 9, 1933) is a Japanese actress and television personality. She has hosted the television program Tetsuko's Room (徹子の部屋, Tetsuko no Heya) since 1975. She joined NHK Broadcasting Theatre Company as the first television actress in 1953. In 1954, she made her debut as the lead actress in the radio drama Yambō Nimbō Tombō. In 1976, TV Asahi's Tetsuko's Room started airing. This program was recognized by the Guinness World Records in 2011 for having the highest number of broadcasts by the same host. It has been airing on weekdays at noon every week, and as of 2023, it has surpassed 11,000 episodes in its 48th year. Her autobiographical book, Totto-Chan: The Little Girl at the Window, which depicts her childhood, became a post-WW2 bestseller with over 8 million copies sold in Japan and 25 million copies worldwide. It has also been adapted into a television series twice. A World Wide Fund for Nature advisor and Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF, she is known for her charitable works, and is considered one of the first Japanese celebrities to achieve international recognition. In 2006, Donald Richie referred to Kuroyanagi in his book Japanese Portraits: Pictures of Different People as "the most popular and admired woman in Japan."
Masaichi Kaneda (金田 正一, Kaneda Masaichi; 1 August 1933 – 6 October 2019) was a Japanese professional baseball pitcher…
Masaichi Kaneda (金田 正一, Kaneda Masaichi; 1 August 1933 – 6 October 2019) was a Japanese professional baseball pitcher of Zainichi Korean origin, one of the best-known pitchers in Japanese baseball history, and is the only Japanese pitcher to have won 400 games. He was inducted in the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame in 1988. Nicknamed "The Emperor" because he was the most dominant pitcher in Japan during his prime, Kaneda holds numerous Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) career records. He won 400 games despite being on an extremely weak team, the Kokutetsu Swallows, for most of his career. About 90% of his 400 career wins came with the Swallows. He left for the Yomiuri Giants in 1965. In five seasons with the team, he won the Japan Series each time before retiring in 1969. Kaneda batted and threw left-handed. After his playing career ended, he became a manager for the Lotte Orions, where he managed in two different stints that saw him win the Japan Series in 1974.
Yoshio Yoshida (吉田 義男, Yoshida Yoshio; July 26, 1933 – February 3, 2025) was a Japanese professional baseball player…
Yoshio Yoshida (吉田 義男, Yoshida Yoshio; July 26, 1933 – February 3, 2025) was a Japanese professional baseball player and manager who spent his entire career with the Hanshin Tigers of Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). His number 23 was retired by the Tigers. He worked for the Asahi Broadcasting Corporation as a live radio and television baseball commentator. Yoshida died of a stroke on February 3, 2025, at the age of 91.
Asei Kobayashi (小林 亜星, Kobayashi Asei; 11 August 1932 – 30 May 2021) was a Japanese composer. He was also a lyricist…
Asei Kobayashi (小林 亜星, Kobayashi Asei; 11 August 1932 – 30 May 2021) was a Japanese composer. He was also a lyricist, actor, and multi-tarento. He could also sing songs and advertisement songs. Kobayashi was represented by Astro Music. He was the director of the Japan Songwriters Association (J-scat). Kobayashi served as the first president of the Dai Nihon Piman-sha Renmei (Dai Pi Ren). His songs are used in advertisements and television themes. Asei also composed the music for the 1991 Famicom video game Niji no Silkroad. A soundtrack CD was later released titled Rainbow Silkroad Image Album WINDY ROAD. He also composed The TV Asahi song in 1977 when the television station changed its name to its current name.
Yukio Aoshima (青島 幸男, Aoshima Yukio; 17 July 1932 – 20 December 2006) was a Japanese politician who served as Governor…
Yukio Aoshima (青島 幸男, Aoshima Yukio; 17 July 1932 – 20 December 2006) was a Japanese politician who served as Governor of Tokyo from 1995 to 1999. He is also well known as a TV actor, novelist, film director, screenwriter and songwriter.
Akiyuki Nosaka (野坂 昭如, Nosaka Akiyuki; October 10, 1930 – December 9, 2015) was a Japanese novelist, journalist…
Akiyuki Nosaka (野坂 昭如, Nosaka Akiyuki; October 10, 1930 – December 9, 2015) was a Japanese novelist, journalist, singer, lyricist, and member of the House of Councillors. As a broadcasting writer he used the name Yukio Aki (阿木 由紀夫, Aki Yukio) and his alias as a chanson singer was Claude Nosaka (クロード 野坂, Kurōdo Nosaka). He wrote the short story "Grave of the Fireflies" based on his experiences in the wake of American bombing during the Second World War; the short story has been adapted into both an animated film and a live-action film.
Tadao Takashima (高島忠夫, Takashima Tadao) (27 July 1930 – 26 June 2019) was a Japanese actor and jazz musician. He…
Tadao Takashima (高島忠夫, Takashima Tadao) (27 July 1930 – 26 June 2019) was a Japanese actor and jazz musician. He appeared in more than 100 films, including the Toho productions King Kong vs. Godzilla, Atragon, and Frankenstein vs. Baragon. He also performed in stage musicals such as My Fair Lady and appeared in several television shows.
Shōichi Ozawa (小沢 昭一, Ozawa Shōichi; April 6, 1929 – December 10, 2012) was a Japanese actor, radio host, singer, and…
Shōichi Ozawa (小沢 昭一, Ozawa Shōichi; April 6, 1929 – December 10, 2012) was a Japanese actor, radio host, singer, and prominent researcher and expert on Japanese folk art. He also founded the Shabondama-za theater company. Ozawa, who was born in Tokyo, graduated from Waseda University. He began acting after college, beginning with his debut stage role in 1951. He also appeared in television and film roles, acting quite frequently in films directed by Shohei Imamura and Yūzō Kawashima. In 1971, Ozawa launched his long running radio show. A respected folk art expert, Ozawa also researched traditional Japanese performing arts. He recorded and released "Nihon no Horo Gei" ("Japan's Itinerant Arts") based on his research. In 2004, Ozawa became the "mayor" of Meiji Mura, an open-air museum in Aichi Prefecture which showcases Meiji Era architecture. The Japanese government awarded Ozawa the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette in 2001 and the Medal with Purple Ribbon in 1994 for his body of work. Shōichi Ozawa died on December 10, 2012, at the age of 83.
Gabdulla Safa, also known as a Roy James (Tatar: Габделхәннан Сафа, March 9, 1929, Tokyo – December 29, 1982), was a…
Gabdulla Safa, also known as a Roy James (Tatar: Габделхәннан Сафа, March 9, 1929, Tokyo – December 29, 1982), was a Japanese actor of Tatar descent.
Kōichi Hamada (浜田 幸一, Hamada Kōichi; 5 September 1928 – 5 August 2012) was a Japanese politician who served in the…
Kōichi Hamada (浜田 幸一, Hamada Kōichi; 5 September 1928 – 5 August 2012) was a Japanese politician who served in the House of Representatives from 1969 to 1980 and from 1983 to 1993. A member of the Liberal Democratic Party, he often drew attention for his unrestrained statements and actions. After his retirement from politics he was active as a television personality.
Hitoshi Ueki (植木 等, Ueki Hitoshi; February 25, 1927 – March 27, 2007) was a Japanese actor, comedian, singer, and…
Hitoshi Ueki (植木 等, Ueki Hitoshi; February 25, 1927 – March 27, 2007) was a Japanese actor, comedian, singer, and guitarist. He won six awards for acting. His film credits stretch from 1960 to 1995. Ueki came to fame through the comic jazz-band The Crazy Cats led by Hajime Hana. His major appearances were in the Musekinin Otoko film series, the comedy variety show Shabondama Holiday, the prime-time television series The Hangman, and the ten 2-hour television shows in the Nagoya Yomeiri Monogatari franchise. He appeared in the Akira Kurosawa epic jidaigeki film Ran in 1985, receiving a nomination for the Japan Academy Prize for Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role, and earned the Japanese Academy, Kinema Junpo, and Mainichi film awards for best supporting actor for his role as the eccentric grandfather in Big Joys, Small Sorrows in 1987. On stage, he portrayed Billy Flynn in the musical Chicago, voiced the Roddy McDowall role in the Japanese market release of Planet of the Apes, and served as the narrator in the Japanese version of Tom and Jerry. His hit song with Hana Hajime and the Crazy Cats, Sūdara-bushi, placed in the Oricon top ten, and landed him an appearance on the NHK annual music spectacular Kōhaku Uta Gassen. Ueki received the Purple Ribbon Medal of Honour in 1993 and the 4th Class Order of the Rising Sun in 1999. In 2011, new technology was used to create a Vocaloid voicebank using his voice.
Sugako Hashida (橋田 壽賀子, Hashida Sugako; May 10, 1925 – April 4, 2021) was a Japanese scriptwriter. She is known…
Sugako Hashida (橋田 壽賀子, Hashida Sugako; May 10, 1925 – April 4, 2021) was a Japanese scriptwriter. She is known particularly for writing the NHK Asadora Oshin, and was considered Japan's most successful TV drama scriptwriter. She established Hashida Cultural Foundation. Her real name was Sugako Iwasaki (岩﨑 壽賀子, Iwasaki Sugako).
Nobuo Kaneko (金子信雄, Kaneko Nobuo; 27 March 1923 – 20 January 1995) was a Japanese actor. His wife was actress Yatsuko…
Nobuo Kaneko (金子信雄, Kaneko Nobuo; 27 March 1923 – 20 January 1995) was a Japanese actor. His wife was actress Yatsuko Tanami. He appeared in more than 200 films between 1946 and 1993.
Mitsuko Mori (森 光子, Mori Mitsuko; May 9, 1920 – November 10, 2012), real name Mitsu Murakami (村上美津, Murakami Mitsu)…
Mitsuko Mori (森 光子, Mori Mitsuko; May 9, 1920 – November 10, 2012), real name Mitsu Murakami (村上美津, Murakami Mitsu), was a Japanese actress.
Dick Mine (ディック・ミネ, Dikku Mine; Japanese pronunciation: [dikku͍ mine]) October 10, 1908 – June 10, 1991 was a Japanese…
Dick Mine (ディック・ミネ, Dikku Mine; Japanese pronunciation: [dikku͍ mine]) October 10, 1908 – June 10, 1991 was a Japanese singer. His recording career spanned nearly the entire Shōwa era.
Seiichirō Furuta (古田 誠一郎, Furuta Seiichirō; 27 June 1897 – 3 December 1992) was a Japanese social reformer, educator…
Seiichirō Furuta (古田 誠一郎, Furuta Seiichirō; 27 June 1897 – 3 December 1992) was a Japanese social reformer, educator, radio and TV personality, and politician from Wakayama city, Wakayama Prefecture. One of the leaders of the Boy Scouts' early days in Japan and the first to be elected mayor of Takatsuki, Osaka, he served as the director of the Scout Association of Japan, as well as executive director of the Japan Camping Federation.
Demon Kakka (Japanese: デーモン閣下, Hepburn: Dēmon Kakka; "His Excellency Demon"), previously known as Demon Kogure (デーモン小暮…
Demon Kakka (Japanese: デーモン閣下, Hepburn: Dēmon Kakka; "His Excellency Demon"), previously known as Demon Kogure (デーモン小暮, Dēmon Kogure), is a Japanese musician, songwriter, entertainer, journalist, sumo commentator, actor and voice actor. He first gained fame in the 1980s as vocalist of the heavy metal band Seikima-II, before starting a solo career in 1990 and branching out into other forms of entertainment. His real name is not publicly known and he is noted for always working entirely in character, which includes wearing face paint. In 2018, readers and professional musicians voted Demon the third best vocalist in the history of hard rock and heavy metal in We Rock magazine's "Metal General Election".
Rika Nakagawa (中川 梨花, Nakagawa Rika; born April 21, 1998) is a Japanese actress and singer who is affiliated with Sun…
Rika Nakagawa (中川 梨花, Nakagawa Rika; born April 21, 1998) is a Japanese actress and singer who is affiliated with Sun Music Production. Starting her career as a member of a Hokkaido-based idol group, she also appeared in various television shows and events in Hokkaido before moving to Tokyo to continue her career while studying at Keio University. She portrayed Momiji Itō in the mixed-media project Shine Post, as well as Kanata Misora, the protagonist of the anime series Narenare: Cheer for You!
Yuko Aoki (青木 裕子, Aoki Yūko) (born on February 5, 1977, in Takahata, Yamagata Prefecture, Japan) is a former Japanese…
Yuko Aoki (青木 裕子, Aoki Yūko) (born on February 5, 1977, in Takahata, Yamagata Prefecture, Japan) is a former Japanese bikini model and singer.
Akari Nibu (Japanese: 丹生 明里, Hepburn: Nibu Akari; born February 15, 2001) is a Japanese YouTuber, radio personality…
Akari Nibu (Japanese: 丹生 明里, Hepburn: Nibu Akari; born February 15, 2001) is a Japanese YouTuber, radio personality, and actress, represented by Seed & Flower. Focusing on video games and anime, she often appears in gaming-related events and television shows and was a voice actress for Deemo: Memorial Keys (2021). Nibu began her career as a member of the girl group Hinatazaka46 (formerly Hiragana Keyakizaka46) from 2017 to 2024, and was the lead performer of the group's single "One Choice" (2023). She also hosts Akari Nibu Happy Caravan on TBS Radio.
Yūka Kageyama (Japanese: 影山 優佳, Hepburn: Kageyama Yūka; born May 8, 2001) is a Japanese actress and television…
Yūka Kageyama (Japanese: 影山 優佳, Hepburn: Kageyama Yūka; born May 8, 2001) is a Japanese actress and television personality. She gained national recognition for her football expertise and commentary, particularly during the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and has continued her football-related media work alongside her entertainment career, including coverage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Kageyama began her career as a member of the girl group Hinatazaka46 (formerly Hiragana Keyakizaka46) from 2016 to 2023. She made her acting debut in the group's television drama Re:Mind (2017) and film debut in Kaguya-sama Final: Love Is War (2021). She took an extended hiatus from 2018 to 2020 for academic reasons, during which she won a bronze medal in the 2018 Japan Philosophy and Ethics Grand Prix. After resuming her entertainment activities in 2020, she began to establish herself in football media by writing a blog series covering all the teams competing in the J.League and appearing on multiple football talk shows, including a self-titled miniseries, as well as becoming a brand ambassador for the long-running FIFA football video game series. Her game analyses and multiple accurate predictions as a recurring commentator during the 2022 FIFA World Cup brought her national recognition. Aside from football, she also frequently appeared on quiz shows and became the youngest contestant to win the Q-sama!! quiz show in May 2023. She left Hinatazaka46 in 2023 due to a persistent hearing disorder, before which she released her first photobook, titled Shiranai Koto Darake. After departing from Hinatazaka46, Kageyama joined the Production Ogi agency and has since expanded her career as an actress and television personality, appearing in television dramas, films, stage productions, variety programs, and commercials. Her notable works include Hakobiya (2024), the first stage adaptation of Future Boy Conan (2024), Mr. Mikami's Classroom, Synanthrope, and Salary Man Kintaro (all 2025). She also released a best-selling essay collection in 2026, titled Kage Made Aishite.
Asumi Nakada (中田あすみ, Nakada Asumi; born April 5, 1988), formerly known under the stage name Asumi Nakata, is a Japanese…
Asumi Nakada (中田あすみ, Nakada Asumi; born April 5, 1988), formerly known under the stage name Asumi Nakata, is a Japanese television personality, model, and voice actress associated with Oscar Promotion. She debuted in 1991 at the age of 3 as a child model, appearing in many commercials. From 1998 to 2002, she was a regular on the first two series of the children's variety show Tensai TV-kun. She rejoined the series in 2007 in its third series, Tensai TV-kun Max and has become a prominent cast member in the segment Bitworld until the series' end in 2026. As a voice actress, Nakada has provided the voice to Lucia Nanami in Mermaid Melody: Pichi Pichi Pitch (2003–2004), Yusura in Himawari! (2006–2007), and Cissnei in the Compilation of Final Fantasy VII.
Takeshi Kitano (北野 武, Kitano Takeshi; born 18 January 1947), also known as Beat Takeshi (ビートたけし, Bīto Takeshi) in…
Takeshi Kitano (北野 武, Kitano Takeshi; born 18 January 1947), also known as Beat Takeshi (ビートたけし, Bīto Takeshi) in Japan, is a Japanese comedian, actor, and filmmaker. While he is known primarily as a comedian and TV host in his native Japan, he is better known abroad for his work as a filmmaker and actor as well as TV host. During his time as a student at Meiji University, he became a comedian at the strip theater France-za in Asakusa, Tokyo. In 1973, he formed a comedy duo called Two Beat with Kiyoshi Kaneko, who later became Beat Kiyoshi. Kitano adopted the stage name Beat Takeshi. Riding the wave of the comedy boom, he gained popularity with satirical and sharp-tongued black humor. In the 1980s, he appeared in TV shows such as Oretachi Hyōkin-zoku which recorded the highest viewership rating of 29.1%, and Takeshi's Castle which recorded 24.7%, becoming explosively popular on television. He gained recognition as an actor in director Nagisa Ōshima's film Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence (1983). In 1989, he made his directorial debut with the film Violent Cop after Kinji Fukasaku stepped down. He won the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival for his film Hana-bi (1997), becoming the third Japanese director to receive this honor after Akira Kurosawa and Hiroshi Inagaki. In October 2017, Kitano completed his Outrage crime trilogy with the release of Outrage Coda. He is also known internationally for hosting the game show Takeshi's Castle (1986–1990) and starring in the film Battle Royale (2000). He has received critical acclaim for his idiosyncratic cinematic work, winning numerous awards with Japanese film critic Nagaharu Yodogawa having once dubbed him "the true successor" to influential filmmaker Akira Kurosawa. Many of Kitano's films are dramas about yakuza gangsters or the police. Described by critics as using an acting style that is highly deadpan or a camera style that approaches near-stasis, Kitano often uses long takes during which little appears to be happening, or editing that cuts immediately to the aftermath of an event. Many of his films express a bleak worldview, but are also filled with humor and affection for their characters.
Kazunari Ninomiya (二宮 和也, Ninomiya Kazunari; born June 17, 1983), often called Nino (ニノ), is a Japanese singer…
Kazunari Ninomiya (二宮 和也, Ninomiya Kazunari; born June 17, 1983), often called Nino (ニノ), is a Japanese singer, songwriter, actor, voice actor, presenter and radio host. He is a former member of the Japanese idol group Arashi (started under Johnny & Associates, later under agent contract with Starto Entertainment), and with which he remained until the group's end of activities. He became independent from the agency in 2023 for individual activities.
Mikiyo Ōno (大野 幹代, Ōno Mikiyo; born 17 June 1974) is a Japanese model, actress and J-pop singer. She was the youngest…
Mikiyo Ōno (大野 幹代, Ōno Mikiyo; born 17 June 1974) is a Japanese model, actress and J-pop singer. She was the youngest member of the group CoCo.
Megumi Kaneko (Japanese: 金子 恵美, born 27 February 1978) is a Japanese politician. She served as a member of the House of…
Megumi Kaneko (Japanese: 金子 恵美, born 27 February 1978) is a Japanese politician. She served as a member of the House of Representatives for the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) between 2012 and 2017, when she represented the 4th District of Niigata prefecture. She was defeated in the 2017 general election.
Shinsuke Shimada (島田紳助, Shimada Shinsuke) is a Japanese comedian and television presenter. He first became popular as…
Shinsuke Shimada (島田紳助, Shimada Shinsuke) is a Japanese comedian and television presenter. He first became popular as part of a manzai duo formed with his on-stage partner Matsumoto Ryusuke. The duo was active between 1976 and 1985. In 1991 he directed the film Kaze, Slow Down. Shimada played an important role for keeping the popularity for contemporary manzai alive - for many years he was the driving force behind the popular manzai competition M-1 Grand Prix. On August 23, 2011, Shinsuke Shimada announced his retirement after admitting to extensive ties to the yakuza, Japan's organized crime. The yakuza's dominance in the entertainment industry was a subject that has long been a taboo.
Misaki Ito (伊東 美咲, Itō Misaki) (born May 26, 1977) is a former Japanese actress and model. Her maiden name is Tomoko…
Misaki Ito (伊東 美咲, Itō Misaki) (born May 26, 1977) is a former Japanese actress and model. Her maiden name is Tomoko Anzai (安斉 智子, Anzai Tomoko).
Yūki Yoda (与田 祐希, Yoda Yūki; born May 5, 2000), is a Japanese actress and model. She is a former third generation…
Yūki Yoda (与田 祐希, Yoda Yūki; born May 5, 2000), is a Japanese actress and model. She is a former third generation member of the idol girl group Nogizaka46 and an exclusive model for the magazines MAQUIA and bis. She has played supporting roles in the television dramas Mob Psycho 100 and Zambi.
Kazuyoshi Morita (森田 一義, Morita Kazuyoshi; born 22 August 1945 in Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture), known by his stage…
Kazuyoshi Morita (森田 一義, Morita Kazuyoshi; born 22 August 1945 in Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture), known by his stage name Tamori (タモリ) (an anagram of his surname), is a Japanese comedian and television presenter. Known for his trademark dark sunglasses, Tamori is one of the "big three" television comedians in Japan along with Takeshi Kitano (a.k.a. Beat Takeshi) and Sanma Akashiya. Since taking over the role in April 1987, Tamori has hosted the weekly music television program Music Station for over 34 years. For 32 years he hosted Waratte Iitomo!, a nationally televised live show broadcast every weekday at noon from October 1982 until March 2014. Waratte Iitomo! earned Tamori the Guinness World Record for "Longest continued hosting of a live television program", while Music Station earned him the world record for "Longest running live TV music show hosted by the same presenter" in 2021. His likeness is the basis for the Piranha Plant in All Night Nippon Super Mario Bros..
Saya Takagi (高樹 沙耶, Takagi Saya; b. 21 August 1963 in Hamamatsu as Ikue Masudo) is a Japanese actress turned activist…
Saya Takagi (高樹 沙耶, Takagi Saya; b. 21 August 1963 in Hamamatsu as Ikue Masudo) is a Japanese actress turned activist for the legalization of cannabis in Japan.
Ranran Suzuki (鈴木 蘭々, Suzuki Ranran; real name: 鈴木智子 Suzuki Tomoko, born August 1975) is a Japanese actress. She was an…
Ranran Suzuki (鈴木 蘭々, Suzuki Ranran; real name: 鈴木智子 Suzuki Tomoko, born August 1975) is a Japanese actress. She was an idol and singer in the 1990s.
Jun Natsukawa (夏川 純, Jun Natsukawa; born 19 September 1980) is a Japanese gravure idol from Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan.
Kazuki Kosakai (小堺一機, Kosakai Kazuki) (born January 3, 1956) is a Japanese comedian and actor from Ichikawa, Chiba. He…
Kazuki Kosakai (小堺一機, Kosakai Kazuki) (born January 3, 1956) is a Japanese comedian and actor from Ichikawa, Chiba. He is attached to Asaikikaku.