Sora Kobori (小堀 空, Kobori Sora; born 17 December 2002) is a Japanese footballer currently playing as a forward for…Sora Kobori (小堀 空, Kobori Sora; born 17 December 2002) is a Japanese footballer currently playing as a forward for Tochigi SC.
Yui Ueno (上野 結生, Ueno Yui; born December 17, 2002) is a Japanese curler. She currently plays lead on the SC Karuizawa…Yui Ueno (上野 結生, Ueno Yui; born December 17, 2002) is a Japanese curler. She currently plays lead on the SC Karuizawa Club curling team skipped by Miyu Ueno. She is a former World Junior champion.
Tatsuya Tsuboi (壷井 達也, Tsuboi Tatsuya; born December 17, 2002) is a Japanese figure skater. He is the 2024–25 Japan…Tatsuya Tsuboi (壷井 達也, Tsuboi Tatsuya; born December 17, 2002) is a Japanese figure skater. He is the 2024–25 Japan national bronze medalist, the 2024 NHK Trophy bronze medalist, the 2023 World University Games silver medalist, and the 2022 Coupe du Printemps silver medalist. On the junior level, he is the 2022 World Junior bronze medalist and 2018–19 Japan junior national champion.
Riko Shirai (白井 理子, Shirai Riko) better known by her ring name Riko Kaiju is a retired Japanese professional wrestler.…Riko Shirai (白井 理子, Shirai Riko) better known by her ring name Riko Kaiju is a retired Japanese professional wrestler. She is best known for performing in the Japanese promotion Pure-J where she is a former Princess of Pro-Wrestling Champion. She is also known for her time in Seadlinnng and Sukeban
Shoma Uno (宇野 昌磨, Uno Shōma; born 17 December 1997) is a Japanese figure skater. As a singles skater, he is a…Shoma Uno (宇野 昌磨, Uno Shōma; born 17 December 1997) is a Japanese figure skater. As a singles skater, he is a three-time Olympic medalist (2018 silver, 2022 bronze, 2022 team silver), a two-time World champion (2022, 2023), and a two-time World silver medalist (2018, 2017). He was also the 2019 Four Continents champion, the 2022–23 Grand Prix Final champion, a fourteen-time Grand Prix medalist (8 gold, 6 silver), the 2017 Asian Winter Games champion, and a six-time Japanese national champion (2016–2019, 2022–2023). At the junior level, Uno is the 2015 World Junior champion, the 2014–15 Junior Grand Prix Final champion, and 2012 Youth Olympic silver medalist. Uno is the first skater to successfully land a quadruple flip, and the second skater behind Yuzuru Hanyu to land a quadruple loop in an international competition. In 2023, Uno became the first man from Japan to win back-to-back world titles. He is also the historic record-holder for the highest score by a junior in the short program. After first retiring in 2024, Uno announced in May 2026 that he and his partner, Marin Honda, were returning to professional competition as an ice dance team.
Sei Kawahara (Japanese: 川原星, born December 17, 1995) is a Japanese figure skater. He won one medal on the ISU Junior…Sei Kawahara (Japanese: 川原星, born December 17, 1995) is a Japanese figure skater. He won one medal on the ISU Junior Grand Prix series and made his Grand Prix debut at the 2015 Skate Canada International.
Kento Yamasaki (山﨑 賢人, Yamasaki Kento)(born 17 December 1992), a Japanese racing cyclist, best known for his surprise…Kento Yamasaki (山﨑 賢人, Yamasaki Kento)(born 17 December 1992), a Japanese racing cyclist, best known for his surprise win in the Keirin at the 2024 UCI Track Cycling World Championships in Ballerup. Yamasaki had made his World Championship debut in 2021, finishing fifth in the Keirin, and won the individual sprint at the 2022 Asian Cycling Championships, and the Keirin at the 2024 championships. Yamasaki was Japan's first male Keirin world champion since 1987.
Airi Shimizu (清水 あいり, Shimizu Airi; born 17 December 1992, in Hirakata, Osaka) is a Japanese gravure idol, actress and…Airi Shimizu (清水 あいり, Shimizu Airi; born 17 December 1992, in Hirakata, Osaka) is a Japanese gravure idol, actress and variety tarento. She was active under the names Airi Hirayama (平山 藍里, Hirayama Airi) and Airi Kurose (黒瀬 あいり, Kurose Airi). She has been represented by Emsworth, then Fantastar (part of Vithmic), and later Trustar.
Jin Izumisawa (泉澤 仁, Izumisawa Jin; born 17 December 1991) is a Japanese professional footballer who plays as a…Jin Izumisawa (泉澤 仁, Izumisawa Jin; born 17 December 1991) is a Japanese professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for J3 League club FC Gifu.
Takahiro Norimoto (則本 昂大, Norimoto Takahiro; born December 17, 1990) is a Japanese professional baseball pitcher for…Takahiro Norimoto (則本 昂大, Norimoto Takahiro; born December 17, 1990) is a Japanese professional baseball pitcher for the Yomiuri Giants of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). He has previously played in NPB for the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles.
Masashi Eriguchi (江里口 匡史, Eriguchi Masashi; born 17 December 1988 in Kikuchi, Kumamoto) is a retired Japanese sprinter…Masashi Eriguchi (江里口 匡史, Eriguchi Masashi; born 17 December 1988 in Kikuchi, Kumamoto) is a retired Japanese sprinter who specialized in the 100 metres. He won the bronze medal at the 2009 Summer Universiade and a gold medal in relay at the 2009 Asian Championships. At the 2009 World Championships, he finished fourth in the relay. He also competed in the 100 metres. He reached the semi-final at the 2010 World Indoor Championships. His personal best times are 6.75 seconds in the 60 metres (indoor), achieved at the 2010 World Indoor Championships in Doha; 10.07 seconds in the 100 metres, achieved in June 2009 in Hiroshima; and 20.88 seconds in the 200 metres, achieved in October 2008 in Ōita. He retired in 2018.
Teiru Kinoshita (born Park Tae-Il on December 17, 1985 in Osaka, Japan) is a Japanese-Korean boxer. Kinoshita is a…Teiru Kinoshita (born Park Tae-Il on December 17, 1985 in Osaka, Japan) is a Japanese-Korean boxer. Kinoshita is a former Japanese super flyweight champion. In 2014, he lost to Zolani Tete for the vacant International Boxing Federation (IBF) super flyweight world title. He is scheduled to again fight for the IBF super flyweight world title against Jerwin Ancajas on the Manny Pacquiao vs. Jeff Horn undercard. Kinoshita entered the bout on a six-fight win streak and with the IBF's No. 3 in his weight class. He is the top ranked contender for the IBF (with the first and second positions vacant).
Ryuichi Ogata (緒方 龍一, Ogata Ryūichi; born December 17, 1985), also known mononymously as Ryuichi or Dravil, is a…Ryuichi Ogata (緒方 龍一, Ogata Ryūichi; born December 17, 1985), also known mononymously as Ryuichi or Dravil, is a Japanese singer, rapper, and guitarist. In 2001, he rose to fame as a member of the Japanese boy band W-inds as the group's dancer, back-up vocalist, and rapper. In addition to his activities with W-inds, Ogata also played guitar and provided back-up vocals for the rock bands Radio Foundation and All City Steppers. In 2020, Ogata briefly retired from the entertainment industry from health problems. In 2021, he returned as a solo singer, performing under the stage name Dravil.
Kazumasa Takagi (高木 和正, Takagi Kazumasa; born December 17, 1984) is a Japanese football player who plays for Kamatamare…Kazumasa Takagi (高木 和正, Takagi Kazumasa; born December 17, 1984) is a Japanese football player who plays for Kamatamare Sanuki.
Asuka Fukuda (福田 明日香, Fukuda Asuka) (born December 17, 1984) is a Japanese pop singer, and she was a member of Japanese…Asuka Fukuda (福田 明日香, Fukuda Asuka) (born December 17, 1984) is a Japanese pop singer, and she was a member of Japanese girl group Morning Musume from 1997 until April 18, 1999. Her only album with the group is the 1998 release First Time. She was the first ever Hello! Project member to graduate.
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.
Rena Takeshita (竹下 玲奈, Takeshita Rena; born December 17, 1981 in Amami Ōshima) is a Japanese fashion model and…Rena Takeshita (竹下 玲奈, Takeshita Rena; born December 17, 1981 in Amami Ōshima) is a Japanese fashion model and occasional actress. Since the late 1990s she has appeared in numerous magazines, catalogs, television commercials, TV shows and films.
Mayuko Aoki (青木 麻由子, Aoki Mayuko; born December 17, 1975) is a Japanese actress and voice actress who has worked on…Mayuko Aoki (青木 麻由子, Aoki Mayuko; born December 17, 1975) is a Japanese actress and voice actress who has worked on several anime and video game productions.
Kazuki Fukuchi (福地 寿樹, Fukuchi Kazuki; born December 17, 1975 in Kishima District, Saga) is a former Nippon…Kazuki Fukuchi (福地 寿樹, Fukuchi Kazuki; born December 17, 1975 in Kishima District, Saga) is a former Nippon Professional Baseball outfielder.
Shouji Saeki (Japanese: 佐伯 昭志, Hepburn: Saeki Shōji; born December 17, 1971) is a Japanese director, storyboard artist…Shouji Saeki (Japanese: 佐伯 昭志, Hepburn: Saeki Shōji; born December 17, 1971) is a Japanese director, storyboard artist, writer, and animator known for directing and writing several series for studios Gainax and Shaft.
Honoo Hamaguchi (浜口 炎, Hamaguchi Honō) (born in December 1971) is a Japanese basketball coach. He originates from…Honoo Hamaguchi (浜口 炎, Hamaguchi Honō) (born in December 1971) is a Japanese basketball coach. He originates from Oshima Island. As of 2011 Hamaguchi had been a part of the Japanese basketball league longer than most of the other coaches of Japanese basketball teams had been a part. Ed Odeven of The Japan Times said that Hamaguchi works for success but does not seek attention despite being in a social media era. For six seasons of the existence of the Sendai 89ers, Hamaguchi served as the coach. He began as the coach of the Sendai 89ers after the team entered the bj-league in 2005. In 2011 Hamaguchi's coaching of the Sendai 89ers ended after the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami occurred. He is now the coach of the Kyoto Hannaryz. Ed Odeven said that Hamaguchi has "quirks" and sometimes an "overbearing coaching style." In regards to Marcus Cousin playing for the Kyoto team, in 2012 a former Hannaryz player asked "He should obviously dominate, but it is all about how his personality will deal with Honoo. Will Honoo let him be himself, or will Honoo try to control every little detail?"
Kiyoshi Tamura (田村潔司, Tamura Kiyoshi; born December 17, 1969 in Okayama, Okayama) is a Japanese retired professional…Kiyoshi Tamura (田村潔司, Tamura Kiyoshi; born December 17, 1969 in Okayama, Okayama) is a Japanese retired professional wrestler and mixed martial artist. Once a student of legendary professional wrestlers Billy Robinson, Lou Thesz and Akira Maeda, Tamura was known for his skills in catch wrestling and is considered to be one of the greatest shoot wrestlers of all time. Competing exclusively in shoot style wrestling, Tamura began his career with UWF Newborn and later joined its successor group UWF International before transitioning to mixed martial arts. A professional MMA fighter from 1995 until 2008, he competed for the PRIDE Fighting Championships, RINGS, DEEP, DREAM, and fought at K-1's 2007 and 2008 Dynamite!! events. He is a two-time RINGS Openweight Champion and holds notable wins over Renzo Gracie, former UFC Welterweight Champion Pat Miletich, former UFC Middleweight Champion Dave Menne, former Pancrase Super Heavyweight Champion Tsuyoshi Kosaka, former Pancrase Openweight Champion Masakatsu Funaki, Olympic judo gold medallist Makoto Takimoto, three-time sambo champion Volk Han, and Kazushi Sakuraba. Tamura currently serves as an executive director for LIDET Entertainment's professional wrestling promotion GLEAT.
Takahiro Ikeyama (池山 隆寛, Ikeyama Takahiro; born December 17, 1965 in Amagasaki, Hyōgo, Japan) is a Japanese former…Takahiro Ikeyama (池山 隆寛, Ikeyama Takahiro; born December 17, 1965 in Amagasaki, Hyōgo, Japan) is a Japanese former professional baseball infielder who currently serves as the manager for the Tokyo Yakult Swallows of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). A slugging shortstop, Ikeyama played in NPB for the Swallows from 1984 to 2002.
Roppyaku Tsurumi (鶴見 六百, Tsurumi Roppyaku; born 17 December 1965) is a Japanese game producer and designer, known for…Roppyaku Tsurumi (鶴見 六百, Tsurumi Roppyaku; born 17 December 1965) is a Japanese game producer and designer, known for the Japanese localization of the original Crash Bandicoot and Jak and Daxter series. He works for Sony Computer Entertainment. In Japanese Roppyaku literally means "six hundred." One of his earliest works in his career is producing and designing the arcade version of Michael Jackson's Moonwalker.
Fumihiro Joyu (上祐 史浩, Jōyū Fumihiro; born 17 December 1962) is a former spokesperson and public relations manager of…Fumihiro Joyu (上祐 史浩, Jōyū Fumihiro; born 17 December 1962) is a former spokesperson and public relations manager of the Japanese doomsday cult Aum Shinrikyo, and served as the de facto chief of the organization from 1999 to 2007, when he split and formed a new group.
Tarako (たらこ, Tarako; December 17, 1960 – March 4, 2024) was a Japanese actress, voice actress, singer and narrator. Her…Tarako (たらこ, Tarako; December 17, 1960 – March 4, 2024) was a Japanese actress, voice actress, singer and narrator. Her debut voice acting role was as a preschooler in Urusei Yatsura. She is most famously known as the original voice actress of Momoko "Maruko" Sakura, the titular character in the long-running television anime series Chibi Maruko-chan from its debut in 1990 until its conclusion in 1992 and its subsequent revival, which premiered in 1995 and continues to this day. Other notable roles of hers are as Monokuma in the Danganronpa franchise from 2016 to 2024, Frakenrobo in the long running children's anime series Let's Go! Anpanman, Kirara in InuYasha, the titular character of Magical Taruruto-kun, Melody in Hunter × Hunter, and Altena in Noir. She was employed by the talent management firm Troubadour Musique Office.
Michio Aoyama (青山 道雄, Aoyama Michio; born December 17, 1959 in Shizuoka, Shizuoka, Japan) is a Japanese former Nippon…Michio Aoyama (青山 道雄, Aoyama Michio; born December 17, 1959 in Shizuoka, Shizuoka, Japan) is a Japanese former Nippon Professional Baseball outfielder.
Masako Natsume (夏目 雅子, Natsume Masako; November 17, 1957 – September 11, 1985) was a Japanese actress from Tokyo.…Masako Natsume (夏目 雅子, Natsume Masako; November 17, 1957 – September 11, 1985) was a Japanese actress from Tokyo. Widely popular in Japan, she gained worldwide recognition for her portrayal of Tripitaka in the TV series Monkey, which is now considered a cult classic.
Hiroshi Hasebe (長谷部 浩, Hasebe Hiroshi) is the professional pseudonym of Makoto Matsuno (松野 誠, Matsuno Makoto; born 17…Hiroshi Hasebe (長谷部 浩, Hasebe Hiroshi) is the professional pseudonym of Makoto Matsuno (松野 誠, Matsuno Makoto; born 17 December 1956), a Japanese theatre critic and professor at Tokyo University of the Arts (Fine Arts, Department of Inter Media Art).
Shinsuke Suematsu (末松 信介, Suematsu Shinsuke; born December 17, 1955) is a Japanese politician who serves as a member of…Shinsuke Suematsu (末松 信介, Suematsu Shinsuke; born December 17, 1955) is a Japanese politician who serves as a member of the House of Councillors in the Diet of Japan. He has represented the Hyogo at-large district as a member of the Liberal Democratic Party since 2004. He served as Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology from 2021 to 2022.
Nanako Sato (Japanese: 佐藤 奈々子, Hepburn: Satō Nanako; born 1955) is a Japanese musician. Originally a competitive…Nanako Sato (Japanese: 佐藤 奈々子, Hepburn: Satō Nanako; born 1955) is a Japanese musician. Originally a competitive gymnast during her youth before an accident, she worked as a solo singer for Nippon Columbia and Victor Entertainment, releasing five solo albums with both labels. She also worked as a commercial photographer in the 1980s, before returning to releasing music in 1995. She is among several artists who have been associated with city pop, with her music appearing in several city pop compilations.
Tomoo Nishikawa (西川 知雄, Nishikawa Tomoo) is a Japanese attorney and former politician, having previously served for one…Tomoo Nishikawa (西川 知雄, Nishikawa Tomoo) is a Japanese attorney and former politician, having previously served for one term in the House of Representatives.
Azuma Konno (今野 東, Konno Azuma; 17 December 1947 – 24 April 2013) was a Japanese politician of the Democratic Party of…Azuma Konno (今野 東, Konno Azuma; 17 December 1947 – 24 April 2013) was a Japanese politician of the Democratic Party of Japan, who served as a member of the House of Councillors and the House of Representatives in the Diet (national legislature). A native of Shiogama, Miyagi Prefecture and graduate of Meiji Gakuin University, he was elected to the House of Councillors for the first time in 2007 after serving in the House of Representatives for two terms.
Toshio Yamauchi (山内 俊夫, Yamauchi Toshio; born December 17, 1946) is a Japanese former politician of the Liberal…Toshio Yamauchi (山内 俊夫, Yamauchi Toshio; born December 17, 1946) is a Japanese former politician of the Liberal Democratic Party, a member of the House of Councillors in the Diet (national legislature). A native of Marugame, Kagawa and graduate of Waseda University, he was elected to the House of Councillors for the first time in 1998 after serving in the assembly of Kagawa Prefecture since 1991.
Michiyo Arito (有藤 通世, Aritō Michiyo; born December 17, 1946) is a Japanese former professional baseball third baseman…Michiyo Arito (有藤 通世, Aritō Michiyo; born December 17, 1946) is a Japanese former professional baseball third baseman in Nippon Professional Baseball. He played his entire career for the Lotte Orions from 1969 to 1986. He was the Pacific League Rookie of the Year in 1969.
Seiichi Sugano (菅野誠一 17 December 1939 – 29 August 2010) was a Japanese Aikido teacher who lived and taught in many…Seiichi Sugano (菅野誠一 17 December 1939 – 29 August 2010) was a Japanese Aikido teacher who lived and taught in many Western countries. He held the rank of an 8th dan Aikikai.
Hiizu Iwamura (岩村 秀, Iwamura Hiizu; born 17 December 1934) is a Japanese chemist and Professor of Chemistry, Nihon…Hiizu Iwamura (岩村 秀, Iwamura Hiizu; born 17 December 1934) is a Japanese chemist and Professor of Chemistry, Nihon University, as well as Professor Emeriti of the Institute for Molecular Science in Okazaki, the University of Tokyo, and Kyushu University in Japan.
Seiji Arikawa (有川 清次, Arikawa Seiji; 17 December 1929 – 13 May 2016) was a Japanese politician of the Socialist Party.…Seiji Arikawa (有川 清次, Arikawa Seiji; 17 December 1929 – 13 May 2016) was a Japanese politician of the Socialist Party. He served as a member of the House of Representatives in the Diet (national legislature) from 1990 until 1993. He had previously served on the city council of Kanoya, Kagoshima.
Fumi Kojima (児島 フミ, Kojima Fumi; 17 December 1916 – 7 June 1996) was a Japanese track and field athlete. She competed…Fumi Kojima (児島 フミ, Kojima Fumi; 17 December 1916 – 7 June 1996) was a Japanese track and field athlete. She competed in the women's discus throw at the 1936 Summer Olympics. She won the silver medal at the 1951 Asian Games and won seven national titles, with four consecutive wins from 1937 to 1940 and three straight titles at the Japan Championships in Athletics from 1946 to 1948.
Kenichiro Komai (駒井 健一郎, Komai Ken'ichirō; December 17, 1900 – October 2, 1986) was a Japanese business executive, who…Kenichiro Komai (駒井 健一郎, Komai Ken'ichirō; December 17, 1900 – October 2, 1986) was a Japanese business executive, who served as the third president of Hitachi from 1961 to 1971.
Shunsuke Kondo (近藤 駿介, Kondō Shunsuke; 17 December 1890 – 30 April 1966) was a Japanese government official who was the…Shunsuke Kondo (近藤 駿介, Kondō Shunsuke; 17 December 1890 – 30 April 1966) was a Japanese government official who was the penultimate Governor of the South Seas Mandate from 1940 to 1943. He was governor of Fukui Prefecture (1934–1936), Nagano Prefecture (1936–1938), Ishikawa Prefecture (1938–1939) and Kumamoto Prefecture (1939–1940). He was from Nagasaki Prefecture and a graduate of Tokyo Imperial University.
Yoriyasu Arima (有馬 頼寧, Arima Yoriyasu; 17 December 1884 – 9 January 1957) was a Japanese politician before and during…Yoriyasu Arima (有馬 頼寧, Arima Yoriyasu; 17 December 1884 – 9 January 1957) was a Japanese politician before and during World War II. His wife was the daughter of Prince Kitashirakawa Yoshihisa.
Seiji Noma (野間 清治; 1878–1938) was a Japanese writer and publisher who was the founder of Kodansha, a leading publishing…Seiji Noma (野間 清治; 1878–1938) was a Japanese writer and publisher who was the founder of Kodansha, a leading publishing company, which his family still wholly own today. He was the founder and publisher of many well-known newspapers and magazines.
Gōtarō Mikami (三上 剛太郎, Mikami Gōtarō; 15 November 1869 – October 1964) was a Japanese medical doctor during the…Gōtarō Mikami (三上 剛太郎, Mikami Gōtarō; 15 November 1869 – October 1964) was a Japanese medical doctor during the 1904–1905 Russo-Japanese War noted for his work with the Red Cross.