Keisuke Kanoh (狩野 恵輔, Kanoh Keisuke; born December 17, 1982) is a Japanese former professional baseball outfielder. He…Keisuke Kanoh (狩野 恵輔, Kanoh Keisuke; born December 17, 1982) is a Japanese former professional baseball outfielder. He played in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) for the Hanshin Tigers from 2004 to 2017.
Tsunehira Furuya (古谷 経衡 Furuya Tsunehira; born November 10, 1982 Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan) is a Japanese critic…Tsunehira Furuya (古谷 経衡 Furuya Tsunehira; born November 10, 1982 Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan) is a Japanese critic, writer, and political activist. Since November 2014, he has been the president of the non-profit Koto Video Promotion Agency.
Takashi Toritani (鳥谷 敬, Toritani Takashi; born June 26, 1981) is a Japanese former professional baseball shortstop…Takashi Toritani (鳥谷 敬, Toritani Takashi; born June 26, 1981) is a Japanese former professional baseball shortstop, commentator, critic, and coach. Toritani was one of the most highly coveted position players in years as a senior for Waseda University in 2003. He holds the current NPB record for most consecutive games played without missing an inning as a shortstop, and appeared in every Tigers game for over 13 years from 2005 to May 27, 2018 (1,939 regular season games).
Shinya Tsuruoka (鶴岡 慎也, born April 11, 1981, in Kagoshima, Japan) is a Japanese professional baseball catcher for the…Shinya Tsuruoka (鶴岡 慎也, born April 11, 1981, in Kagoshima, Japan) is a Japanese professional baseball catcher for the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball.
Hichori Morimoto (Japanese: 森本 稀哲, Korean: 이희철, Hanja: 李稀哲, born January 31, 1981) is a Japanese professional baseball…Hichori Morimoto (Japanese: 森本 稀哲, Korean: 이희철, Hanja: 李稀哲, born January 31, 1981) is a Japanese professional baseball player of Korean descent for the Saitama Seibu Lions. He was the number 4 draft pick for the Fighters in 1999. For years, he was the backup for the most popular player in the league, Tsuyoshi Shinjo. After the 2006 season in which the Fighters won the Japan Series, SHINJO (registered name with capital letters) announced his retirement, in which Morimoto then took over SHINJO's center field spot, and also his number 1 (Morimoto had worn number 46 when SHINJO was playing). Morimoto has alopecia areata, an autoimmune disease that causes loss of body hair.
Daisuke Matsuzaka (松坂 大輔, Matsuzaka Daisuke; [matsɯꜜzaka daꜜisɯ̥ke]; born September 13, 1980) is a Japanese former…Daisuke Matsuzaka (松坂 大輔, Matsuzaka Daisuke; [matsɯꜜzaka daꜜisɯ̥ke]; born September 13, 1980) is a Japanese former professional baseball pitcher, who pitched professionally for 23 seasons, 16 of them in NPB, 7 in MLB. He is currently a baseball color commentator, critic, reporter, and YouTuber. Daisuke is nicknamed "the Monster of the Heisei Era" (平成の怪物, heisei no kaibutsu) in Japan and "Dice-K" in the United States by The Boston Globe and USA Today. He played for the Boston Red Sox and New York Mets of Major League Baseball (MLB) and the Saitama Seibu Lions, Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks and Chunichi Dragons of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). Internationally, Matsuzaka represented Japan. Matsuzaka was selected the All-World Baseball Classic Team and World Baseball Classic MVP of the inaugural and the second World Baseball Classic, and is an Olympic bronze medalist. He is the first player to have won both a World Series and a World Baseball Classic, winning the 2006 World Baseball Classic with Team Japan and the 2007 World Series with the Red Sox.
Yōsuke Hiraishi (平石 洋介, Hiraishi Yōsuke; born April 23, 1980 in Kitsuki, Ōita, Japan) is a former Japanese Nippon…Yōsuke Hiraishi (平石 洋介, Hiraishi Yōsuke; born April 23, 1980 in Kitsuki, Ōita, Japan) is a former Japanese Nippon Professional Baseball player.
Taizō Sugimura (杉村 太蔵, Sugimura Taizō; born 13 August 1979) is a Japanese politician and a member of the Diet of Japan…Taizō Sugimura (杉村 太蔵, Sugimura Taizō; born 13 August 1979) is a Japanese politician and a member of the Diet of Japan, representing the Liberal Democratic Party until 2009. He ran in House of Councillors election in 2010 as a proportional candidate of the Sunrise Party of Japan. Sugimura was born in Asahikawa, Hokkaidō. He attended the University of Tsukuba but dropped out in 2004. Sugimura became the youngest member of the House of Representatives after the 11 September 2005 general election. He was not expected to win a seat, as he had been placed in 35th position on the LDP's proportional representation ticket for the Minami-Kanto bloc. He first came to media attention for his excitement at the prospect of the range of perks available for elected politicians, including high class restaurants, first class travel on the Shinkansen, and being able to afford a BMW. Sugimura was reprimanded by LDP executives for his comments, and publicly apologised at a news conference on 27 September 2005, saying they had been "immature and irresponsible". Sugimura is a character in a satirical mahjong manga Mudazumo Naki Kaikaku. Sugimura announced his engagement with Aya Kazama (風間文) on 14 March 2006, and their daughter was born on 4 April 2007.
Kei Igawa (井川 慶, Igawa Kei; born July 13, 1979) is a Japanese former left-handed pitcher. He played for the Hanshin…Kei Igawa (井川 慶, Igawa Kei; born July 13, 1979) is a Japanese former left-handed pitcher. He played for the Hanshin Tigers and Orix Buffaloes of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) and New York Yankees of Major League Baseball (MLB). He led all pitchers in the Central League for strikeouts in 2002, 2004 and 2006. He also played in the 2006 Major League Baseball Japan All-Star Series.
Megumi Kobashi (小橋 めぐみ, Kobashi Megumi; born 3 July 1979) is a Japanese actress who has appeared in a number of…Megumi Kobashi (小橋 めぐみ, Kobashi Megumi; born 3 July 1979) is a Japanese actress who has appeared in a number of television series, feature films and stage productions. She is represented by the agency FMG. She was born in Tokyo.
Atsushi Nomi (能見 篤史, Nōmi Atsushi; born May 28, 1979) is a former Japanese professional baseball pitcher. He played for…Atsushi Nomi (能見 篤史, Nōmi Atsushi; born May 28, 1979) is a former Japanese professional baseball pitcher. He played for the Hanshin Tigers in the Central League for most of his career. He ended his career as a player-coach for the Orix Buffaloes of the Pacific League.
Shinobu Fukuhara (福原 忍, Fukuhara Shinobu; born December 28, 1976, in Miyoshi, Hiroshima, Japan) is a retired Japanese…Shinobu Fukuhara (福原 忍, Fukuhara Shinobu; born December 28, 1976, in Miyoshi, Hiroshima, Japan) is a retired Japanese baseball pitcher for the Hanshin Tigers. He was the number three draft pick for the Hanshin Tigers in 1999. In 2014 and 2015, he was a 2x Central League Middle Reliever.
Tomoya Satozaki (里崎 智也, Satozaki Tomoya; born May 20, 1976, in Naruto, Tokushima, Japan) is a former Japanese…Tomoya Satozaki (里崎 智也, Satozaki Tomoya; born May 20, 1976, in Naruto, Tokushima, Japan) is a former Japanese professional baseball catcher. He played his entire career in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) for the Chiba Lotte Marines. He played for Japan in the 2006 World Baseball Classic, and made the 2006 All-World Baseball Classic team.
Norihiro Akahoshi (赤星 憲広, Akahoshi Norihiro; born April 10, 1976) is a Japanese former professional baseball…Norihiro Akahoshi (赤星 憲広, Akahoshi Norihiro; born April 10, 1976) is a Japanese former professional baseball outfielder. He played in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) for the Hanshin Tigers from 2001 to 2009.
Kazuo Matsui (松井 稼頭央, Matsui Kazuo; born October 23, 1975) is a Japanese former professional baseball player who played…Kazuo Matsui (松井 稼頭央, Matsui Kazuo; born October 23, 1975) is a Japanese former professional baseball player who played as a shortstop and is a former manager of the Saitama Seibu Lions. He is a switch-hitter. Matsui signed with the New York Mets on December 17, 2003, becoming the first Japanese infielder to sign with a Major League Baseball team.
Hisanori Takahashi (高橋 尚成, Takahashi Hisanori; born April 2, 1975) is a Japanese former professional baseball pitcher.…Hisanori Takahashi (高橋 尚成, Takahashi Hisanori; born April 2, 1975) is a Japanese former professional baseball pitcher. He began his professional career in NPB with the Yomiuri Giants, and played in Major League Baseball for the New York Mets, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Chicago Cubs.
Tadahito Iguchi (井口 資仁, Iguchi Tadahito; born December 4, 1974), nicknamed "Gucci", is a Japanese professional baseball…Tadahito Iguchi (井口 資仁, Iguchi Tadahito; born December 4, 1974), nicknamed "Gucci", is a Japanese professional baseball second baseman and former manager of the Chiba Lotte Marines of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). As a member of the Chicago White Sox in 2005, Iguchi became the first fully Japanese position player to win the World Series, and the second Japanese-born position player to win the World Series behind Dave Roberts.
Hitoki Iwase (岩瀬 仁紀, born November 10, 1974) is a Japanese former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Nippon…Hitoki Iwase (岩瀬 仁紀, born November 10, 1974) is a Japanese former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) from 1999 to 2018 for the Chunichi Dragons. He holds the NPB record for career saves and mound appearances. In 2005, he marked 46 saves with a 1.88 ERA, renewing the single-season save record previously set by Kazuhiro Sasaki. This was subsequently broken by Dennis Sarfate of the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks in 2017. He was chosen to play on the Japanese Olympic baseball team for the 2004 Summer Olympics, and won a bronze medal. In the 2007 Japan Series, he saved a perfect game with eight innings thrown by Daisuke Yamai. In 2008, he was selected to play on the Japanese Olympic baseball team for the 2008 Summer Olympics. In group stage against South Korean Olympic baseball team, his pitch was hit by Kim Hyunsoo, which resulted in a loss. In the semifinal round against the South Korean team, his pitch was hit by Lee Seung-Yeop, leading to a two-run homerun. This again led to another loss. His overall performance in the 2008 Summer Olympics included three defeats and an ERA of 13.75. On 16 January 2025, Iwase was inducted into the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame.
Mayuko Toyota (豊田 真由子) (born 10 October 1974) is a Japanese politician and former bureaucrat at the Ministry of Health…Mayuko Toyota (豊田 真由子) (born 10 October 1974) is a Japanese politician and former bureaucrat at the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. From 2012 to 2017, she served two terms in the House of Representatives as a member of the Liberal Democratic Party. In August 2017, she left the LDP after being accused of assault by her secretary. In 2026, she gained a seat again in the House of Representatives as a member of Sanseitō.
Hiroshi Shibahara (柴原 洋, Shibahara Hiroshi; born May 23, 1974) is a Japanese professional baseball player. An…Hiroshi Shibahara (柴原 洋, Shibahara Hiroshi; born May 23, 1974) is a Japanese professional baseball player. An outfielder, he is currently with the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball.
Takayuki Shimizu (清水 隆行, Shimizu Takayuki; born October 23, 1973, in Tokyo, Japan) is a former professional baseball…Takayuki Shimizu (清水 隆行, Shimizu Takayuki; born October 23, 1973, in Tokyo, Japan) is a former professional baseball outfielder for Nippon Professional Baseball. He was the Number 3 draft pick by the Yomiuri Giants in 1996 and played for them until 2008. After retiring as a player, he was a Giants coach.
Narihiro Inamura (稲村 成浩, Inamura Narihiro; born 18 December 1971) is a Japanese cyclist. He competed in two events at…Narihiro Inamura (稲村 成浩, Inamura Narihiro; born 18 December 1971) is a Japanese cyclist. He competed in two events at the 2000 Summer Olympics.
Hiroki Azuma (東 浩紀, Azuma Hiroki) (born May 9, 1971) is a Japanese cultural critic, novelist, and philosopher. His…Hiroki Azuma (東 浩紀, Azuma Hiroki) (born May 9, 1971) is a Japanese cultural critic, novelist, and philosopher. His specializations include Philosophy, Studies of Culture and Representation, and information society studies. He is a professor at ZEN University and the co-founder of Genron, an independent institute in Tokyo, Japan.
Mitsuru Manaka (真中 満, born January 6, 1971, in Tochigi, Tochigi, Japan) is a former Nippon Professional Baseball…Mitsuru Manaka (真中 満, born January 6, 1971, in Tochigi, Tochigi, Japan) is a former Nippon Professional Baseball outfielder. On October 8, 2014, he was named manager of the Tokyo Yakult Swallows, replacing Junji Ogawa. Manaka had previously been managing the Swallows' farm team.
Takeshi Nakano (中野 剛志, Takeshi Nakano, born October 25, 1971) is a Japanese bureaucrat, conservative critic and scholar…Takeshi Nakano (中野 剛志, Takeshi Nakano, born October 25, 1971) is a Japanese bureaucrat, conservative critic and scholar of economic thought and political thought. Together with Satoshi Fujii, he is the one who introduced Modern Monetary Theory (MMT) to Japan.
Kankurō Kudō (宮藤 官九郎, Kudō Kankurō; born July 19, 1970 in Miyagi Prefecture) is a Japanese screenwriter, dramatist…Kankurō Kudō (宮藤 官九郎, Kudō Kankurō; born July 19, 1970 in Miyagi Prefecture) is a Japanese screenwriter, dramatist, director, actor and member of the theater company Otona Keikaku. He won the 'Best Screenplay' award at the 2002 Japanese Academy Awards for Go, which explores problems faced by people of Korean-heritage living in Japan. He acted in Crying Out Love in the Center of the World, and is also guitarist in the Japanese comedy rock band Group Tamashii.
So Taguchi (田口 壮, Taguchi Sō; born July 2, 1969) is a Japanese former professional baseball outfielder. He played in…So Taguchi (田口 壮, Taguchi Sō; born July 2, 1969) is a Japanese former professional baseball outfielder. He played in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) for the Orix BlueWave / Buffaloes, and in Major League Baseball (MLB) with the St. Louis Cardinals, Philadelphia Phillies, and Chicago Cubs. Taguchi is the third Japanese-born player to win a World Series after Hideki Irabu in 1998 and Tadahito Iguchi in 2005. Taguchi is also the first Japanese player to win two World Series with different teams – with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2006 and the Philadelphia Phillies in 2008.
Tōru Hashimoto (橋下 徹, Hashimoto Tōru; born 29 June 1969) is a Japanese television personality, former politician, and…Tōru Hashimoto (橋下 徹, Hashimoto Tōru; born 29 June 1969) is a Japanese television personality, former politician, and lawyer. He is a former governor of Osaka Prefecture and mayor of City of Osaka. He is a founder of Nippon Ishin no Kai and the Osaka Restoration Association. He is one of Japan's leading right-wing conservative-populist politicians.
Iwao Ohmura (大村 巌, Ohmura Iwao; born May 31, 1969), nicknamed "Fisherman", is a former Nippon Professional Baseball…Iwao Ohmura (大村 巌, Ohmura Iwao; born May 31, 1969), nicknamed "Fisherman", is a former Nippon Professional Baseball outfielder and the current coach of the Yokohama DeNA BayStars.
Shingo Takatsu (高津 臣吾, Takatsu Shingo) (born November 25, 1968) is a Japanese former professional baseball pitcher and…Shingo Takatsu (高津 臣吾, Takatsu Shingo) (born November 25, 1968) is a Japanese former professional baseball pitcher and manager. He had a short stint with the Chicago White Sox where he was the closer for two seasons until struggles closing games ultimately led to his demotion to the minors. Despite being demoted in the summer of 2005, he received a World Series ring with the White Sox. He was signed by the New York Mets during the 2005 season, and he pitched in nine games for New York. After the 2005 season, he returned to the Nippon Professional Baseball. He is known by the nickname "Mr. Zero" because he did not give up a single run in 11 Japan Series games. In the 2004 season, his entrance in home games was accompanied by a video montage and a loud gong. Shingo Takatsu, like many Japanese pitchers, has incorporated pauses into his pitching mechanics in order to throw off batters' timing. His arm angle varies from sidearm to submarine.
Masumi Kuwata (桑田 真澄 Kuwata Masumi, born 1 April 1968 in Yao, Osaka, Japan) is a Japanese former right-handed pitcher.…Masumi Kuwata (桑田 真澄 Kuwata Masumi, born 1 April 1968 in Yao, Osaka, Japan) is a Japanese former right-handed pitcher. He played in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) from 1986 to 2006 for the Yomiuri Giants. He also played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2007. He is the older brother of professional golfer Izumi Kuwata.
Hikaru Ijūin (伊集院光, Ijūin Hikaru), real name Ken Shinooka (篠岡 建), formerly Ken Tanaka (田中 建), born 7 November 1967, is…Hikaru Ijūin (伊集院光, Ijūin Hikaru), real name Ken Shinooka (篠岡 建), formerly Ken Tanaka (田中 建), born 7 November 1967, is a Japanese comedian, radio personality, computer game reviewer, and commentator. He was born in Kita, Tokyo. He is married to former idol Mika Shinooka.
Shinji Sasaoka (佐々岡 真司, born August 26, 1967, in Naka District, Shimane, Japan) is a former Nippon Professional…Shinji Sasaoka (佐々岡 真司, born August 26, 1967, in Naka District, Shimane, Japan) is a former Nippon Professional Baseball pitcher and manager.
Kazuhiro Kiyohara (清原 和博, Kiyohara Kazuhiro; born August 18, 1967) is a Japanese television personality, YouTuber and…Kazuhiro Kiyohara (清原 和博, Kiyohara Kazuhiro; born August 18, 1967) is a Japanese television personality, YouTuber and former professional baseball player. He played in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball league for 23 seasons. He retired following the 2008 season. Born in Kishiwada, Osaka in 1967, his family were baseball fans. He began his career when he joined his high school baseball team in the 1980s that subsequently won two Japanese High School Baseball Championships. He became a widely respected high school player and was selected by Seibu Lions in 1985. During his time with the Lions, the team won six Japan Series titles and he tied the rookie HR record for Japanese professional baseball. In 1996, he joined the Yomiuri Giants, and was an integral part of their 2000 and 2002 Japan Series championship squads. He later joined the Orix Buffaloes, before retiring in 2008. He has been dubbed "The Uncrowned King" as he never won a major batting title, despite being widely regarded as one of NPB's greatest hitters. He is the eighth and currently last player to have hit 500 home runs in NPB history. In 2014, Kiyohara was hospitalized after an alleged illegal drug abuse. At first he denied the allegation, after which he was divorced by his wife Aki Kimura due to domestic violence. After a lengthy investigation, in 2016, Kiyohara tested positive for stimulants and was subsequently arrested and given a suspended prison sentence. After being cast out from television for his conviction, he became a YouTuber posting videos about baseball and weight loss.
Hiromoto Okubo (大久保 博元, born February 1, 1967), nickname "Dave" is a former Nippon Professional Baseball catcher. After…Hiromoto Okubo (大久保 博元, born February 1, 1967), nickname "Dave" is a former Nippon Professional Baseball catcher. After playing, he turned to managing and coaching. In 2015, Hiromoto was promoted from Rakuten's farm team manager to Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles full-time manager. He only lasted one season, however, as he resigned after the team again finished in last place. In Kobe Earthquake Dream Match 1995, he played for the Foreign Dream with registered name "Dave" because without foreign player catcher.
Kenjiro Nomura (野村 謙二郎, Nomura Kenjirō; born September 19, 1966) is a retired Japanese baseball player. He was with the…Kenjiro Nomura (野村 謙二郎, Nomura Kenjirō; born September 19, 1966) is a retired Japanese baseball player. He was with the Hiroshima Toyo Carp of Japan's Central League. He was born in Saiki, Ōita. He led his team into League Champion (1991). His number #7, one of the Honored Numbers of Hiroshima Carp.
Tsuyoshi Yoda (与田 剛, Yoda Tsuyoshi; born December 4, 1965 in Kitakyushu, Fukuoka, Japan) is a Japanese professional…Tsuyoshi Yoda (与田 剛, Yoda Tsuyoshi; born December 4, 1965 in Kitakyushu, Fukuoka, Japan) is a Japanese professional baseball player and manager. He managed of the Chunichi Dragons in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) between 2019 and 2021. Although born in Fukuoka prefecture, Yoda grew up in Kimitsu, Chiba Prefecture. His wife is Tokyo Broadcasting System Television announcer, Hiroko Kiba.
Satoru Komiyama (小宮山 悟, Komiyama Satoru), born September 15, 1965, is a former professional baseball player from…Satoru Komiyama (小宮山 悟, Komiyama Satoru), born September 15, 1965, is a former professional baseball player from Kashiwa, Chiba, Japan. He last played with the Chiba Lotte Marines, and played in the major leagues with the New York Mets in 2002. He is currently the manager for the Waseda University baseball team.
Masahiro 'Masa' Yamamoto (山本昌 (Yamamoto Masa), real name: 山本昌広 (Yamamoto Masahiro), born August 11, 1965, in Chigasaki…Masahiro 'Masa' Yamamoto (山本昌 (Yamamoto Masa), real name: 山本昌広 (Yamamoto Masahiro), born August 11, 1965, in Chigasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture) is a left-handed, retired Japanese professional baseball pitcher. A screwballer, Yamamoto pitched for the Chunichi Dragons in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball for 29 years from 1986 to 2015. He is the oldest Japanese pitcher to win a baseball game. With 200+ career victories, he is a member of Meikyukai.
Hisanobu Watanabe (渡辺 久信 born August 2, 1965) nicknamed "Nabe-Q", is a Japanese former professional baseball pitcher.…Hisanobu Watanabe (渡辺 久信 born August 2, 1965) nicknamed "Nabe-Q", is a Japanese former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) for the Seibu Lions and Yakult Swallows, and in the Taiwan Major League (TML) for the Chiayi-Tainan Luka.
Isao Koda (香田 勲男, Kōda Isao; born May 29, 1965) is a former Japanese Nippon Professional Baseball pitcher. He played…Isao Koda (香田 勲男, Kōda Isao; born May 29, 1965) is a former Japanese Nippon Professional Baseball pitcher. He played for the Yomiuri Giants from 1985 to 1994 and the Osaka Kintetsu Buffaloes from 1995 to 2001. He won a career high 11 games in 1990.
Iehiro Tokugawa (Shinjitai: 徳川家広, Kyūjitai: 德川家廣, Tokugawa Iehiro; born 7 February 1965) is a Japanese author and…Iehiro Tokugawa (Shinjitai: 徳川家広, Kyūjitai: 德川家廣, Tokugawa Iehiro; born 7 February 1965) is a Japanese author and translator who is the 19th generation and current head of the main House of Tokugawa. His great-great-grandfather was the famed Matsudaira Katamori of Aizu, and his maternal great-great-grandfather was Tokugawa Iesato, the sixteenth head of the House of Tokugawa.
Terence Lee (テレンス・リー (Terensu Rī), 1964–), born Yoshiteru Katō 加藤善照 (Katō Yoshiteru), is a Japanese comedian. He is a…Terence Lee (テレンス・リー (Terensu Rī), 1964–), born Yoshiteru Katō 加藤善照 (Katō Yoshiteru), is a Japanese comedian. He is a self-styled ex-mercenary who claims to have been scouted as mercenary in the United Kingdom, and to have worked as a gifted sniper. On December 9, 2009, it was reported that he was severely injured by a drunkard attack, which occurred around Sagamihara Station.
Rintaro Norizuki (法月 綸太郎, Norizuki Rintarō; born 15 October 1964) is a Japanese writer of mystery and crime. He is the…Rintaro Norizuki (法月 綸太郎, Norizuki Rintarō; born 15 October 1964) is a Japanese writer of mystery and crime. He is the President of Honkaku Mystery Writers Club of Japan and one of the representative writers of the new traditionalist movement in Japanese mystery writing. His works have been influenced by Ellery Queen and Ross Macdonald.
Hideyuki Awano (阿波野 秀幸, Awano Hideyuki; born July 28, 1964) is a former Nippon Professional Baseball pitcher for the…Hideyuki Awano (阿波野 秀幸, Awano Hideyuki; born July 28, 1964) is a former Nippon Professional Baseball pitcher for the Kintetsu Buffaloes, Yomiuri Giants, and the Yokohama BayStars.
Hiroo Yamagata (山形 浩生, Yamagata Hiroo; born 13 March 1964) is a Japanese author, critic, economist and translator. He…Hiroo Yamagata (山形 浩生, Yamagata Hiroo; born 13 March 1964) is a Japanese author, critic, economist and translator. He translated some works in computer technology such as The Cathedral and the Bazaar by Eric S. Raymond, Code and Other Laws of Cyberspace by Lawrence Lessig into Japanese. He is the founder and chairman of Project Sugita Genpaku, which is a volunteer effort to translate free content texts into Japanese.
Hiromi Makihara (槙原 寛己, Makihara Hiromi) (born August 11, 1963) is a Japanese former Nippon Professional Baseball…Hiromi Makihara (槙原 寛己, Makihara Hiromi) (born August 11, 1963) is a Japanese former Nippon Professional Baseball pitcher. He was a six-time Central League All-Star, won Rookie of the Year honors, and pitched a perfect game in a 19-year career with the Yomiuri Giants.
Tsutomu Itō (伊東 勤, Itō Tsutomu; born August 29, 1962) is the former manager of Nippon Professional Baseball's Seibu…Tsutomu Itō (伊東 勤, Itō Tsutomu; born August 29, 1962) is the former manager of Nippon Professional Baseball's Seibu Lions. He was the number 1 draft pick for the Seibu Lions in 1982 and went on to play for them until 2003. He was talented at leading pitcher, and led his team to winning 12 Pacific League championships and 10 Japan Series winners. After his retirement, he managed and led his team to the 2004 Japan Series championship. On 30th October 2018, it was announced that Itō would be joining the Chunichi Dragons as head coach under new manager Tsuyoshi Yoda.
