Taro Shigaki (志垣 太郎, Shigaki Tarō; born Minoru Kawamura (河村 稔, Kawamura Minori), September 22, 1951 – March 5, 2022)…Taro Shigaki (志垣 太郎, Shigaki Tarō; born Minoru Kawamura (河村 稔, Kawamura Minori), September 22, 1951 – March 5, 2022) was a Japanese actor and voice actor. He was married to Noriko Shirasaka and they had one child, Takumi Kazune.
Masatoshi Nakamura (中村 雅俊, Nakamura Masatoshi; born February 1, 1951) is a Japanese actor and singer from Onagawa…Masatoshi Nakamura (中村 雅俊, Nakamura Masatoshi; born February 1, 1951) is a Japanese actor and singer from Onagawa, Miyagi. He graduated from Keio University. Nakamura joined the Bungakuza theater troupe in 1973 and made his television debut in 1974 with "Warera Seishun. Masatoshi made his film debut with "Fureai" in the same year . He won his first major award at the Elan d'or Awards in 1975. In 1977, he married actress Junko Igarashi until her death on April 28, 2026. In 2012, he played the role of Fumimaro Konoe in the Peter Webber's film Emperor. As a singer his first single "Fureai" peaked at number 1 in the Japanese single record chart in 1974. Besides "Fureai" he has several other hit songs such as "Oretachi no Tabi" and "Koibito mo Nureru Machikado". "Nakamura appeared in the Kōhaku Uta Gassen in 1982 and 2012.
Masaki Kanda (Japanese: 神田 正輝, Hepburn: Kanda Masaki; born December 21, 1950) is a Japanese actor. He is well known for…Masaki Kanda (Japanese: 神田 正輝, Hepburn: Kanda Masaki; born December 21, 1950) is a Japanese actor. He is well known for his role as Doc (Akira Saijō in Taiyō ni Hoero!). His ex-wife is singer Seiko Matsuda and their daughter was actress Sayaka Kanda.
Akiko Wada (和田 アキ子, Wada Akiko; born April 10, 1950) is an ethnically Korean/Japanese singer, tarento and businesswoman…Akiko Wada (和田 アキ子, Wada Akiko; born April 10, 1950) is an ethnically Korean/Japanese singer, tarento and businesswoman from Tennōji-ku, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture. She has various nicknames, one being "Akko". Due to her above-average height (174 cm or 5’8.5"), she is also nicknamed jotei (女帝), meaning "empress".
Yasunori Shimura (志村 康徳, Shimura Yasunori; February 20, 1950 – March 29, 2020), known professionally as Ken Shimura (志村…Yasunori Shimura (志村 康徳, Shimura Yasunori; February 20, 1950 – March 29, 2020), known professionally as Ken Shimura (志村 けん, Shimura Ken), was a Japanese comedian. He was born in Higashimurayama, Tokyo. He started his career as an assistant to the comedy band The Drifters, led by Chōsuke Ikariya. In 1974, He joined the group, replacing Chū Arai. He appeared as members of the group on popular comedy shows that gained massive popularity from the 1970s to the 1980s. Hachiji-dayo! Zen'in-shūgō achieved the highest viewership rating of 50.5%, and The Drifters Daibakushō (ドリフ大爆笑) reached 40.4% viewership. These shows made him nationally popular. After the end of Hachiji-dayo! in 1985, he began to work independently as well. He appeared on shows like Kato-chan Ken-chan Gokigen TV (加トちゃんケンちゃんごきげんテレビ), with Cha Katō, a fellow member of the group, Shimura Ken no Daijōbu-dā (志村けんのだいじょうぶだぁ)," and Shimura Ken no Baka Tono-sama (志村けんのバカ殿様), portraying characters like Baka Tono-sama (バカ殿様, Stupid Lord) and Hen na Oji-san (変なおじさん, Strange Older Man). These characters became highly popular. Shimura's comedic work was inspired in part by that of Jerry Lewis.
Kensaku Morita (森田 健作, Morita Kensaku; born 16 December 1949; birth name: 鈴木 栄治 Eiji Suzuki) is a retired Japanese…Kensaku Morita (森田 健作, Morita Kensaku; born 16 December 1949; birth name: 鈴木 栄治 Eiji Suzuki) is a retired Japanese politician, actor and singer. He was elected to three terms as governor of Chiba Prefecture, serving from April 2009 to April 2021.
Takajin Yashiki (やしき たかじん, Yashiki Takajin; real name Takaji Yashiki (家鋪 隆仁, Yashiki Takaji)), often referred to as…Takajin Yashiki (やしき たかじん, Yashiki Takajin; real name Takaji Yashiki (家鋪 隆仁, Yashiki Takaji)), often referred to as simply Takajin (たかじん), (5 October 1949 – 3 January 2014) was a Japanese singer and television personality. Born in Nishinari-ku, Osaka, Japan, to a Zainichi-issei Korean father Gonzaburou ((unknown surname) 權三郞) and a Japanese mother Mitsuko Yashiki (Japanese: 家鋪光子), he started his singing career in the 1970s in Gion, Kyoto, and then moved to Shimokitazawa, Tokyo in 1980. In 1981, he sang the theme song of the first movie of the Mobile Suit Gundam, Suna no Jūjika and it sold thirteen thousand CDs. He moved back to Osaka in 1982 and had been active mainly in the Kansai region since then. He sang many songs about Osaka such as Yappa Suki Yanen (1986), Osaka Koi Monogatari (1989), Nametonka (1990) and Tokyo (1993). He was popular in Kansai as a frank television presenter. Having made public his dislike of Tokyo, Takajin rarely made appearances on TV stations in Tokyo. He also kept a blacklist of people he wouldn't appear with. His trademark was sunglasses. He wore them because of his taste and glaucoma. In January 2012, he announced that he had been diagnosed with esophageal cancer, and that he would take a leave and concentrate on its treatment. He made a short comeback in 2013, but he died on January 3, 2014. Takajin owned five racehorses between years 1998-2006.
Tetsuya Takeda (武田 鉄矢, Takeda Tetsuya; born April 11, 1949) is a Japanese folk singer and actor. Takeda is perhaps most…Tetsuya Takeda (武田 鉄矢, Takeda Tetsuya; born April 11, 1949) is a Japanese folk singer and actor. Takeda is perhaps most known in Japan for his starring role in the Tokyo Broadcasting System's long-running, highly rated television drama Mr. Kinpachi of the Third-Year B Class. The program, targeted at junior high and high school-aged adolescents, ran on TBS with Takeda at various times from 1979 until 2011. Takeda wrote and performed several well-known songs, including "Childhood", the theme song for the 1985 animated film Doraemon: Nobita's Little Star Wars. Takeda's 1980 song, "The Word I Give to You", is often performed at junior high school and high school graduation ceremonies in Japan. Previous to his appearance on Kinpachi, Takeda studied to be a teacher at Fukuoka University of Education. He later formed a folk music group called Kaientai. The song "Okuru Kotoba", which Takeda wrote and performed with Kaientai, actually had nothing to do with schooling, but is reportedly associated with education because of Takeda's role in Kinpachi.
Norikazu Otsuka (大塚 範一, Ōtsuka Norikazu; born 28 September 1948) is a Japanese TV presenter. He was the main presenter…Norikazu Otsuka (大塚 範一, Ōtsuka Norikazu; born 28 September 1948) is a Japanese TV presenter. He was the main presenter of Fuji TV's morning TV magazine show Mezamashi TV from its start in 1994 until he left the show in November 2011 due to illness.
Yūki Meguro (Japanese: 目黒祐樹) is a Japanese actor. He is the son of jidaigeki actor Jūshirō Konoe and had an older…Yūki Meguro (Japanese: 目黒祐樹) is a Japanese actor. He is the son of jidaigeki actor Jūshirō Konoe and had an older brother Hiroki Matsukata. He was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or a Special for his work in Shōgun in 1981.
Kikko Matsuoka (松岡 きっこ, Matsuoka Kikko; born February 11, 1947) is a Japanese actress. Her real name is Kikuko Matsuoka…Kikko Matsuoka (松岡 きっこ, Matsuoka Kikko; born February 11, 1947) is a Japanese actress. Her real name is Kikuko Matsuoka (松岡 紀公子, Matsuoka Kikuko).
Junji Takada (高田純次, Takada Junji; born January 21, 1947), also known by the nicknames "Jun chan" (純ちゃん), "Uncle Jun"…Junji Takada (高田純次, Takada Junji; born January 21, 1947), also known by the nicknames "Jun chan" (純ちゃん), "Uncle Jun" (純じい, Jun jī) and "TJ", is a Japanese actor and comedian. Takada was born in Chōfu, Tokyo. He is known for the variety show Tensai, Takeshi no Genki ga Deru Terebi that was hosted by Takeshi Kitano and premiered on NTV from 1985 to 1996. On April 9, 2017, Takada began co-hosting a radio program with manga artist Naoki Urasawa. Junji and Naoki (純次と直樹) airs Sundays at 5pm on Nippon Cultural Broadcasting and features both men talking about their lives, professions, and favorite hobbies.
Masaaki Sakai (堺 正章, Sakai Masaaki; born June 6, 1946 as Masaaki Kurihara (栗原 正章, Kurihara Masaaki)) is a popular…Masaaki Sakai (堺 正章, Sakai Masaaki; born June 6, 1946 as Masaaki Kurihara (栗原 正章, Kurihara Masaaki)) is a popular Japanese performer from Tokyo. He is best known to English-speaking audiences as the title star of the TV show Monkey.
Goro Ibuki (伊吹 吾郎, Ibuki Gorō; born January 2, 1946) is a Japanese actor. He is known for his parts in jidaigeki…Goro Ibuki (伊吹 吾郎, Ibuki Gorō; born January 2, 1946) is a Japanese actor. He is known for his parts in jidaigeki television dramas, especially Kakusan in the Mito Kōmon series. He appeared in Samurai Sentai Shinkenger as Hikoma Kusakabe.
Junko Terashima (Japanese: 寺島 純子, Hepburn: Terashima Junko; born 1 December 1945), known professionally as Sumiko Fuji…Junko Terashima (Japanese: 寺島 純子, Hepburn: Terashima Junko; born 1 December 1945), known professionally as Sumiko Fuji (富司 純子, Fuji Sumiko), is a Japanese actress. She began acting in the 1960s under the name Junko Fuji (藤 純子, Fuji Junko), becoming famous as the female lead in yakuza films opposite such stars as Kōji Tsuruta and Ken Takakura. She even starred in her own series as the sword-wielding gambler Red Peony in the Hibotan Bakuto series. Initially retiring in 1972 after getting married, she began appearing on TV in 1974 under her real name. She later returned to films in 1989 using the name Sumiko Fuji, and expanded her acting repertoire. She won the Blue Ribbon Award for best supporting actress in 1999 and 2006. She is married to the kabuki actor Onoe Kikugorō VII and is the mother of the actress Shinobu Terajima and the kabuki actor Onoe Kikugorō VIII.
Sayuri Yoshinaga (吉永 小百合, Yoshinaga Sayuri) is a Japanese actress and activist. She has won four Japan Academy Best…Sayuri Yoshinaga (吉永 小百合, Yoshinaga Sayuri) is a Japanese actress and activist. She has won four Japan Academy Best Actress awards, more than any other actress, and has been called "one of the foremost stars in the postwar world of film."
Masataka Itsumi (逸見 政孝, Itsumi Masataka; February 16, 1945 – December 25, 1993) was a Japanese television announcer…Masataka Itsumi (逸見 政孝, Itsumi Masataka; February 16, 1945 – December 25, 1993) was a Japanese television announcer, tarento, writer, singer and master of ceremonies. His nickname was "It's me". He was friends with Shingo Yamashiro. His son, Taro Itsumi is an actor, and his daughter, Ai Itsumi is an actress, tarento, and announcer. Born in Osaka, Itsumi became a popular master of ceremonies. He was the only person who was able to govern three big talents; Takeshi Kitano, Sanma Akashiya and Tamori. On 6 September 1993, he announced that he was suffering from stomach cancer. Japanese mass media reported on his condition. He died of linitis plastica on December 25, 1993, at the age of 48.
Hiroshi Kume (久米 宏, Kume Hiroshi; 14 July 1944 – 1 January 2026) was a Japanese television and radio presenter…Hiroshi Kume (久米 宏, Kume Hiroshi; 14 July 1944 – 1 January 2026) was a Japanese television and radio presenter, journalist, author, and goodwill ambassador for Germany. He was the host of the TBS radio talk show Kume Hiroshi Radio Nandesukedo. From 1978 to 1985, he served as host of pop music show The Best Ten. From October 1985 to March 2004, he was the anchor for TV Asahi's news program News Station.
Eiichi Kikuchi (きくち 英一, Kikuchi Eiichi)（real/former name in kanji: 菊池 英一) (born August 21, 1942, in Tokyo Metropolis)…Eiichi Kikuchi (きくち 英一, Kikuchi Eiichi)（real/former name in kanji: 菊池 英一) (born August 21, 1942, in Tokyo Metropolis) is a Japanese actor. He has appeared in several episodes of the Ultra Series.
Hisashi "Kyu" Sakamoto (Japanese: 坂本 九, Hepburn: Sakamoto Hisashi or Sakamoto Kyū; 10 December 1941 – 12 August 1985)…Hisashi "Kyu" Sakamoto (Japanese: 坂本 九, Hepburn: Sakamoto Hisashi or Sakamoto Kyū; 10 December 1941 – 12 August 1985), legally registered as Hisashi Ōshima (大島 九, Ōshima Hisashi) since 1956, was a Japanese singer and actor. He was best known outside Japan for his international hit song "Ue o Muite Arukō" (known as "Sukiyaki" in English-speaking markets), which was sung in Japanese and sold over 13 million copies. It reached number one in the United States Billboard Hot 100 in June 1963, making Sakamoto the first Asian recording artist to have a number one song on the chart. He was also the first Japanese artist to have a number one single on the Australian singles chart. Sakamoto died on 12 August 1985 in the crash of Japan Air Lines Flight 123.
Kōji Ishizaka (石坂 浩二, Ishizaka Kōji; born 20 June 1941 in Tokyo as Heikichi Mutō (武藤 兵吉, Mutō Heikichi)) is a Japanese…Kōji Ishizaka (石坂 浩二, Ishizaka Kōji; born 20 June 1941 in Tokyo as Heikichi Mutō (武藤 兵吉, Mutō Heikichi)) is a Japanese actor. Ishizaka graduated from Keio University with a B.L. degree. He serves as a special advisor for the Japan Plamodel Industry Association, and on 23 February 2009, he founded Rowguanes, a plastic model enthusiast group for the baby boomers. He starred as Kosuke Kindaichi in the 1970s series of Kindaichi films.
Kinichi Hagimoto (萩本 欽一, Hagimoto Kin'ichi; born May 7, 1941) is a Japanese comedian. He is active as a stage…Kinichi Hagimoto (萩本 欽一, Hagimoto Kin'ichi; born May 7, 1941) is a Japanese comedian. He is active as a stage performer, emcee, and manager of the amateur Ibaraki Golden Golds (ibaraki goruden goruzu) of the Japanese Baseball Association (nippon yakyuu renmei). Born in the Taito ward of Tokyo, Japan, he graduated from Komagome High School, and now belongs to the Asai Kikaku talent agency. He is called "Kin-chan" by fans and those within the entertainment industry. He is also known as "Hagimo", "Kin", etc. Amongst the many entertainers he has developed on his shows, who are known as the "Kinchan Family", he is known as "Taisho" ("The General"). In the 1970s and 80s, with acts like "nande so naru no!" ("Why does that happen?!") and physical comedy such as his distinctive "Kinchan run" (based on Hachiro Azuma) he blossomed into a polished professional. Many of his famous lines like "dochira dake" and "banzaai nashi yo" are still heard today. Some comedic jargon such as "ukeru" (and "yaya uke", "baka uke", etc.) that have become common Japanese words are said to have originated from his variety show Kinchan No Don To Itte Miyo. He presented three successful variety programmes in the 1970s and 1980s, and by the mid-1980s was one of the most popular comedians on Japanese television.
Kazuo Tokumitsu (徳光 和夫, Tokumitsu Kazuo; born 10 March 1941 in Meguro, Tokyo) is a Japanese TV presenter and announcer.…Kazuo Tokumitsu (徳光 和夫, Tokumitsu Kazuo; born 10 March 1941 in Meguro, Tokyo) is a Japanese TV presenter and announcer. He is the main presenter on the Nippon Television Sunday morning TV topical news programme The Sunday Next. He is also the main presenter on the Tokyo Broadcasting System programme Kazuo Tokumitsu's Moving Reunions (徳光和夫の感動再会"逢いたい", Tokumitsu Kazuo no Kando Saikai "Aitai"). He is a big fan of Yomiuri Giants.
Eiji Bandō (板東 英二, Bandō Eiji; April 5, 1940 – July 22, 2026) was a Japanese television entertainer, baseball player…Eiji Bandō (板東 英二, Bandō Eiji; April 5, 1940 – July 22, 2026) was a Japanese television entertainer, baseball player and YouTuber. He pitched many innings in his high school career. The Japan High School Baseball Federation was afraid that he would injure his arm, so they set a new rematch rule in 1958. However, he pitched 18 innings in a 1958 quarterfinal game, which resulted in the first rematch in the National High School Baseball Championship. He reached the final, but did not win. His record of 83 strikeouts in the tournament remains unbroken. He joined Chunichi Dragons but it is said that he did not regain his pitching strength. He could not extend his elbow even then. Bandō died from chronic heart failure on July 22, 2026, at the age of 86.
Taichirō Hirokawa (広川 太一郎, Hirokawa Taichirō; February 15, 1939 – March 3, 2008) was a Japanese voice actor and…Taichirō Hirokawa (広川 太一郎, Hirokawa Taichirō; February 15, 1939 – March 3, 2008) was a Japanese voice actor and narrator. He was born in Tokyo on February 15, 1939, and died on March 3, 2008, in Shibuya from cancer. His death was announced at the beginning of the 2nd Seiyu Awards.
Shingo Yamashiro (山城 新伍, Yamashiro Shingo; November 10, 1938 – August 12, 2009) was a Japanese television and film…Shingo Yamashiro (山城 新伍, Yamashiro Shingo; November 10, 1938 – August 12, 2009) was a Japanese television and film actor.
Tatsuo Umemiya (梅宮 辰夫, Umemiya Tatsuo; 11 March 1938 – 12 December 2019) was a Japanese actor, tarento, and…Tatsuo Umemiya (梅宮 辰夫, Umemiya Tatsuo; 11 March 1938 – 12 December 2019) was a Japanese actor, tarento, and businessman. He was represented by the agency Pickles. His daughter is model and tarento Anna Umemiya. The son of a doctor, Umemiya gave up a medical career to debut as a Toei New Face at the Toei Studios. As an actor, he appeared in films and television dramas and also in restaurant variety shows. Umemiya died of kidney failure on 12 December 2019. He was 81 years old.
Yōko Nogiwa (野際 陽子, Nogiwa Yōko; 24 January 1936 – 13 June 2017) was a Japanese actress. Her acting career spanned from…Yōko Nogiwa (野際 陽子, Nogiwa Yōko; 24 January 1936 – 13 June 2017) was a Japanese actress. Her acting career spanned from 1958 until 2017.
Shinji Maki (牧 伸二, Maki Shinji; 26 September 1934 - 29 April 2013) was a Japanese mandan comedian who played the…Shinji Maki (牧 伸二, Maki Shinji; 26 September 1934 - 29 April 2013) was a Japanese mandan comedian who played the ukulele.
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.
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."
Yasuo Yamada (山田 康雄, Yamada Yasuo; 10 September 1932 – 19 March 1995) was a Japanese actor, voice actor and narrator.…Yasuo Yamada (山田 康雄, Yamada Yasuo; 10 September 1932 – 19 March 1995) was a Japanese actor, voice actor and narrator. His most well known and famous role was portraying Arsène Lupin III in the Lupin III series from 1971 to 1995. He was also the official Japanese dubbing voice actor of Clint Eastwood and Jean-Paul Belmondo.
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.
Hisato Aikura (相倉久人, 8 December 1931 in Tokyo – 8 July 2015) was a Japanese music critic and jazz presenter. He was…Hisato Aikura (相倉久人, 8 December 1931 in Tokyo – 8 July 2015) was a Japanese music critic and jazz presenter. He was known for critique of musicians such as John Coltrane.
Chōsuke Ikariya (いかりや長介, Ikariya Chōsuke; November 1, 1931 – March 20, 2004) was a Japanese comedian and film actor…Chōsuke Ikariya (いかりや長介, Ikariya Chōsuke; November 1, 1931 – March 20, 2004) was a Japanese comedian and film actor, and leader of the comedy group The Drifters. His nickname was "Chō-san" (長さん).
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.
Kenji Suzuki (鈴木 健二, Suzuki Kenji; 23 January 1929 – 29 March 2024) was a Japanese freelancer moderator and former…Kenji Suzuki (鈴木 健二, Suzuki Kenji; 23 January 1929 – 29 March 2024) was a Japanese freelancer moderator and former television announcer of NHK General TV. He is best known for as an executive announcer for NHK (with director status) from 1952 until his retirement 1988. He is also best known for hosting programs, such as History Invitation and Interesting Quiz Seminar, which he achieved high ratings, and also, he written many books, including The Recommendation of Consideration, which became a bestseller in Japan. Recently, Suzuki became as a director of Kumamoto Prefectural Theater, where he worked on restoring traditional performing arts with among others. In 1998, Suzuki also became as a director of Aomori Prefectural Library and Aomori Prefecture Museum of Modern Literature. He is the younger brother of Japanese film director Seijun Suzuki (1923–2017). Suzuki died of natural causes at the hospital in Fukuoka on 29 March 2024, at the age of 95.
Hiroshi Koizumi (小泉博, Koizumi Hiroshi; birth name written as 小泉 汪) (12 August 1926 – 31 May 2015) was a Japanese actor…Hiroshi Koizumi (小泉博, Koizumi Hiroshi; birth name written as 小泉 汪) (12 August 1926 – 31 May 2015) was a Japanese actor, best known for his starring role in the 1955 film Godzilla Raids Again as well as other Toho Studios monster movies. He was born in Japan. He is a graduate of Keio University in Tokyo. In a 1999 interview with Steve Ryfle, Koizumi laments that while he stated he has easy parts to play, he felt he could have done more in his performances. Despite his roles where he usually plays a scientist, he plays a powerful role in Late Chrysanthemums, playing a young man that married an older wealthy woman to escape from the slums. On 31 May 2015, Koizumi died at a hospital in Tokyo from pneumonia at the age of 88.
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.
Hiroshi Sekiguchi (関口 宏, Sekiguchi Hiroshi; born 13 July 1943) is a Japanese actor, tarento, television presenter…Hiroshi Sekiguchi (関口 宏, Sekiguchi Hiroshi; born 13 July 1943) is a Japanese actor, tarento, television presenter, newscaster, businessman and manager. He is a representative of the talent agency Sankei. He lives in Setagaya, Tokyo. He is the eldest of two brothers. Sekiguchi's father is Shuji Sano, who was also an actor, and his brother is Mamoru Sano. His wife is singer Sachiko Nishida, and his son is actor and tarento Tomohiro Sekiguchi. Sekiguchi's grandfather is Kamijiro Sekiguchi (Konsan Sekiguchi) who was a steeplejack for the National Diet Building. His high school classmate was Ryuzo Hayashi, who was also an actor.
Tigarah (Japanese: ティガラ) is a Japanese house and dance music DJ and producer. She studied politics at Keio University…Tigarah (Japanese: ティガラ) is a Japanese house and dance music DJ and producer. She studied politics at Keio University in Tokyo. Early in her career, she was the first Japanese Baile Funk rapper. She is now is a house and dance music producer based in Paris, France. Tigarah's time in LA, along with her first EP, created a buzz which landed her "It-girl" status in the global market. Her features in publications such as Los Angeles Times, Dazed & Confused, Rolling Stone, VH1 and many more, leading to four of her songs being used for EA Sports, FIFA 2008 & 2009, FaceBreaker and Need for Speed: Carbon. Tigarah has released two albums: The Funkeira goes GANG! (2010) and This World Is My Playground (2015) from Universal Music Japan. In 2016, her track with Lewis Cancut "Say OK featuring Tigarah" working with NLV Records in Australia, as well as her collaboration with British rock band Keane for their EP Night Train the cover track of YMO "You’ve got to help yourself" amplified her brand with her tracks being played on Diplo and Skrillex's Radio. Tigarah was the face of Proactiv from 2016 to 2017. She wrote for Cosmopolitan Japan and ELLE girl. She has also been the face of E! Entertainment Japan since 2016. She moved to Paris in 2019 and focused on her DJ career signing with RCA, Sony France. Her single "Je t’emmène au vent feat. Lea Paci" made a buzz on radio and was on Hits Français. Her music video has almost 2 million views.
