Motoharu Kawashima (川島素晴; surname Kawashima; born 12 January 1972 in Tokyo, Japan) is a Japanese composer of…Motoharu Kawashima (川島素晴; surname Kawashima; born 12 January 1972 in Tokyo, Japan) is a Japanese composer of contemporary classical music.
Shuntaro Furukawa (古川 俊太郎, Furukawa Shuntarō; born January 10, 1972) is a Japanese executive who currently serves as…Shuntaro Furukawa (古川 俊太郎, Furukawa Shuntarō; born January 10, 1972) is a Japanese executive who currently serves as the president of the video game company Nintendo. He succeeded Tatsumi Kimishima as the company's sixth president in June 2018.
Kyoko Shimazaki (島崎 京子, Shimazaki Kyōko; born 7 January 1972) is a Japanese speed skater. She competed at the 1992…Kyoko Shimazaki (島崎 京子, Shimazaki Kyōko; born 7 January 1972) is a Japanese speed skater. She competed at the 1992, 1994 and the 1998 Winter Olympics.
Tamakasuga Ryōji (born January 7, 1972, as Ryōji Matsumoto) is a former sumo wrestler from Seiyo, Ehime Prefecture…Tamakasuga Ryōji (born January 7, 1972, as Ryōji Matsumoto) is a former sumo wrestler from Seiyo, Ehime Prefecture, Japan. A former amateur sumo champion, he made his professional debut in 1994 and reached a highest rank of sekiwake in 1997. He fought in the top makuuchi division for twelve years, won five special prizes and earned seven gold stars for defeating yokozuna. He retired in 2008 and is now a sumo coach. In February 2010 he took over the running of Kataonami stable.
Kaworu Watashiya (私屋カヲル, Watashiya Kaworu; born 3 January 1972) is a Japanese manga artist from Tokyo, Japan. She is…Kaworu Watashiya (私屋カヲル, Watashiya Kaworu; born 3 January 1972) is a Japanese manga artist from Tokyo, Japan. She is notable for the creation of Kodomo no Jikan, the first of her works selected to be translated into English – though the publication of the English version was cancelled by the licensee, Seven Seas Entertainment, due to concerns as to North American reaction to controversial content, and was never released. However, in late 2016 it was picked up by digitalmanga, and funded for translation through a Kickstarter campaign, with the digital version readily available on Project Hentai. It is also the first of her works to be adapted into an anime.
Kouji Shishido (宍戸 幸之, Shishido Kōji; born February 2, 1972) is a Japanese professional wrestler who competes for…Kouji Shishido (宍戸 幸之, Shishido Kōji; born February 2, 1972) is a Japanese professional wrestler who competes for Dragon Gate.
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.
Yasuo Manaka (眞中 靖夫, Manaka Yasuo; born January 31, 1971) is a former Japanese football player and manager. His elder…Yasuo Manaka (眞中 靖夫, Manaka Yasuo; born January 31, 1971) is a former Japanese football player and manager. His elder brother Mikio Manaka is also a former footballer.
Takeshi Yamanaka (山中 武司, Yamanaka Takeshi; born 30 January 1971) is a former professional Japanese ice hockey player…Takeshi Yamanaka (山中 武司, Yamanaka Takeshi; born 30 January 1971) is a former professional Japanese ice hockey player and current coach. He competed with Team Japan as a defenceman in the men's ice hockey tournament at the 1998 Winter Olympics. He also was the head coach of the women's ice hockey tournament Team Japan at the 2018 Winter Olympics. Having coached professionally in the Asia League and at the national level, he is currently the assistant coach for the Japanese Men's National Ice Hockey Team.
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.
Tomoefuji Toshihide (born 27 January 1971 as Toshihide Kurosawa) is a former sumo wrestler from Akita Prefecture…Tomoefuji Toshihide (born 27 January 1971 as Toshihide Kurosawa) is a former sumo wrestler from Akita Prefecture, Japan. His highest rank was komusubi.
Takanori Aki (安藝 貴範, Aki Takanori; born 26 January 1971), also known as 'Aki-san', is the president and CEO of Good…Takanori Aki (安藝 貴範, Aki Takanori; born 26 January 1971), also known as 'Aki-san', is the president and CEO of Good Smile Company. He was born in Sanuki, Kagawa Prefecture, Japan. As the CEO of Good Smile Company he works to provide new content to fans of character figures and goods. He has also been involved in the production and planning of a number of anime series and films, which has led him to become one of the founding board members of the Ultra Super Pictures animation studio.
Hideki Nagai (永井 秀樹, Nagai Hideki; born 26 January 1971) is a former Japanese football player and manager. He is…Hideki Nagai (永井 秀樹, Nagai Hideki; born 26 January 1971) is a former Japanese football player and manager. He is current manager of Tokyo Verdy. His younger brother Atsushi Nagai is also a former footballer.
Eri Imai (今井 恵理, Imai Eri; born January 26, 1971 in Yawata, Kyoto) is a Japanese actress and model. In April 1994, she…Eri Imai (今井 恵理, Imai Eri; born January 26, 1971 in Yawata, Kyoto) is a Japanese actress and model. In April 1994, she won the "Shape Up Girl Audition" Grand Prix, and made appearances with three other models under the "Shape Up Girl" name. She made numerous appearances on television, film, v-cinema, photobooks and on stage during the 1990s. She and her husband, actor Yūjin Nomura, announced the birth of their first child, a son, in October 2009. At the end of that year Imai appeared in the "Shape-Up Girl" calendar with her fellow alumni of that group. She returned for this calendar the following year.
Masayuki Izumikawa (泉川 正幸, Izumikawa Masayuki) (born 22 January 1971) is a Japanese former volleyball player who…Masayuki Izumikawa (泉川 正幸, Izumikawa Masayuki) (born 22 January 1971) is a Japanese former volleyball player who competed in the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona. He also competed in the Summer Universiade in 1993 as the main outside hitter of his national squad, winning a gold medal.
Mito Kakizawa (柿沢未途, Kakizawa Mito; born 21 January 1971) is a Japanese politician and former member of the House of…Mito Kakizawa (柿沢未途, Kakizawa Mito; born 21 January 1971) is a Japanese politician and former member of the House of Representatives. He represented the Tokyo 15th district in the House of Representatives. His father was Koji Kakizawa, a former foreign minister and member of both houses of the Diet, serving in the House of Representatives for seven terms until 2003.
Zentaro Kamei (亀井 善太郎, Kamei Zentarō; born January 20, 1971) is a Japanese politician of the Liberal Democratic Party…Zentaro Kamei (亀井 善太郎, Kamei Zentarō; born January 20, 1971) is a Japanese politician of the Liberal Democratic Party, a member of the House of Representatives in the Diet (national legislature). A native of Isehara, Kanagawa and graduate of Keio University, he was elected for the first time in 2006. In the 45th House of Representatives general election held on August 30, 2009, he ran unsuccessfully for re-election as a candidate endorsed by the Liberal Democratic Party. Prior to be in politics, he worked for Industrial Bank of Japan and Boston Consulting Group. He is the son of the late Japanese politician Yoshiyuki Kamei, who was Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries during the government of Junichiro Koizumi and Minister of Transport during the government of Ryutaro Hashimoto. In April 2026 he was appointed as a professor at the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies, a National University led by Hiroko Ota, formerly a minister in the government of Shinzo Abe.
Satoshi Yanagisawa (Japanese: 柳澤 哲; born January 19, 1971, in Nagano) is a retired male race walker from Japan. He set…Satoshi Yanagisawa (Japanese: 柳澤 哲; born January 19, 1971, in Nagano) is a retired male race walker from Japan. He set his personal best (1:19.29) in the men's 20 km on January 30, 2000, in Kobe.
Youki Kudoh (工藤 夕貴, Kudō Yūki; born 17 January 1971) is a Japanese actress and singer. She won the award for best…Youki Kudoh (工藤 夕貴, Kudō Yūki; born 17 January 1971) is a Japanese actress and singer. She won the award for best newcomer at the 6th Yokohama Film Festival for The Crazy Family. She also won the awards for best actress at the 16th Hochi Film Award and at the 1992 Blue Ribbon Award for War and Youth. Additionally, Kudoh has been nominated three times for Best Actress, in the 5th independent Spirit Award for Mystery Train, in the 15th Japanese Academy Prize for War and Youth, and in the 4th Golden Satellite Award for Snow Falling on Cedars.
Yusuke Naora (直良 有祐, Naora Yūsuke) (born January 9, 1971) is a Japanese video game art director and character designer…Yusuke Naora (直良 有祐, Naora Yūsuke) (born January 9, 1971) is a Japanese video game art director and character designer who worked for Square Enix (formerly Square). A former member of Toaplan, Naora served as the art director for several Final Fantasy and Compilation of Final Fantasy VII titles. He also served as the producer of the Code Age franchise. On October 1, 2016 he announced on Twitter that he had left the company, but would continue to contribute to Square Enix games as a freelancer.
Masako Asada (浅田雅子, Asada Masako; born 8 January 1971) is a Japanese diver. She competed in two events at the 1988…Masako Asada (浅田雅子, Asada Masako; born 8 January 1971) is a Japanese diver. She competed in two events at the 1988 Summer Olympics.
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.
Lynn Okamoto (岡本 倫, Okamoto Rin) is a Japanese manga artist and a former employee of Bandai and Arc System Works. His…Lynn Okamoto (岡本 倫, Okamoto Rin) is a Japanese manga artist and a former employee of Bandai and Arc System Works. His most famous work is the series Elfen Lied which was adapted into a 13-episode anime series by the studio Arms.
Mayuko Takata (高田万由子 Takata Mayuko, born January 5, 1971) is a Japanese actress, best known in the western world for…Mayuko Takata (高田万由子 Takata Mayuko, born January 5, 1971) is a Japanese actress, best known in the western world for her appearances on the Japanese TV show Iron Chef.
Takashi Koshimoto (越本 隆志, Koshimoto Takashi; born January 5, 1971, in Fukuoka) is a former Japanese professional boxer…Takashi Koshimoto (越本 隆志, Koshimoto Takashi; born January 5, 1971, in Fukuoka) is a former Japanese professional boxer in the featherweight (126 lb) division. He is a former WBC world featherweight champion.
Junichi Kakizaki (柿崎 順一, Kakizaki Jun'ichi; January 4, 1971 – June 2026) was a Japanese artist, sculptor, floral and…Junichi Kakizaki (柿崎 順一, Kakizaki Jun'ichi; January 4, 1971 – June 2026) was a Japanese artist, sculptor, floral and nature artist, land artist, environmental artist, and media artist. He exhibits regularly both in Japan and internationally, mainly in Sweden. Since 1992, he has mainly worked on scenography. He brought a floral design representation in area of contemporary art, and worked with several artists across different art fields. His daughter, Memi, is a former member of Japanese idol group Hinatazaka46.
Kenji Ogiya (Japanese: 扇谷 健司 Oogiya Kenji) is a Japanese association football referee who has refereed in the J-League…Kenji Ogiya (Japanese: 扇谷 健司 Oogiya Kenji) is a Japanese association football referee who has refereed in the J-League, J. League Division 2 as well as the Polish Ekstraklasa and I liga. He is also an international referee, having officiated two international games since 2007.
Sachiko Hirayama (born January 3, 1971, in Shizuoka Prefecture) is a Japanese politician who has served as a member of…Sachiko Hirayama (born January 3, 1971, in Shizuoka Prefecture) is a Japanese politician who has served as a member of the House of Councillors of Japan since 2016. She represents the Shizuoka at-large district and is an independent. She is a member of the following committees (as of 2021): Committee on Environment
Hideko Nihei (二瓶 秀子, Nihei Hideko; née Kijinami (雉子波), born 2 January 1971 in Fukushima Prefecture) is a Japanese…Hideko Nihei (二瓶 秀子, Nihei Hideko; née Kijinami (雉子波), born 2 January 1971 in Fukushima Prefecture) is a Japanese retired sprinter. She competed in the 4 × 100 metres relay at the 1997 World Championships. She is the former Japanese record holder in the 100 metres (11.36 seconds), 200 metres (23.82 seconds) and 4 × 100 metres relay (44.41 seconds). She is currently the head coach at the Fukushima University Track Club.
Yutaka Takenouchi (竹野内 豊 (hiragana:たけのうちゆたか), Takenouchi Yutaka; born January 2, 1971) is a Japanese actor. His…Yutaka Takenouchi (竹野内 豊 (hiragana:たけのうちゆたか), Takenouchi Yutaka; born January 2, 1971) is a Japanese actor. His on-screen acting debut was in the drama 「ボクの就職」 (Boku no Syūshoku) in 1994, after winning a modeling contest. He also appeared in commercials.
Kimiya Yui (油井 亀美也; born 30 January 1970) is a Japanese astronaut with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)…Kimiya Yui (油井 亀美也; born 30 January 1970) is a Japanese astronaut with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and a retired fighter pilot with the Japan Air Self-Defense Force. He was selected by JAXA in 2009.
Koji Ito (伊東 浩司, Itō Kōji; born 29 January 1970 in Kobe) is a retired Japanese track and field sprinter and Japan's…Koji Ito (伊東 浩司, Itō Kōji; born 29 January 1970 in Kobe) is a retired Japanese track and field sprinter and Japan's fourth-fastest record holder of 100m sprint with a time of 10.00 seconds. He held the 100 metres Japanese national record between December 1998 and September 2017. He is a former Asian record holder in the 100 metres and 200 metres, and still holds the indoor record as well as the 4×400 metres relay record. He is married to former long-distance runner Hiromi Suzuki.
Mitsuhiro Murata (村田 光弘, Murata Mitsuhiro; born January 26, 1970) is a Japanese former competitive figure skater who is…Mitsuhiro Murata (村田 光弘, Murata Mitsuhiro; born January 26, 1970) is a Japanese former competitive figure skater who is now a coach. He placed 23rd in the 1992 Winter Olympics.
Michael Kawajo (川条 志嘉, Kawajō Shika; born 25 January 1970) is a former Japanese politician of the Liberal Democratic…Michael Kawajo (川条 志嘉, Kawajō Shika; born 25 January 1970) is a former Japanese politician of the Liberal Democratic Party, who served as a member of the House of Representatives in the Diet (national legislature).
Tomoki Kyoda (京田 知己, Kyōda Tomoki) (born 1970) is a Japanese animation director and animator born in Osaka, Japan.…Tomoki Kyoda (京田 知己, Kyōda Tomoki) (born 1970) is a Japanese animation director and animator born in Osaka, Japan. Formerly a graphic designer, he nurtured the dream of becoming an animator from childhood. After doing various works supervising drawing continuity, he joined the Bones anime RahXephon as assistant director and later directed RahXephon: Pluralitas Concentio, his first film. He then went on to become head director of Eureka Seven, also under studio Bones. He collaborated with Gainax and Studio Khara in producing the new tetralogy of Neon Genesis Evangelion films as a storyboard artist on the first film, Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone. He revived the Eureka Seven franchise with the announcement of a brand new theatrical feature. He is a member of the 15-person steering committee of the Japan Animation Creators Association (JAniCA) labor group.
Udo Suzuki (ウド鈴木; real name: Hideki Suzuki (鈴木 任紀), born January 19, 1970), also known as Udo, is a Japanese musician…Udo Suzuki (ウド鈴木; real name: Hideki Suzuki (鈴木 任紀), born January 19, 1970), also known as Udo, is a Japanese musician and comedian. He used to be a member of the Japanese band UltraCats and is a member of the owarai group Kyaeen (キャイ～ン).
Masaaki Mochizuki (望月 成晃, Mochizuki Masaaki; born January 17, 1970) is a Japanese professional wrestler, He is…Masaaki Mochizuki (望月 成晃, Mochizuki Masaaki; born January 17, 1970) is a Japanese professional wrestler, He is currently working on the Dragon Gate and Pro Wrestling Noah. Mochizuki is a former three-time Open the Dream Gate Champion and In NOAH former GHC National Champion and GHC Tag Team Champion. He is also known for his time in Full Impact Pro (FIP), where former one-time FIP World Heavyweight Champion.
Nobuyoshi Fujisawa (藤澤 信義, Fujisawa Nobuyoshi; born January 17, 1970) is from Gifu Prefecture, Japan and Representative…Nobuyoshi Fujisawa (藤澤 信義, Fujisawa Nobuyoshi; born January 17, 1970) is from Gifu Prefecture, Japan and Representative Director, President & Chief Executive Officer of J Trust Group which runs banking business, credit guarantee business and financial business in Asian countries.
Michiaki Kamochi (賀持 道明, Kamochi Michiaki; born 1970) is a retired Japanese judoka. Kamochi is from Warabi, Saitama. He…Michiaki Kamochi (賀持 道明, Kamochi Michiaki; born 1970) is a retired Japanese judoka. Kamochi is from Warabi, Saitama. He began Sumo at the age of 3rd grader and won the championship consecutively for six years. He also began judo at his junior high school days and when he was a student of Nihon University, he was trained by former world champion, Chonosuke Takagi. In 1991, he participated in the World Championships held in Barcelona. He also participated Asian Championships in Osaka and won a gold medal at the half-heavyweight category. Kamochi belonged to JRA after graduation from university in 1992. He retired in 1999 after All-Japan Teams Championships.
Tatsuya Shindoh (進藤 達哉, Shindoh Tatsuya; born January 14, 1970 in Takaoka, Toyama) is a former Japanese Nippon…Tatsuya Shindoh (進藤 達哉, Shindoh Tatsuya; born January 14, 1970 in Takaoka, Toyama) is a former Japanese Nippon Professional Baseball player.
Tadashi Takagi (髙木 規, Takagi Tadashi; born January 13, 1970 in Toyonaka, Japan), better known by his ring name Sanshiro…Tadashi Takagi (髙木 規, Takagi Tadashi; born January 13, 1970 in Toyonaka, Japan), better known by his ring name Sanshiro Takagi (髙木 三四郎, Takagi Sanshirō), is a Japanese professional wrestler and promoter who works for the Japanese wrestling promotion CyberFight, where he serves as executive vice president. He is one of the founding members and current chairman of United Japan Pro Wrestling. Takagi is the founder of DDT Pro-Wrestling, which is now part of the CyberFight umbrella. As a wrestler, Takagi's gimmick is that he is Stone Cold Steve Austin.
