Mari Fukada (深田茉莉, Fukada Mari; born 1 January 2007) is a Japanese snowboarder who competes in the slopestyle and big…Mari Fukada (深田茉莉, Fukada Mari; born 1 January 2007) is a Japanese snowboarder who competes in the slopestyle and big air events. She won the gold medal in the slopestyle event at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Riku Handa (半田 陸, Handa Riku; born 1 January 2002) is a Japanese professional footballer who plays as a right-back for…Riku Handa (半田 陸, Handa Riku; born 1 January 2002) is a Japanese professional footballer who plays as a right-back for J1 League club Gamba Osaka.
Riko Koike (Japanese: 小池 理子, Hepburn: Koike Riko; born 1 January 1991) is a Japanese voice actress from Fukui, Fukui…Riko Koike (Japanese: 小池 理子, Hepburn: Koike Riko; born 1 January 1991) is a Japanese voice actress from Fukui, Fukui Prefecture, affiliated with Millennium Pro. Inspired by the 1994 film Mobile Fighter G Gundam, her voice acting career began in 2015 when she voiced Paru in Chain Chronicle, and she has also starred as Caracal in Kemono Friends 2 and Myamu in Waccha PriMagi!.
Yumi Ishikawa (石川 優実, Ishikawa Yumi; born 1 January 1987) is a Japanese actress, model, political activist and writer.…Yumi Ishikawa (石川 優実, Ishikawa Yumi; born 1 January 1987) is a Japanese actress, model, political activist and writer. She is a founder of the KuToo movement. In 2019, she was included on the BBC's 100 Women list.
Hiroshi Yamashita (born 1 January 1986) is a Japanese rugby union player. He was named in Japan's squad for the 2015…Hiroshi Yamashita (born 1 January 1986) is a Japanese rugby union player. He was named in Japan's squad for the 2015 Rugby World Cup and Chiefs in Super Rugby from 2016.
Shoko Hamada (浜田 翔子, Hamada Shōko; born January 1, 1986) is a Japanese tarento, gravure idol and race queen. In…Shoko Hamada (浜田 翔子, Hamada Shōko; born January 1, 1986) is a Japanese tarento, gravure idol and race queen. In addition, she has released several music CDs, mostly containing cover versions. She also worked for professional wrestling promotion Hustle in 2006, making her debut on September 7 along with fellow tarento Hitomi Kaikawa. She most well known for her appearance as a poster in Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater and its remake Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater.
Hideki Asai (朝井 秀樹, Asai Hideki; born January 1, 1984) is a Nippon Professional Baseball pitcher for the Yomiuri Giants…Hideki Asai (朝井 秀樹, Asai Hideki; born January 1, 1984) is a Nippon Professional Baseball pitcher for the Yomiuri Giants in Japan's Central League.
Emi Kobayashi (小林 恵美, Kobayashi Emi; born January 1, 1983) is a former Japanese gravure idol. She is from Tokyo, and…Emi Kobayashi (小林 恵美, Kobayashi Emi; born January 1, 1983) is a former Japanese gravure idol. She is from Tokyo, and belongs to the show-business production Suns Entertainment. She belonged to Yellow Cab before 2004. She portrayed the hostess who became a nun named Saori in Lion-Maru G.
Kojiro Horimizu (堀水 宏次郎, Horimizu Kōjirō, born 1 January 1982) is a Japanese sports shooter from Zentsūji in Kagawa…Kojiro Horimizu (堀水 宏次郎, Horimizu Kōjirō, born 1 January 1982) is a Japanese sports shooter from Zentsūji in Kagawa Prefecture, Japan.
Koichi Domoto (堂本 光一, Dōmoto Kōichi; born January 1, 1979) is a Japanese idol, singer, actor, singer-songwriter…Koichi Domoto (堂本 光一, Dōmoto Kōichi; born January 1, 1979) is a Japanese idol, singer, actor, singer-songwriter, composer, lyricist, television personality, voice actor. Along with Tsuyoshi Domoto (with whom he has no blood-relation), he is a member of the duo Domoto, who holds the Guinness World Records for having the most consecutive No.1 singles since debut and the most consecutive years with a Japanese No.1 single, and with whom is one of the top 25 best-selling artists of all time in Japan. Although Domoto also actively works as a television actor and host, he is most famous for his musical SHOCK series, which he participates as the lead actor and director at the same time. SHOCK series started at the Tokyo Imperial Theatre in 2000, making him the youngest Zachō (chairman and lead role) and the first idol to perform at Imperial Theatre. With over 2000 performances, SHOCK series is now the most-performed musical and the second most-performed theatre with a single-lead in Japan. In 2018, he starred in the musical Knights' Tale directed by John Caird as well. Domoto will be under agent contract in Starto starting in July 2026.
Jiro Hatoyama (鳩山二郎, Hatoyama Jiro; born 1 January 1979) is a Japanese politician serving as a member of the House of…Jiro Hatoyama (鳩山二郎, Hatoyama Jiro; born 1 January 1979) is a Japanese politician serving as a member of the House of Representatives since 2016. From 2013 to 2016, he served as mayor of Ōkawa. He is the son of Kunio Hatoyama and Emily Hatoyama.
Eiji Mitsuoka (Japanese: 光岡 映二, Mitsuoka Eiji; born January 1, 1976) is a retired Japanese professional mixed martial…Eiji Mitsuoka (Japanese: 光岡 映二, Mitsuoka Eiji; born January 1, 1976) is a retired Japanese professional mixed martial artist. A professional competitor from 2001 until 2012, Mitsuoka fought for the UFC, DREAM, World Victory Road, PRIDE, Shooto, Cage Force, DEEP and King of the Cage promotions. Mitsuoka's nickname Kanaami no Mōshigo (金網の申し子), which translates as "The Heaven-sent Child of the Cage" was given in reference to his earlier career in King of the Cage and his performance in Cage Force.
Eiichiro Oda (Japanese: 尾田 栄一郎, Hepburn: Oda Eiichirō; born January 1, 1975) is a Japanese manga artist and the creator…Eiichiro Oda (Japanese: 尾田 栄一郎, Hepburn: Oda Eiichirō; born January 1, 1975) is a Japanese manga artist and the creator of the series One Piece, the best-selling manga in history and the best-selling comic series printed in volume. With more than 600 million tankōbon copies of One Piece in circulation worldwide, Oda is one of the best-selling fiction authors. The series' popularity resulted in Oda being named one of the artists who changed the history of manga.
Harumi Yoshida (吉田 晴美, Yoshida Harumi; born 1 January 1972) is a Japanese politician who served as a member of the…Harumi Yoshida (吉田 晴美, Yoshida Harumi; born 1 January 1972) is a Japanese politician who served as a member of the House of Representatives for Tokyo's 8th district. She defeated Nobuteru Ishihara in the 2021 Japanese general election. She stood in the 2024 CDP leadership election, where she placed fourth.
Keiichirō Toyama (外山 圭一郎, Toyama Keiichirō; born 1970) is a Japanese video game director and designer. He is the…Keiichirō Toyama (外山 圭一郎, Toyama Keiichirō; born 1970) is a Japanese video game director and designer. He is the creator of the Silent Hill, Siren and Gravity Rush franchises.
Yōsuke Eguchi (江口 洋介, Eguchi Yōsuke; born December 31, 1967) is a Japanese actor and singer. Since 1986, he has…Yōsuke Eguchi (江口 洋介, Eguchi Yōsuke; born December 31, 1967) is a Japanese actor and singer. Since 1986, he has appeared in a number of television series and movies.
Kitakachidoki Hayato (born 1 January 1966 as Hayato Kuga) is a former sumo wrestler from Obihiro, Hokkaidō, Japan. He…Kitakachidoki Hayato (born 1 January 1966 as Hayato Kuga) is a former sumo wrestler from Obihiro, Hokkaidō, Japan. He made his professional debut in 1981, and reached the top division in 1989. His highest rank was maegashira 3. After retirement he became an elder in the Japan Sumo Association. He took over as head coach at Isenoumi stable, when former head coach Fujinokawa reached mandatory retirement age in September 2011.
Koji Masunari (Japanese: 舛成孝二, Hepburn: Masunari Kōji; born January 1, 1965) is a Japanese anime director. After…Koji Masunari (Japanese: 舛成孝二, Hepburn: Masunari Kōji; born January 1, 1965) is a Japanese anime director. After debuting in 1985, he has directed many series, including the anime adaptation of Kamichu!, which won an excellence award at the Japan Media Arts Festival in 2005, the anime adaptation of Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic, and the anime adaptation of Blue Period.
Miki Higashino (東野 美紀, Higashino Miki; born January 1, 1965) is a Japanese video game composer best known for her works…Miki Higashino (東野 美紀, Higashino Miki; born January 1, 1965) is a Japanese video game composer best known for her works in the Suikoden series.
Akemi Masuda (Japanese: 増田 明美; born January 1, 1964) is a retired Japanese female long-distance runner. She competed…Akemi Masuda (Japanese: 増田 明美; born January 1, 1964) is a retired Japanese female long-distance runner. She competed for Japan at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, California, although she failed to finish the race. Masuda set her personal best in the classic distance (2:30:30) in 1983. She rose to prominence with a gold medal on the track over 3000 metres at the 1981 Asian Athletics Championships and by winning the inaugural 20 km women's race at the Sapporo Half Marathon event. She continued to focus on road events and won at the 1982 Chiba Marathon and the 1983 Nike OTC Marathon. Her 2:30:30 at age 19 in that race was the World Junior Record. She was the runner-up at the 1984 Osaka Ladies Marathon, a result which led to her the starting line of the first Olympic women's marathon. Among her other results, she was third at the 1989 Hokkaido Marathon and took 19th place at the 1990 London Marathon.
Jimmy Onishi (ジミー大西, Jimī Ōnishi; born 1 January 1964) is a Japanese painter and comedian. His real name is Hideaki…Jimmy Onishi (ジミー大西, Jimī Ōnishi; born 1 January 1964) is a Japanese painter and comedian. His real name is Hideaki Onishi (大西 秀明, Ōnishi Hideaki), in which his given name is a combination of Hide (秀) from daimyo Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Aki (明) means "bright" which relates to the New Year celebrations as he was born on New Year's Day. Onishi is represented with Yoshimoto Creative Agency.
Eri Tokunaga (徳永エリ, Tokunaga Eri; born 1 January 1962) is a Japanese politician and former television reporter from the…Eri Tokunaga (徳永エリ, Tokunaga Eri; born 1 January 1962) is a Japanese politician and former television reporter from the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan. She currently serves as member of the House of Councillors for the Hokkaido At-large district. Tokunaga is part of the CDP's shadow cabinet 'Next Cabinet' as the shadow Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary. Before entering in politics she worked as reporter for some TV shows in Nippon Television, TV Asahi, and TBS. She attended Hosei University in the Department of Law.
Motoko Kotani (Japanese: 小谷 元子, born 1960) is a Japanese applied mathematician, specializing in discrete geometric…Motoko Kotani (Japanese: 小谷 元子, born 1960) is a Japanese applied mathematician, specializing in discrete geometric analysis and crystallography, and an academic administrator. She is the executive vice president for research for Tohoku University, the former executive director of Riken, the former president of the Mathematical Society of Japan, and the president-elect of the International Science Council.
Yang Bang-ean (Korean: 양방언; Hanja: 梁邦彦; born January 1, 1960) is a Zainichi Korean composer, arranger, record producer…Yang Bang-ean (Korean: 양방언; Hanja: 梁邦彦; born January 1, 1960) is a Zainichi Korean composer, arranger, record producer, and pianist. His Japanese name is Kunihiko Ryo.
Shinya Tsukamoto (塚本 晋也, Tsukamoto Shin'ya; born January 1, 1960) is a Japanese filmmaker and actor. With a…Shinya Tsukamoto (塚本 晋也, Tsukamoto Shin'ya; born January 1, 1960) is a Japanese filmmaker and actor. With a considerable cult following both domestically and abroad, Tsukamoto is best known for his body horror/cyberpunk film Tetsuo: The Iron Man (1989), which is considered the defining film of the Japanese Cyberpunk movement, as well as for its companion pieces Tetsuo II: Body Hammer (1992) and Tetsuo: The Bullet Man (2009). His other films include Tokyo Fist (1995), Bullet Ballet (1998), A Snake of June (2002), Vital (2004), Kotoko (2011) and Killing (2018). In addition to starring in almost all his films, Tsukamoto has also appeared as an actor in films by other directors, including Martin Scorsese, Takashi Miike and Hideaki Anno. He has been cited as an influence on popular western filmmakers such as Quentin Tarantino, David Fincher, Darren Aronofsky and The Wachowskis.
Akio Nakamori (中森 明夫, Nakamori Akio), real name Ansaku Shibahara (柴原安作, Shibahara Ansaku), is a Japanese columnist and…Akio Nakamori (中森 明夫, Nakamori Akio), real name Ansaku Shibahara (柴原安作, Shibahara Ansaku), is a Japanese columnist and editor born on January 1, 1960, in Mie Prefecture, Japan. He is credited as popularizing the term "otaku" in its modern colloquial usage (first used in Manga Burikko). After dropping out of Meiji University's Nakano Junior and Senior High Schools, he graduated from Wako University. Along with Yūichi Endō, he launched the Tokyo Otona Club in 1982. He is most well known for his study of serial killer Tsutomu Miyazaki, The Age of M (Mの時代, M no Jidai), published in 1989. Nakamori is also credited as coining and popularizing the term "chidol," short for child idol, back in the 1990s to refer to young gravure models.
Atsuji Yamamoto (山本 貴嗣, Yamamoto Atsuji; born January 1, 1959) is a Japanese manga artist and character designer, best…Atsuji Yamamoto (山本 貴嗣, Yamamoto Atsuji; born January 1, 1959) is a Japanese manga artist and character designer, best known for manga Ultimate Teacher, Elf-17 and Saber Cats, along with video game series Metal Max.
Takao Makino (牧野 京夫, Makino Takao; born 1959) is a Japanese politician of the Liberal Democratic Party who serves as…Takao Makino (牧野 京夫, Makino Takao; born 1959) is a Japanese politician of the Liberal Democratic Party who serves as member of the House of Councillors. A graduate of Waseda University and former member of the assembly of Shizuoka Prefecture, he was elected to the House of Councillors for the first time in 2007.
Kotobuki Shiriagari (しりあがり 寿, Shiriagari Kotobuki; born Mochizuki Toshiki, January 1, 1958) is a Japanese manga artist…Kotobuki Shiriagari (しりあがり 寿, Shiriagari Kotobuki; born Mochizuki Toshiki, January 1, 1958) is a Japanese manga artist and actor.
Issei Noro (野呂 一生, Noro Issei; born 1 January 1957) is a Japanese guitarist, songwriter, producer, and composer, best…Issei Noro (野呂 一生, Noro Issei; born 1 January 1957) is a Japanese guitarist, songwriter, producer, and composer, best known as a founding member of the jazz fusion band Casiopea. Noro began his musical career in 1976 with Casiopea, serving as the group's guitarist. Casiopea made its recording debut in 1979 with their self-titled album, and Noro remained with his band until 2006, when activities were suspended. He returned when Casiopea restarted in 2012 following the 2011 earthquake, tsunami, and subsequent nuclear disaster, and continues to perform with his group. Outside Casiopea, Noro formed the band Inspirits in 2008 and has collaborated with other jazz fusion musicians. He is an endorsed artist of Yamaha, which has provided him with custom-made guitars, and is noted for his guitar-playing techniques.
Kohei Otomo (大友 康平, Ōtomo Kōhei; born January 1, 1956 in Shiogama, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan) is a Japanese vocalist…Kohei Otomo (大友 康平, Ōtomo Kōhei; born January 1, 1956 in Shiogama, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan) is a Japanese vocalist, actor, and tarento represented by Iehokku. His maternal uncle is Naoki Prize writer Hideo Osabe. His wife is model Keiko Kinoshita.
Kōji Hashimoto (橋本 広司, Hashimoto Kōji; born 1 January 1956), known professionally as Kōji Yakusho (役所 広司, Yakusho…Kōji Hashimoto (橋本 広司, Hashimoto Kōji; born 1 January 1956), known professionally as Kōji Yakusho (役所 広司, Yakusho Kōji), is a Japanese actor. He is known internationally for his starring roles in Shall We Dance? (1996), Cure (1997), 13 Assassins (2010), The Third Murder (2017), The Blood of Wolves (2018), Under the Open Sky (2020) and The Days (2023). For his performance in Perfect Days (2023), he was awarded the Best Actor award at the 76th Cannes Film Festival.
Masakazu Suzuki (鈴木 政一, Suzuki Masakazu; born January 1, 1955) is a former Japanese football player and manager who is…Masakazu Suzuki (鈴木 政一, Suzuki Masakazu; born January 1, 1955) is a former Japanese football player and manager who is currently the assistant coach of the Myanmar national football team.
Akira Kudo (工藤 章, born 1 January 1954 in Iwate Prefecture) is a Japanese former wrestler who competed in the 1976…Akira Kudo (工藤 章, born 1 January 1954 in Iwate Prefecture) is a Japanese former wrestler who competed in the 1976 Summer Olympics.
Ryūichi Hiroki (廣木 隆一, Hiroki Ryūichi; born January 1, 1954) is a Japanese film director. He won critical acclaim for…Ryūichi Hiroki (廣木 隆一, Hiroki Ryūichi; born January 1, 1954) is a Japanese film director. He won critical acclaim for 800 Two Lap Runners. Film critic and researcher Alexander Jacoby has described Hiroki as "one of the modern Japanese cinema's most intelligent students of character".
Ryoko Onozawa (小野沢 良子, Onozawa Ryōko; born 1 January 1951), also written as Yoshiko Onozawa, is a Japanese speed…Ryoko Onozawa (小野沢 良子, Onozawa Ryōko; born 1 January 1951), also written as Yoshiko Onozawa, is a Japanese speed skater. She competed in two events at the 1972 Winter Olympics.
Takako Hasegawa (長谷川たか子, Hasegawa Takako; born 1 January 1951) is a Japanese gymnast. She competed at the 1972 Summer…Takako Hasegawa (長谷川たか子, Hasegawa Takako; born 1 January 1951) is a Japanese gymnast. She competed at the 1972 Summer Olympics where she finished thirty-fifth in the individual all around.
Dai Muneishi (Japanese: 宗石 大; born January 1, 1951) is a Japanese jockey and trainer at the Kochi Racecourse. He was…Dai Muneishi (Japanese: 宗石 大; born January 1, 1951) is a Japanese jockey and trainer at the Kochi Racecourse. He was known as trainer of the thoroughbred Haru Urara. His first race was with Burringbar at Kochi. He achieved his first win with Gambare Shacho. His overall record according to Sky Racing World website: 61 wins, 273 places, among 3,495 total starts, not getting a single grade during his career.
Baku Yumemakura (夢枕 獏, Yumemakura Baku; born 1951 in Odawara, Kanagawa) (real name: Yoneyama Mineo (米山峰夫)) is a…Baku Yumemakura (夢枕 獏, Yumemakura Baku; born 1951 in Odawara, Kanagawa) (real name: Yoneyama Mineo (米山峰夫)) is a Japanese science fiction and adventure writer whose penname translates to Dream Pillow (Yumemakura) Tapir (Baku). His works have sold more than 20 million copies in Japan spread across more than 280 titles and adapted into a variety of formats including feature films, television shows, movies and comic books. His works are influenced by outdoor interests such as fishing, particularly Ayu fishing, mountain climbing, canoeing as well as manga, photography, pottery, art, calligraphy, martial arts. He has published a number of photo collections of his journeys through Nepalese mountains. He is best known for writing Jōgen no Tsuki wo Taberu Shishi (The Lion that Ate the Crescent Moon), which won both the Seiun Award and the Nihon SF Taisho Award. He also has written film scripts, including the one to Onmyōji. One of his popular martial arts serials that has been adapted into manga is Garōden (餓狼伝), which has also been adapted to two video games and a movie. His novel series Majūgari (also known as Demon Hunters) has been adapted into an anime OVA Psycho Diver: Soul Siren and three manga series. He's been nicknamed "the artisan of violence" due to one of his popular martial arts novel series, Shishi no Mon (獅子の門, Gate of Fierce Lions). As of 2014, he has been working on the scripts for the manga series Shin Garōden with renowned manga artist Masami Nobe. He is also a past president of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of Japan organization.
Toshio Ukishima (浮島 敏男, Ukishima Toshio; born 1 January 1949) is a Japanese politician of the Liberal Democratic Party…Toshio Ukishima (浮島 敏男, Ukishima Toshio; born 1 January 1949) is a Japanese politician of the Liberal Democratic Party, a member of the House of Representatives in the Diet (national legislature). A native of Tokyo and a high school graduate, he was elected for the first time in 2005 after working at a manufacturer of soft drinks.
Kohzoh Imai (今井浩三, Kohzoh Imai; born January 1, 1948) is a Japanese physician and oncologist specializing in molecular…Kohzoh Imai (今井浩三, Kohzoh Imai; born January 1, 1948) is a Japanese physician and oncologist specializing in molecular diagnosis and novel medical treatment of cancer. He is well known for the discovery of a Melanoma-related antigen (Chondroitin Sulfate Proteoglycan-4, or CSPG4) by producing a monoclonal antibody. In addition, he produced monoclonal antibodies against CEA or ICAM-1 and discovered their use in diagnosis and pathological analysis. He is a former professor and president of Sapporo Medical University. He was a Council Member of the Science Council of Japan. Imai is currently a professor at the Institute of Medical Science at the University of Tokyo and the director of Kanagawa Cancer Center Research Institute. In 2013, he received the Medal of Honor with Purple Ribbon.
Tadatsugu Taniguchi (谷口 維紹, Taniguchi Tadatsugu; born January 1, 1948 in Wakayama Prefecture) is a Japanese…Tadatsugu Taniguchi (谷口 維紹, Taniguchi Tadatsugu; born January 1, 1948 in Wakayama Prefecture) is a Japanese immunologist known for his pioneer research on Interferons and Interferon regulatory factors.
Hideaki Yanagida (柳田 英明, Yanagida Hideaki; born 1 January 1947) is a retired Japanese bantamweight freestyle wrestler.…Hideaki Yanagida (柳田 英明, Yanagida Hideaki; born 1 January 1947) is a retired Japanese bantamweight freestyle wrestler. He won his event at the 1970 Asian Games, 1970 and 1971 world championships and 1972 Summer Olympics.