Tomoya Inoue (井上 朋也, Inoue Tomoya; born January 28, 2003) is a Japanese professional baseball infielder for the…Tomoya Inoue (井上 朋也, Inoue Tomoya; born January 28, 2003) is a Japanese professional baseball infielder for the Yokohama DeNA BayStars of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB).
Minami Itahashi (板橋美波, Itahashi Minami; born 28 January 2000) is a retired Japanese diver. She has represented Japan at…Minami Itahashi (板橋美波, Itahashi Minami; born 28 January 2000) is a retired Japanese diver. She has represented Japan at various international events since the age of 14, including the 2015 World Aquatics Championships, the 2016 Summer Olympics, and the 2020 Summer Olympics. She retired from diving in September of 2025.
Yu Hanaguruma (Japanese: 花車 優, Hepburn: Hanaguruma Yū; born 28 January 2000) is a Japanese swimmer. He participated at…Yu Hanaguruma (Japanese: 花車 優, Hepburn: Hanaguruma Yū; born 28 January 2000) is a Japanese swimmer. He participated at the 2018 Summer Youth Olympics in the swimming competition, being awarded the bronze and gold medal in the boys' 200 metre breaststroke and mixed 4 × 100 metre medley relay events. Hanaguruma also participated at the 2022 World Aquatics Championships in the swimming competition, being awarded the silver medal in the men's 200 metre breaststroke event.
Hiroki Abe (安部 裕葵, Abe Hiroki; born 28 January 1999) is a Japanese professional footballer who plays as a winger or a…Hiroki Abe (安部 裕葵, Abe Hiroki; born 28 January 1999) is a Japanese professional footballer who plays as a winger or a forward for J1 League club Urawa Red Diamonds and Japan national team.
Tetsuaki Misawa (born 28 January 1999) is a Japanese professional footballer who currently plays for Royal Cambodian…Tetsuaki Misawa (born 28 January 1999) is a Japanese professional footballer who currently plays for Royal Cambodian Armed Forces.
Avi Koki Schafer (シェーファーアヴィ幸樹, Shēfā Avi Kōki; born 28 January 1998) is a Japanese professional basketball player for…Avi Koki Schafer (シェーファーアヴィ幸樹, Shēfā Avi Kōki; born 28 January 1998) is a Japanese professional basketball player for Sendai 89ers of the B.League. He played college basketball for the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. Schafer has been a member of the Japan national basketball team.
Mao Inoue (井上麻生, Inoue Mao; born January 28, 1997), better known mononymously as Mao (stylized in all caps), is a…Mao Inoue (井上麻生, Inoue Mao; born January 28, 1997), better known mononymously as Mao (stylized in all caps), is a Japanese professional wrestler. As of 2015, he is signed to DDT Pro-Wrestling (DDT), where he is the leader of Strange Love Connection and is the current KO-D Openweight Champion in his first reign.
This is a list of J.League designated special players, picked by J.League clubs from universities and high schools all…This is a list of J.League designated special players, picked by J.League clubs from universities and high schools all over Japan.
Rei Higuchi (Japanese: 樋口黎; born 28 January 1996) is a Japanese freestyle wrestler. He won the gold medal in the men's…Rei Higuchi (Japanese: 樋口黎; born 28 January 1996) is a Japanese freestyle wrestler. He won the gold medal in the men's freestyle 57 kg event at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France. He won a silver medal in the 57 kg division at the 2016 Olympics. He won the gold medal in the 61 kg event at the 2022 World Wrestling Championships held in Belgrade, Serbia.
Takayoshi Noma (野間 峻祥, Noma Takayoshi; born January 28, 1993 in Miki, Hyōgo, Japan) is a Japanese professional baseball…Takayoshi Noma (野間 峻祥, Noma Takayoshi; born January 28, 1993 in Miki, Hyōgo, Japan) is a Japanese professional baseball player for the Hiroshima Toyo Carp of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). On February 27, 2019, he was selected for Japan national baseball team at the 2019 exhibition games against Mexico. He uses Dragostea Din Tei by Moldovan pop group O-Zone as his walk-up song, because "Numa Numa" in the lyrics sounds like "Noma Noma" to Japanese people.
Kentaro Kodama (児玉 健太郎, Kodama Kentarō; born 28 January 1992) is a Japanese international rugby union player who plays…Kentaro Kodama (児玉 健太郎, Kodama Kentarō; born 28 January 1992) is a Japanese international rugby union player who plays in the wing position. He currently plays for the Panasonic Wild Knights in Japan's domestic Top League.
Ryota Nakamura (中村 亮太, Nakamura Ryōta; born January 28, 1991), nicknamed Azuki, is a Japanese footballer who plays as a…Ryota Nakamura (中村 亮太, Nakamura Ryōta; born January 28, 1991), nicknamed Azuki, is a Japanese footballer who plays as a midfielder for J2 League club Blaublitz Akita.
Shogo Sakai (酒井 省吾, Sakai Shōgo; born September 23, 1960) is a Japanese composer who primarily works on video games. He…Shogo Sakai (酒井 省吾, Sakai Shōgo; born September 23, 1960) is a Japanese composer who primarily works on video games. He is best known for composing for Mother 3, as well as various Kirby and Super Smash Bros. games. Currently a freelance composer, he was employed at Data East from 1987 to 1996 and HAL Laboratory from 1996 to 2023.
Keisuke Tanimoto (谷元 圭介, Tanimoto Keisuke; born January 1, 1985) is a Japanese Nippon Professional Baseball pitcher for…Keisuke Tanimoto (谷元 圭介, Tanimoto Keisuke; born January 1, 1985) is a Japanese Nippon Professional Baseball pitcher for the Chunichi Dragons in Japan's Central League. He previously played at the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters and was traded to the Dragons on the 31 July 2017 for cash considerations.
An Jeong-hwan (Korean: 안정환; born 28 January 1984) is a South Korean judoka. An was born in Daegu, South Korea. He is a…An Jeong-hwan (Korean: 안정환; born 28 January 1984) is a South Korean judoka. An was born in Daegu, South Korea. He is a nephew of Olympic gold medalist Ahn Byeong-keun. At the age of 15, An moved to Japan and continued his judo career in Fukuoka. Upon graduation from Yamanashi Gakuin University in 2006, he came back to Korea and joined the Pohang City Hall judo club. On 26 August 2009, An won a bronze medal in the –66 kg division at the 2009 World Judo Championships in Rotterdam, Netherlands.
Yukiko Horiguchi (堀口 悠紀子, Horiguchi Yukiko; born 28 January 1983) is a Japanese animator and illustrator from Kyoto…Yukiko Horiguchi (堀口 悠紀子, Horiguchi Yukiko; born 28 January 1983) is a Japanese animator and illustrator from Kyoto Prefecture who worked for the anime studio Kyoto Animation. When illustrating a light novel, she uses the pen name "Shiromizakana" (白身魚). She is best known as the character designer for the anime adaptations of K-On! and Lucky Star and as the illustrator of the light novel series Kokoro Connect. She is the older sister of BUNBUN (also known as abec), the original character designer for the anime Sakura Quest and the illustrator of the light novel series Sword Art Online and Sword Art Online: Progressive. She is close to her brother and was once part of a doujinshi circle with him.
Gen Hoshino (星野 源, Hoshino Gen; born January 28, 1981) (Japanese pronunciation: [hoɕino ɡeɴ]) is a Japanese…Gen Hoshino (星野 源, Hoshino Gen; born January 28, 1981) (Japanese pronunciation: [hoɕino ɡeɴ]) is a Japanese singer-songwriter, musician, actor, and writer.
Yasuhito Endō (遠藤 保仁, Endō Yasuhito; born 28 January 1980) is a Japanese former footballer who played as a midfielder.…Yasuhito Endō (遠藤 保仁, Endō Yasuhito; born 28 January 1980) is a Japanese former footballer who played as a midfielder. He is currently the assistant manager of J1 League club, Gamba Osaka. Endō's playing career unfolded entirely within Japan, where he was associated with Gamba Osaka for 20 years. He made his senior international debut in 2002, representing Japan in three FIFA World Cup and three FIFA Confederations Cup. In the process he earned over 150 caps, scoring 15 goals and becoming the most capped Japanese male player of all time. In addition, he is one of the few players to have made over 1,150 official appearances and holds the record for the highest number of J.League appearances in history, with 672 appearances. His brother Akihiro Endō is also a former footballer. However, neither of them are related to Wataru Endo.
Takuma "Taku" Sato (Japanese: 佐藤 琢磨, Hepburn: Satō Takuma; born 28 January 1977) is a Japanese racing driver, who…Takuma "Taku" Sato (Japanese: 佐藤 琢磨, Hepburn: Satō Takuma; born 28 January 1977) is a Japanese racing driver, who competes part-time in the IndyCar Series for Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing. He competed in Formula One from 2002 to 2008. In American open-wheel racing, Sato is a two-time winner of the Indianapolis 500 winning in 2017 and 2020, and remains the only Asian driver to win the event. Born and raised in Tokyo, Sato began his career in karting before moving to Europe in 1999 with support from Honda. Progressing directly to Formula Three, Sato finished third in the British Championship in 2000 and dominated the series in 2001 with Carlin. With Carlin he also won the Macau Grand Prix and the Masters of Formula 3. Sato signed for Jordan in 2002, making his Formula One debut at the Australian Grand Prix, under Honda power. He moved with Honda to join BAR in 2003 as a reserve driver, replacing Jacques Villeneuve at his home Grand Prix in Japan and returning as a full-time driver in 2004. Sato achieved a podium at the United States Grand Prix as he finished a career-best eighth in the World Drivers' Championship. Following struggles at BAR in 2005, Sato moved to Super Aguri for his 2006 campaign onwards. Amidst financial troubles, Super Aguri withdrew from the sport after the 2008 Spanish Grand Prix, ending both Sato and teammate Anthony Davidson's driving careers in Formula One. After a year's hiatus, Sato returned to open-wheel racing in the IndyCar Series with KV in 2010. He took his maiden pole position at the Iowa Corn Indy 250 in 2011, and became the first Asian driver to win an IndyCar race at the Grand Prix of Long Beach in 2013 with Foyt. His one-off entry in Formula E at the 2014 Beijing ePrix marked the first—and to this date, only—time that Sato competed without a Honda power unit in his professional career, using a spec McLaren powertrain. Sato signed for Andretti in 2017, winning the Indianapolis 500 for the first time. He won several other times across his 2018 and 2019 seasons with RLL, before again winning at Indianapolis in 2020. Sato competed for Dale Coyne Racing in 2022, before moving in 2023 into part-time roles. Sato is a widely popular figure amongst fans and media worldwide, renowned for his aggressive driving style and motto No Attack, No Chance.
Sachiko Morimura (森村幸子, Morimura Sachiko; born 28 January 1972) is a Japanese gymnast. She competed in six events at…Sachiko Morimura (森村幸子, Morimura Sachiko; born 28 January 1972) is a Japanese gymnast. She competed in six events at the 1988 Summer Olympics.
Hiroyuki Konishi (小西洋之, Konishi Hiroyuki; born 28 January 1972) is a Japanese politician serving as a member of the…Hiroyuki Konishi (小西洋之, Konishi Hiroyuki; born 28 January 1972) is a Japanese politician serving as a member of the House of Councillors since 2010. He has served as chairman of the land, infrastructure, transport and tourism committee since 2024.
Tsuyoshi Shinjo (新庄 剛志, Shinjō Tsuyoshi; January 28, 1972), also known during the 2022 Nippon Professional Baseball…Tsuyoshi Shinjo (新庄 剛志, Shinjō Tsuyoshi; January 28, 1972), also known during the 2022 Nippon Professional Baseball season as BIGBOSS (ビッグボス, Biggubosu), is a former Japanese professional baseball outfielder and the current manager for the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). Shinjo began his playing career with the Hanshin Tigers, and moved to the United States to play in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the New York Mets. He is the second Japanese-born position player to play an MLB game, as well as the first in the National League. In 2002, he joined the San Francisco Giants and was the first Japanese-born player to appear in the World Series. He had a second stint with the Mets in 2003, and returned to Japan to play for the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters, with whom he won the Japan Series in his final season.
Yuji Yasuraoka (安良岡裕二 Yasuraoka Yuji) (born January 28, 1971) is a retired Japanese professional wrestler. He is best…Yuji Yasuraoka (安良岡裕二 Yasuraoka Yuji) (born January 28, 1971) is a retired Japanese professional wrestler. He is best known for his work in Wrestle Association R, where he became a one-time Tenryu Project International Junior Heavyweight Champion and a four-time Tenryu Project International Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champion.
Akinori Kidera (木寺 昭徳, Kidera Akinori; born January 28, 1969 in Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan), known under the pen name…Akinori Kidera (木寺 昭徳, Kidera Akinori; born January 28, 1969 in Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan), known under the pen name Daichi Banjō (万乗 大智, Banjō Daichi), is a Japanese manga artist. His most notable work was the sports manga Dan Doh!!, written by Nobuhiro Sakata, in which he was the illustrator.
Jiro Ishii (イシイジロウ, Ishii Jirō) is a Japanese video game developer and television and anime producer. He is best known…Jiro Ishii (イシイジロウ, Ishii Jirō) is a Japanese video game developer and television and anime producer. He is best known for directing the live-action visual novel 428: Shibuya Scramble, producing the adventure video game Nine Hours, Nine Persons, Nine Doors, and creating the original concept for the anime short Under the Dog which was funded on Kickstarter.
Yoko Tanabe (田辺 陽子, Tanabe Yōko; born 28 January 1966 in Tokyo) is a Japanese retired judoka. Tanabe won two Olympic…Yoko Tanabe (田辺 陽子, Tanabe Yōko; born 28 January 1966 in Tokyo) is a Japanese retired judoka. Tanabe won two Olympic silver medals in the half-heavyweight (–72 kg) division, in 1992 and 1996. She won the All-Japan judo championships six times (1987–1992). She also won a bronze medal in the –72 kg at the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, where women's judo was held as a demonstration sport.
Seiji Mizushima (水島 精二, Mizushima Seiji; born on January 28, 1966) is a Japanese anime director who is known for such…Seiji Mizushima (水島 精二, Mizushima Seiji; born on January 28, 1966) is a Japanese anime director who is known for such series as Shaman King, Fullmetal Alchemist, Mobile Suit Gundam 00, Un-Go, Concrete Revolutio, and Beatless. His first directorial film project, Fullmetal Alchemist the Movie: Conqueror of Shamballa, won the 60th Mainichi Film Award for Best Animation Film. In 2015, he won the Individual Award at the 20th Animation Kobe Awards. His name is occasionally rendered in full katakana when he is in charge of episode directing or storyboarding. He is not related to Tsutomu Mizushima, who is also an anime director and shares his surname, but they often jokingly call each other "brother" on Twitter.
Koji Gyotoku (行徳 浩二, Gyōtoku Kōji; born January 28, 1965) is a Japanese coach and former footballer. He is the…Koji Gyotoku (行徳 浩二, Gyōtoku Kōji; born January 28, 1965) is a Japanese coach and former footballer. He is the currently coaching Cambodia, Cambodia U23 and Cambodia Women.
Kenya Sawada (澤田 拳也, Sawada Ken'ya; born January 28, 1965) is a Japanese-born film actor who has appeared in numerous…Kenya Sawada (澤田 拳也, Sawada Ken'ya; born January 28, 1965) is a Japanese-born film actor who has appeared in numerous movies, primarily in Hong Kong productions. He has occasionally been credited simply by his first name. Sawada was born in Kanagawa, Japan. His first appearance was in a Japanese film Hey Oilers: The Legend of Skyline. Sawada's only other Japanese productions include Buyûden and Hasami as well as the 1998 Hong Kong-Japanese production B gai waak. Instead, Sawada has appeared more prominently in numerous Hong Kong productions, beginning with a minor role in the 1995 Jackie Chan film Thunderbolt. He also appeared in the 2009 Jackie Chan film Shinjuku Incident. He played Captain Sawada in the Stephen de Souza-directed Street Fighter film, based on the fighting game series by the same name. Sawada appeared as part of a promotional deal with Capcom. Initially, Capcom intended Sawada to play Ryu in the film, however, his poor knowledge of English at the time made the casting difficult. Like most of the cast he also did the screen-capture for the video-game rendition based on the movie, Street Fighter: The Movie. Sawada has also been involved in the Street Fighter II: The Animated Movie as a script coordinator and has a writing credit for the Street Fighter II V anime series.
Hirokazu Ogura (小倉博和, Hirokazu Ogura; born January 28, 1960) musician from Takamatsu. His interest in playing the…Hirokazu Ogura (小倉博和, Hirokazu Ogura; born January 28, 1960) musician from Takamatsu. His interest in playing the guitar started in High School. He has worked as a professional artist since 1982 as a guitarist and as a sound producer. His list of contacts includes Fujii Fumiya, UA, Rie Eto, Keisuke Kuwata, Taeko Onuki, Hiroshi Matsuda, Misia, Salyu, KinKi Kids, Mr.Children, Shikao Suga, among others In 2006 he was part of a special group called Kokua, formed to sing the theme song to an NHK documentary. In 2016, the members of Kokua reunited to celebrate the release of that original single, Progress, and worked on the official 1st album for the group and a Nationwide tour, both named Progress.
Reiko Aonuma (青沼 令子, Aonuma Reiko; born 28 January 1954) is a Japanese basketball player. She competed in the women's…Reiko Aonuma (青沼 令子, Aonuma Reiko; born 28 January 1954) is a Japanese basketball player. She competed in the women's tournament at the 1976 Summer Olympics.
Takashi Saito (斎藤 隆, Saitō Takashi; born 28 January 1953) is a Japanese weightlifter. He competed in the men's…Takashi Saito (斎藤 隆, Saitō Takashi; born 28 January 1953) is a Japanese weightlifter. He competed in the men's featherweight event at the 1976 Summer Olympics.
Takashi Maruyama (丸山 孝, Maruyama Takashi; born 28 January 1953) is a Japanese volleyball player. He competed in the…Takashi Maruyama (丸山 孝, Maruyama Takashi; born 28 January 1953) is a Japanese volleyball player. He competed in the men's tournament at the 1976 Summer Olympics.
Koichi Tani (谷 公一, Tani Kōichi; born 28 January 1952) is a Japanese politician serving in the House of Representatives…Koichi Tani (谷 公一, Tani Kōichi; born 28 January 1952) is a Japanese politician serving in the House of Representatives in the Diet (national legislature) as a member of the Liberal Democratic Party. A native of Muraoka, Hyōgo and graduate of Meiji University, he was elected for the first time in 2003.
Kang Chang-il (Korean: 강창일; born 28 January 1952) is a South Korean politician who is member of the National Assembly…Kang Chang-il (Korean: 강창일; born 28 January 1952) is a South Korean politician who is member of the National Assembly since 2004. Kang served as South Korea's ambassador to Japan from January 2021 to 2022.
Shig Fukuyama (シゲ福山, Shige Fukuyama), (born as Shigefumi Fukuyama, January 28, 1950) is a former Japanese professional…Shig Fukuyama (シゲ福山, Shige Fukuyama), (born as Shigefumi Fukuyama, January 28, 1950) is a former Japanese professional boxer. Fukuyama was born in Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan, and is a resident of Los Angeles, California. In 1976 he fought and was defeated by D. K. Poison of Ghana.
Masachika Ichimura (市村 正親, Ichimura Masachika; born January 28, 1949) is a Japanese actor. He was born in Kawagoe…Masachika Ichimura (市村 正親, Ichimura Masachika; born January 28, 1949) is a Japanese actor. He was born in Kawagoe, Saitama and studied at the Theater Art College in Tokyo after graduating high school. He has also done voice acting work, with some of his roles being Mewtwo from the Pokémon franchise and Jack Skellington in the Japanese dub of The Nightmare Before Christmas.
Ikuo Kabashima (蒲島 郁夫, Kabashima Ikuo; born 28 January 1947) is a Japanese politician and a former governor of Kumamoto…Ikuo Kabashima (蒲島 郁夫, Kabashima Ikuo; born 28 January 1947) is a Japanese politician and a former governor of Kumamoto Prefecture. Kabashima served as governor for 4 terms, between 2008 and 2024. Ikuo Kabashima received a bachelor's and master's degrees in Animal Science and Agricultural Economics from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. He received a Ph.D. in political economy from Harvard University, John F. Kennedy School of Government in 1979. He studied under Samuel P. Huntington and Sidney Verba in HKS. Kabashima was an associate professor at the Institute of Policy and Planning Sciences of the University of Tsukuba from 1986 to 1991. He became a professor in 1991 and in 1996 was named dean of the Graduate School of International Political Economy. In 1997 he became a professor of law at the University of Tokyo. Kabahsima led the development of Kumamon, a promotional mascot that gained popularity both in Japan and abroad.
Shozo Saijo (西城 正三, Saijō Shōzō; born January 28, 1947) is a Japanese former professional boxer from Saitama. He is a…Shozo Saijo (西城 正三, Saijō Shōzō; born January 28, 1947) is a Japanese former professional boxer from Saitama. He is a former WBA featherweight champion.
Masamitsu Oishi (大石 正光, Ōishi Masamitsu; born 28 January 1945) is a former Japanese politician of the Democratic Party…Masamitsu Oishi (大石 正光, Ōishi Masamitsu; born 28 January 1945) is a former Japanese politician of the Democratic Party of Japan, who served in both houses of the National Diet (national legislature). A native of Sendai, Miyagi, he graduated from Rikkyo University and attended Whitworth University in Washington, United States. After having served in the House of Representatives for five terms, he lost his seat in 1996 as a member of the New Frontier Party. He was re-elected in 2000 but lost the seat again in 2003. In 2004 he ran for the House of Councillors and was elected for the first time.
Kōzō Watanabe (渡辺 紘三, Watanabe Kōzō; 28 January 1942 – 16 September 2007) was a Japanese politician of the Liberal…Kōzō Watanabe (渡辺 紘三, Watanabe Kōzō; 28 January 1942 – 16 September 2007) was a Japanese politician of the Liberal Democratic Party who served in the House of Representatives from 1972 to 1990. He was best known as an influential supporter of Kakuei Tanaka's faction, though had to retire early from politics in 1990 due to diabetes. He is to be distinguished from the homonymous Kōzō Watanabe (Democratic Party politician) (different given name characters 渡部恒三) who was nicknamed "Kennedy" in the diet, while Kozo Watanabe (born 1942) was known as the spokesman of the Etsuzankai (ja:越山会) associated with Kakuei Tanaka. He was elected in Niigata Prefecture's 2nd Electoral District in 1972 and served in vice-minister posts at the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications (Japan) and the Ministry of Construction (Japan).
Masashi Shiga (志賀 政司, Shiga Masashi; born 28 January 1939) is a Japanese basketball player. He competed in the men's…Masashi Shiga (志賀 政司, Shiga Masashi; born 28 January 1939) is a Japanese basketball player. He competed in the men's tournament at the 1960 Summer Olympics and the 1964 Summer Olympics.
Yoshikazu Shirakawa (白川 義員, Shirakawa Yoshikazu; 1935 – April 5, 2022) was a Japanese photographer. Shirakawa was born…Yoshikazu Shirakawa (白川 義員, Shirakawa Yoshikazu; 1935 – April 5, 2022) was a Japanese photographer. Shirakawa was born in Shikokuchuo City, Ehime Prefecture. As a prolific photographer, on a span of 50 years he created 12 photoseries in different parts of the world, from China to Antarctica. Shirakawa is particularly well known for his book Himalayas, published by Harry N. Abrams in 1971.
Katsuichi Honda (Japanese: 本多 勝一, Hepburn: Honda Katsuichi; born January 28, 1932) is a Japanese journalist and author…Katsuichi Honda (Japanese: 本多 勝一, Hepburn: Honda Katsuichi; born January 28, 1932) is a Japanese journalist and author most famous for his writing on the Nanjing Massacre. During the 1970s he wrote a series of articles on the atrocities committed by Imperial Japanese soldiers during World War II called "Chūgoku no Tabi" (中国の旅, "Travels in China"). The series first appeared in the Asahi Shimbun. Honda also worked as a war correspondent in Vietnam during the Vietnam War, an experience which, according to some historians, contributed to stoking his interest in Japanese wartime history.
