Junko Moriyama (森山 淳子, Moriyama Junko; born (1975-02-26)26 February 1975) is a retired Japanese female volleyball…Junko Moriyama (森山 淳子, Moriyama Junko; born (1975-02-26)26 February 1975) is a retired Japanese female volleyball player. She was part of the Japan women's national volleyball team at the 1998 FIVB World Championship in Japan.
Atsushi Koga (古賀淳, Koga Atsushi), sometimes translated erroneously as Jun Koga, (born Kanagawa Prefecture, 25 February…Atsushi Koga (古賀淳, Koga Atsushi), sometimes translated erroneously as Jun Koga, (born Kanagawa Prefecture, 25 February 1975) is a Japanese former rugby union player who played as Centre.
Chiemi Chiba (千葉 千恵巳, Chiba Chiemi; born February 25, 1975) is a Japanese actress, voice actress, and singer. She was…Chiemi Chiba (千葉 千恵巳, Chiba Chiemi; born February 25, 1975) is a Japanese actress, voice actress, and singer. She was born in Kawaguchi, Saitama, and made her professional singing debut on April 7, 1993, as a member of the J-Pop group Aurora Gonin Musume. She is best known for her roles from the anime series as Yuzuriha Nekoi in Tsubasa Chronicle, Hinako in Sister Princess, Doremi Harukaze in Ojamajo Doremi, Nanaka Kirisato in Nanaka 6/17, Wanya in UFO Baby and Kyoko Kirisaki in Black Cat. She announced on February 25, 2013, that she had gotten married and had a child.
Koji Abe (あべ こうじ, Abe Kōji; born 19 February 1975, in Minami-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture) is a Japanese comedian…Koji Abe (あべ こうじ, Abe Kōji; born 19 February 1975, in Minami-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture) is a Japanese comedian (pin entertainer), comic chat artist, actor and lyricist. His wife is former Morning Musume member and tarento Ai Takahashi. Abe is represented with Yoshimoto Kogyo in Tokyo (Tokyo Yoshimoto, a subsidiary of Yoshimoto Creative Agency).
Kōhei Kiyasu (喜安 浩平,, Kiyasu Kouhei; born February 19, 1975) is a Japanese actor, voice actor, and scriptwriter from…Kōhei Kiyasu (喜安 浩平,, Kiyasu Kouhei; born February 19, 1975) is a Japanese actor, voice actor, and scriptwriter from Ehime Prefecture. He is a graduate of Hiroshima University, where he majored in art. He is a member of the Nylon 100 °C theater troupe, as well as the chairman of his own troupe Bull Docking Headlock (ブルドッキングヘッドロック).
Yutaka Kumagai (熊谷 大, Kumagai Yutaka; born 16 February 1975) is a Japanese politician from the Liberal Democratic…Yutaka Kumagai (熊谷 大, Kumagai Yutaka; born 16 February 1975) is a Japanese politician from the Liberal Democratic Party. As of 2014 he has served as member of the House of Councillors for the Miyagi at-large district.
Nanase Aikawa (相川 七瀬, Aikawa Nanase; born February 16, 1975) is a Japanese singer. She publishes her music under the…Nanase Aikawa (相川 七瀬, Aikawa Nanase; born February 16, 1975) is a Japanese singer. She publishes her music under the Motorod label, a division of Avex Group.
Yumi Obe (大部 由美, Ōbe Yumi; born February 15, 1975) is a former Japanese football player and manager. She played for…Yumi Obe (大部 由美, Ōbe Yumi; born February 15, 1975) is a former Japanese football player and manager. She played for Japan national team.
Satoshi Umemura (梅村 聡, Umemura Satoshi; born 1975) is a Japanese politician of the Japan Innovation Party, who served…Satoshi Umemura (梅村 聡, Umemura Satoshi; born 1975) is a Japanese politician of the Japan Innovation Party, who served as a member of the House of Councillors and the House of Representatives in the Diet (national legislature). A native of Sakai, Osaka and graduate of Osaka University, he was elected for the first time in 2007.
Hiroki Kuroda (黒田 博樹, Kuroda Hiroki; born February 10, 1975) is a Japanese former professional baseball pitcher. He…Hiroki Kuroda (黒田 博樹, Kuroda Hiroki; born February 10, 1975) is a Japanese former professional baseball pitcher. He pitched in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) for Hiroshima Toyo Carp from 1997 to 2007 before playing in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Los Angeles Dodgers from 2008 to 2011 and New York Yankees from 2012 to 2014. After the 2014 season, he chose to return to the Carp to finish out his career. Between the two leagues, he won 203 games. In NPB, Kuroda won the Best Nine Award in 2005 and was NPB ERA Champion in 2006. He also won a bronze medal at the 2004 Summer Olympics with the Japanese national baseball team. Kuroda was appointed UNITAR Goodwill Ambassador on 14 September 2015. In 2024, he was inducted into the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame.
Ryohei Sakaguchi (阪口 良平, Sakaguchi Ryōhei; born 6 February 1975 in Habikino) is a Japanese racing driver competing in…Ryohei Sakaguchi (阪口 良平, Sakaguchi Ryōhei; born 6 February 1975 in Habikino) is a Japanese racing driver competing in Super Taikyu for Mazda Spirit Racing. Sakaguchi won the 2003 Korean Formula 1800 Series and has five Super Taikyu titles to his name, two in ST-3 and three in ST-2.
Hiroyasu Shimizu (清水 宏保, Shimizu Hiroyasu; born 27 February 1974) is a Japanese speed skater. A five-time world…Hiroyasu Shimizu (清水 宏保, Shimizu Hiroyasu; born 27 February 1974) is a Japanese speed skater. A five-time world champion in the 500 meters, Shimizu became the first Japanese speed skater to win a gold medal with his performance at the 1998 Winter Olympics. At the 1998 World Championships, Shimizu set a world record (34.82) and became the first person to break the 35-second barrier in the event. Shimizu later broke this record at the 2001 World Championships with a time of 34.42. He was married to Japanese fashion model Reiko Takagaki.
Shigenori Yamazaki (山崎樹範, Yamazaki Shigenori; born February 26, 1974 in Tokyo, Japan) is a Japanese actor and voice…Shigenori Yamazaki (山崎樹範, Yamazaki Shigenori; born February 26, 1974 in Tokyo, Japan) is a Japanese actor and voice actor. He has been married to actress Rei Yoshii since November 11, 2016.
Tochinonada Taiichi (栃乃洋 泰一 born February 26, 1974, as Taiichi Gotō) is a former sumo wrestler from Ishikawa…Tochinonada Taiichi (栃乃洋 泰一 born February 26, 1974, as Taiichi Gotō) is a former sumo wrestler from Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan. An amateur sumo champion, he turned professional in 1996 and reached the top makuuchi division in 1997. He earned twelve kinboshi or gold stars for defeating yokozuna, the second highest ever, and he was a runner-up in two tournaments. His highest rank was sekiwake. He is now a coach at Kasugano stable under the name Takenawa Oyakata.
Shigenori Soejima (副島 成記, Soejima Shigenori; born February 24, 1974) is a Japanese character artist best known for his…Shigenori Soejima (副島 成記, Soejima Shigenori; born February 24, 1974) is a Japanese character artist best known for his work in the Persona series of role-playing video games by Atlus. He initially worked in minor roles on several games after joining Atlus and took over as series art director from his mentor Kazuma Kaneko with Persona 3 in 2006.
Takuma Aoki (青木 拓磨, Aoki Takuma; born February 24, 1974 in Tokyo) is a Japanese former road racer of motorcycles at…Takuma Aoki (青木 拓磨, Aoki Takuma; born February 24, 1974 in Tokyo) is a Japanese former road racer of motorcycles at Grand Prix level. He began his Grand Prix career in 1993. From 1994 to 1996, Aoki competed in the World Superbike Championship, winning one race in that series. In 1996, he won All Japan Championship Superbike class champion. He returned to Grand Prix racing with Honda in 1997, enjoying his best season when he finished fifth in the 500cc world championship. A spinal injury in a 1998 motorcycle crash left him paralyzed below the waist. Aoki has continued to work with Honda, helping them develop cars for disabled people. He is the brother of Grand Prix racers, Nobuatsu and Haruchika Aoki. Aoki has been involved in motorsports again. Using specially-modified 4-wheel drive vehicles, he has been involved in many cross country rallies, notably the Dakar Rally, the Jaguar I-Pace eTrophy and the Asia Cross Country Rally. On July 10, 2019, Aoki took a test ride on the Team Honda Dream CBR1000 Suzuka 8 Hours machine. In 2021, Aoki competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans as part of Frédéric Sausset's SRT41 team.
Kyōko Nagatsuka (Japanese: 長塚京子, born February 22, 1974) is a Japanese former professional tennis player. She achieved…Kyōko Nagatsuka (Japanese: 長塚京子, born February 22, 1974) is a Japanese former professional tennis player. She achieved a career-high ranking of world No. 28 on 14 August 1995. In doubles, she reached as high as No. 31 in June 1995. She won the 12-and-under championships of Japan in 1986, and the under-16 in 1989. Nagatsuka reached three singles finals on the WTA Tour but failed to win the title in any of them. She did, however, win two doubles titles as well as achieving a further three runner-ups in doubles competition. She reached the fourth round of a Grand Slam tournament twice in singles: at the 1995 Australian Open, where she beat a young Martina Hingis and Amy Frazier, and that same year at the French Open. Playing for the Japan Fed Cup team, she has a win–loss record of 2–4. Since her retirement, she has briefly worked as a coach with Akiko Morigami.
Tomonori Jinnai (陣内 智則, Jinnai Tomonori; born 22 February 1974, in Kakogawa, Hyōgo, Japan) is a Japanese actor, tarento…Tomonori Jinnai (陣内 智則, Jinnai Tomonori; born 22 February 1974, in Kakogawa, Hyōgo, Japan) is a Japanese actor, tarento and presenter.
SMAP (Japanese: スマップ, Hepburn: Sumappu) was a Japanese boy band, composed of Masahiro Nakai, Takuya Kimura, Goro…SMAP (Japanese: スマップ, Hepburn: Sumappu) was a Japanese boy band, composed of Masahiro Nakai, Takuya Kimura, Goro Inagaki, Tsuyoshi Kusanagi, and Shingo Katori. The group was created in 1988 by music producer Johnny Kitagawa, founder of Johnny & Associates, originally as a six-piece with Katsuyuki Mori, until his departure from the band in 1996. The name stands for "Sports Music Assemble People". After making their debut in 1991, the group took the Japanese entertainment industry by storm, becoming one of the most successful boy bands in Asia. The group is often referred to as a "national treasure" and a "fortune and property of the country" in Japan. SMAP was regarded as an iconic group in Japan, after achieving an unprecedented level of success in numerous genres in the entertainment industry, including music, television, film, radio, and theater, as a group and individually. SMAP was credited for changing the Japanese entertainment and music industry, in terms of prolonging longevity of boy bands and broadening careers by creating new opportunities for bands that followed. After starting out as a typical boy band, with a fan base predominantly of female teens, they gradually transformed into a band with a wider audience, expanding their fan base to preteens, male adults, and even the elderly, after their success as actors and television personalities. SMAP released 55 singles, all of which reached the top 10 in the charts, 22 consecutive number-one singles, and 33 number-one singles in total. The band has had 24 top-10 albums and 14 number-one albums. "Sekai ni Hitotsu Dake no Hana", released in 2003, is the best selling single in the 21st century and the third best selling single in Japanese history and has become the most recognized song in Japan, as it appears in text books used in school and children are taught to learn the song at a young age. Other best selling singles by the group include, "Beyond the Night Sky", "Lion Heart", "Shake", "Aoi Inazuma", which also have become some of the most popular songs in Japan. Throughout their career, the band has sold over 38.5 million records in Japan alone. In April 1996, the group launched their weekly variety show, SMAP×SMAP, which quickly gained high ratings and became one of the most famous television shows in Japan. The distinct format of the program has received widespread critical praise. The show ranked No. 1 in the annual household share ratings in 1996, 1997, 1999–2002, 2006, and 2016, making it the most watched television show in Japan. The episode that aired in January 2002 is currently ranked No. 7 for the most watched Japanese variety show in history, with 34.2 million viewers. It is the eighth longest-running prime-time television program in Japan, as of 2016. SMAP officially disbanded on December 31, 2016.
Keiji Yamaguchi (山口圭司 Yamaguchi Keiji, born February 17, 1974) is a former professional boxer from Hakodate, Hokkaido…Keiji Yamaguchi (山口圭司 Yamaguchi Keiji, born February 17, 1974) is a former professional boxer from Hakodate, Hokkaido, Japan. Yamaguchi held the WBA light flyweight championship of the world, defeating Panamanian champion Carlos Murillo in 1996 via a 12th-round split decision. He became Japan's 37th world champion. After winning the world championship, he defended the title only once, defeating his old rival Carlos Murillo in mid-1996 by unanimous decision after twelve rounds. Later that year, in a surprising upset, he lost the title by TKO in just the second round to Thai challenger Pichit Chor Siriwat (formerly known as Pichitnoi Sitbangprachan) in a bout at Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium. During the fight, he ducked to avoid a left punch, but as he raised his head, he was caught cleanly by a devastating right hook from Chor Siriwat. He went down hard, and although he managed to get back on his feet, he was clearly unfit to continue. The referee then stepped in and stopped the fight. Yamaguchi is known as a Japanese boxer who had multiple opportunities to fight for world titles. His first world title shot came in 1995 against South Korea's Choi Hi-yong, but he was defeated via a 12th-round split decision. He went on to challenge for two more world titles: the WBA flyweight title against Venezuela's José Bonilla in 1997, and the WBC super flyweight title against South Korea's In-Joo Cho in 1999. He was unsuccessful in both. He also fought for the WBC super flyweight international title against former Filipino world champion Gerry Peñalosa in 2001 in the Philippines, but lost by first-round TKO. He was nicknamed "Prince" because his idol was Naseem Hamed, the British-Yemeni superstar in the featherweight division. Yamaguchi adopted Hamed's flashy fighting style and even imitated his trunks design.
Yasushi Hosaka (穂坂泰, Hosaka Yasushi; born 17 February 1974) is a Japanese politician serving as a member of the House…Yasushi Hosaka (穂坂泰, Hosaka Yasushi; born 17 February 1974) is a Japanese politician serving as a member of the House of Representatives since 2017. From 2016 to 2017, he was a city councillor of Shiki.
Rando Ayamine (綾峰欄人, Ayamine Rando; born 1974) is a Japanese manga artist known for illustrating the GetBackers series.…Rando Ayamine (綾峰欄人, Ayamine Rando; born 1974) is a Japanese manga artist known for illustrating the GetBackers series. Since the completion of Get Backers, he has been working on a new manga series called Holy Talker.
Kosuke Yamashita (山下 康介, Yamashita Kōsuke; born February 17, 1974) is a Japanese composer and arranger from Hamamatsu…Kosuke Yamashita (山下 康介, Yamashita Kōsuke; born February 17, 1974) is a Japanese composer and arranger from Hamamatsu, Shizuoka. Yamashita is best known for his work on Digimon Xros Wars, Xenosaga: The Animation, and the tokusatsu television series Mahou Sentai Magiranger, Kaizoku Sentai Gokaiger, and Kamen Rider Gaim. He is a member of Project.R. Yamashita often collaborates with Nobuhiko Obayashi, as Yamashita met him soon after Yamashita graduated from the Tokyo College of Music. He is a board member of the Japanese Composer Arranger Association. Since April 2011, Yamashita has been a guest lecturer at the Senzoku Gakuen College of Music. In 2013, released the album A Classical in collaboration with J-pop singer Ayumi Hamasaki. It was the first classical music album to top the Oricon album chart.
Hiroyuki Miura (三浦 弘行, Miura Hiroyuki; born February 13, 1974) is a Japanese professional shogi player, ranked 9-dan.…Hiroyuki Miura (三浦 弘行, Miura Hiroyuki; born February 13, 1974) is a Japanese professional shogi player, ranked 9-dan. He is a former Kisei title holder and became the first active Class A professional to lose to a computer when he lost to the GPS Shogi program in April 2013. In October 2016, he was falsely accused of cheating in the 29th Ryūō challenger controversy, which resulted in him losing the chance to play for the Ryūō title. A third-party investigative panel was convened and eventually cleared Miura of all charges. The panel's findings led to the resignation of the Japan Shogi Association's president as well as the dismissal of several board members.
Hollywood Zakoshisyoh (ハリウッドザコシショウ, Hariuddo Zakoshishō; born 13 February 1974) is a Japanese comedian from Shimizu-shi…Hollywood Zakoshisyoh (ハリウッドザコシショウ, Hariuddo Zakoshishō; born 13 February 1974) is a Japanese comedian from Shimizu-shi (now Shimizu-ku, Shizuoka), Shizuoka Prefecture who has appeared in many television variety shows, as well as television dramas, radio and web series. His real name is Shigeki Nakazawa (中澤 滋紀, Nakazawa Shigeki). After going through Yoshimoto Kogyo and Watanabe Entertainment, he currently belongs to the SMA NEET Project. His stage name during his kombi years was Zakoshisyoh (ザコシショウ, Zakoshishō; There was also the notation "Zako Shishō" (ザコ師匠; Zako Master)). He is nicknamed "Zakoshi," (ザコシ) "Zakoshisyoh". Martial artist Shinya Aoki is his cousin. His stage name was derived from the fact that Hulk Hogan was identifying himself as Hollywood Hulk Hogan at the time when nWo was formed.
Hiroshi Nakamura (born 1974) is a Japanese architect, who designed the Kamikatsu Zero Waste Center, receiving the…Hiroshi Nakamura (born 1974) is a Japanese architect, who designed the Kamikatsu Zero Waste Center, receiving the Dezeen, Architectural Institute of Japan and Japan Institute of Architects awards for it.
Toranosuke "Tora" Takagi (高木 虎之介; born 12 February 1974) is a Japanese former racing driver, having notably competed in…Toranosuke "Tora" Takagi (高木 虎之介; born 12 February 1974) is a Japanese former racing driver, having notably competed in Formula One from 1998 to 1999 for Tyrrell and Arrows, having served as test driver for the former in 1997. Outside of Formula One, Takagi won the 2005 Super GT series in the GT500 class alongside Yuji Tachikawa, and the 2000 Formula Nippon Championship.
Takenori Daita (代田 建紀, Daita Takenori; born February 4, 1974) is a former baseball player from Japan. He played for the…Takenori Daita (代田 建紀, Daita Takenori; born February 4, 1974) is a former baseball player from Japan. He played for the Chiba Lotte Marines, Yakult Swallows, Osaka Kintetsu Buffaloes and many other teams of the Japan Pacific League.
Gaku Hashimoto (橋本 岳, Hashimoto Gaku; born 5 February 1974) is a Japanese politician of the Liberal Democratic Party…Gaku Hashimoto (橋本 岳, Hashimoto Gaku; born 5 February 1974) is a Japanese politician of the Liberal Democratic Party and a member of the House of Representatives in the Diet. He represents the 4th District of Okayama prefecture.
Eri Miyajima (宮島 依里, Miyajima Eri; born February 3, 1974) is a Japanese voice actress from Tokyo, Japan. She voices…Eri Miyajima (宮島 依里, Miyajima Eri; born February 3, 1974) is a Japanese voice actress from Tokyo, Japan. She voices Guren in Naruto: Shippuden and Kana in Haibane Renmei.
Junko Omote (Japanese: 表 純子, Hepburn: Omote Junko; born 2 February 1974)) is a Japanese professional golfer. She is a…Junko Omote (Japanese: 表 純子, Hepburn: Omote Junko; born 2 February 1974)) is a Japanese professional golfer. She is a member of the Ladies Professional Golfers' Association of Japan (LPGA of Japan) and is affiliated with the Chubu Health Inspection Center. She was born in Asaminami Ward, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture, and graduated from Hiroshima Municipal Hiroshima Commercial High School. Omote began playing golf at the age of 18. She passed the professional exam on 22 August 1996 and joined the 68nd class of the LPGA of Japan on 1 September of that year. In 2005, she won her first tournament title at the Meiji Cup. Although she did not win again until 2005, Omote won two tournament titles that year, the second being the Stanley Ladies' Golf Tournament. After this victory she did not win again until the 2013 Yonex Ladies Tournament. In 2019, she won her first Legends Tour tournament, the LPGA Legends Championship. On 8 April 2025, Omote won the Okamoto Ayako Cup, a tournament named for her mentor. Omote is a noted Hiroshima Toyo Carp fan and has dressed in the team's colors during tournaments. Having been a fan of the team since childhood, Omote has said that she considers herself the original "carp girl," a moniker used to describe female fans of the team.
Tochinohana Hitoshi (栃乃花 仁; born 28 February 1973 as Hitoshi Yachi) is a former Japanese sumo wrestler from Yamagata…Tochinohana Hitoshi (栃乃花 仁; born 28 February 1973 as Hitoshi Yachi) is a former Japanese sumo wrestler from Yamagata, Iwate. A former amateur champion, he turned professional in 1995, reaching the top makuuchi division in 2000. His highest rank was komusubi. He retired in 2008 and is now a sumo coach.
Masato Tanaka (田中 正人, ring name: 田中 将斗, Tanaka Masato; born February 28, 1973) is a Japanese professional wrestler, He…Masato Tanaka (田中 正人, ring name: 田中 将斗, Tanaka Masato; born February 28, 1973) is a Japanese professional wrestler, He is currently working for both promotions Pro Wrestling Noah (Noah) and Pro Wrestling Zero1 (Zero1). He is best known for his appearances with Frontier Martial-Arts Wrestling (FMW) in Japan where he was a one-time FMW Brass Knuckles Heavyweight Champion and a one-time WEW World Heavyweight Champion and in Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) in the United States where he was a one-time ECW World Heavyweight Champion. He is overall a ten-time world champion in major professional wrestling promotions.
Celes Kobayashi (セレス小林, born Shoji Kobayashi, February 27, 1973) is a former professional boxer from Ibaraki, Japan. He…Celes Kobayashi (セレス小林, born Shoji Kobayashi, February 27, 1973) is a former professional boxer from Ibaraki, Japan. He is a former WBA Super flyweight champion. He got his ring name, "Celes", from a company he used to work for. He lives in Chiba, Japan, with his wife and daughter.
Luvsannyamyn Gantömör (Mongolian: Лувсаннямын Гантөмөр; born 26 February 1973) is a Mongolian politician and leader of…Luvsannyamyn Gantömör (Mongolian: Лувсаннямын Гантөмөр; born 26 February 1973) is a Mongolian politician and leader of the Democratic Party from 2023 to 2025. He was a member of the State Great Khural from 2004 to 2016, and was re-elected as a member of parliament (MP) in 2024. He previously served as Minister of Education under the Altankhuyag and Saikhanbileg cabinets from 2012 to 2016, and as deputy leader of the Democratic Party caucus between 2009 and 2012.
Kiyoko Ichiki (市来貴代子, Ichiki Kiyoko) is a Japanese professional wrestler currently working as a freelancer and is best…Kiyoko Ichiki (市来貴代子, Ichiki Kiyoko) is a Japanese professional wrestler currently working as a freelancer and is best known for her time in the Japanese promotions JWP Joshi Puroresu, NEO Japan Ladies Pro-Wrestling and Big Japan Pro Wrestling.
Toku (styled TOKU) is a Japanese jazz musician from Niigata Prefecture, Japan. In addition to being one of the few…Toku (styled TOKU) is a Japanese jazz musician from Niigata Prefecture, Japan. In addition to being one of the few professional jazz vocalists and flugelhorn players in Japan, he is known for promoting jazz in Japan and bringing elements of the genre into J-pop through collaborations with other artists. He has worked with clammbon, Miki Imai, Maki Oguro, Yuji Ohno, Mariko Takahashi, Ken Hirai, DOUBLE, m-flo, and Exile.
Masafumi Kawaguchi (born February 19, 1973) is a Japanese former professional American football linebacker. He was born…Masafumi Kawaguchi (born February 19, 1973) is a Japanese former professional American football linebacker. He was born in Kawanishi, Hyogo and introduced to football during his senior year at San Clemente High School in California, when he moved there at the age of 17. He enrolled at Ritsumeikan University in Kyoto as an international relations major. He played for seven years with the Amsterdam Admirals of NFL Europe from 1997 to 2004. He was named to the All-NFL Europe Team in 1999. In 1998, he was among the first four Japanese players to participate in a National Football League training camp when he participated in the Green Bay Packers camp and played in the 1998 American Bowl in Tokyo. In 2003, he was invited to the San Francisco 49ers training camp in 2003, and participated in the American Bowl exhibition game in the Osaka game between the 49ers and the Washington Redskins. He signed with the 49ers in 2003 but was released before the start of the season. Kawaguchi played a key role on the Japanese national team that won the International Federation of American Football 1999 World Cup.
Takahiro Kimino (君野 貴弘, Kimino Takahiro; born 19 February 1973 in Hachiōji) is a Japanese retired high jumper. His…Takahiro Kimino (君野 貴弘, Kimino Takahiro; born 19 February 1973 in Hachiōji) is a Japanese retired high jumper. His personal best jump is 2.32 metres, achieved in September 1993 in Fukuoka. This is the former Japanese record and current Japanese university record. He competed at the 1999 World Championships without reaching the final.
Misae Watanabe (渡辺みさえ, Watanabe Misae) better known by her ring name Misae Genki is a Japanese retired professional…Misae Watanabe (渡辺みさえ, Watanabe Misae) better known by her ring name Misae Genki is a Japanese retired professional wrestler best known for her tenure with the Japanese promotions NEO Japan Ladies Pro-Wrestling, All Japan Women's Pro-Wrestling and JWP Joshi Puroresu.
Yuka Sato (佐藤 有香, Satō Yuka; born February 14, 1973) is a Japanese former competitive figure skater and choreographer.…Yuka Sato (佐藤 有香, Satō Yuka; born February 14, 1973) is a Japanese former competitive figure skater and choreographer. She is the 1994 World champion, the 1990 World Junior champion and the 1993 & 1994 Japanese national champion. She placed 7th at the 1992 Winter Olympics and 5th at the 1994 Winter Olympics.
Makoto Niitsu (新津 誠, Niitsu Makoto; born February 9, 1973), known as Makoto Shinkai (新海 誠, Shinkai Makoto), is a…Makoto Niitsu (新津 誠, Niitsu Makoto; born February 9, 1973), known as Makoto Shinkai (新海 誠, Shinkai Makoto), is a Japanese filmmaker and novelist. A founder of CoMix Wave Films, he is known for his anime feature films enriched with visually-appealing animation and romantic stories depicting teenagers and high school students. Shinkai began his career as a video game animator with Nihon Falcom in 1996, and gained recognition as a filmmaker with the release of the original video animation (OVA) She and Her Cat (1999). Shinkai then released the science fiction OVA Voices of a Distant Star in 2002 as his first feature with CoMix Wave, followed by his debut feature film The Place Promised in Our Early Days (2004). Shinkai's films have consistently received highly positive reviews from both critics and audiences, and he is considered to be one of Japan's most commercially successful filmmakers. His three most recent films Your Name (2016), Weathering with You (2019), and Suzume (2022), collectively known as his Disaster Trilogy, are all among the highest-grossing Japanese films of all time, both in Japan and worldwide at the time of their release.
Yoshitomo Tani (谷 佳知, born February 9, 1973) is a former Japanese professional baseball player from Higashiōsaka…Yoshitomo Tani (谷 佳知, born February 9, 1973) is a former Japanese professional baseball player from Higashiōsaka, Osaka, Japan. He played as an outfielder for the Orix Buffaloes and Yomiuri Giants. He holds the Pacific League record for hits in a single season by a right-handed batter with 189 hits in 2003 for Orix. He also holds the Japanese NPB record for doubles in a single season with 52 in 2001. Tani emerged as a recurrent Best Nine award winner in the late 90s and early 2000s for Orix, and played a large role in carrying the Blue Wave/Buffaloes following Ichiro Suzuki's departure to play with the Seattle Mariners in MLB
Junichi Yamamoto (山本 淳一, Yamamoto Jun'ichi; born 28 February 1972, in Hachiōji, Tokyo) is a Japanese singer, actor…Junichi Yamamoto (山本 淳一, Yamamoto Jun'ichi; born 28 February 1972, in Hachiōji, Tokyo) is a Japanese singer, actor, tarento, and professional wrestler. He is a former member of Hikaru Genji (later changed the name to Hikaru Genji Super 5). Yamamoto graduated from Hachioji-shi Linnan Middle School and Sumida Industrial High School. He is nicknamed Bungee (バンジー, Banjī) and Jun-kun (淳くん). Yamamoto is currently represented with Wing Run.
Shinya Arino (Japanese: 有野 晋哉, Hepburn: Arino Shinya; born February 25, 1972) is a Japanese comedian and actor from…Shinya Arino (Japanese: 有野 晋哉, Hepburn: Arino Shinya; born February 25, 1972) is a Japanese comedian and actor from Konohana-ku, Osaka. He is the boke of the manzai duo, Yoiko, with his partner Masaru Hamaguchi. He is best known outside Japan as the star of the long-running gaming variety show, GameCenter CX.
Masayoshi Kan (簡 優好, Kan Masayoshi; born 25 February 1972) is a retired Japanese sprinter who specialized in the 400…Masayoshi Kan (簡 優好, Kan Masayoshi; born 25 February 1972) is a retired Japanese sprinter who specialized in the 400 metres. He competed at the 1992 Summer Olympics. He won bronze medals in 4 × 400 metres relay at the 1993 and 1995 World Indoor Championships In 1998 he won the silver medal at the Asian Championships, and was subsequently selected to represent Asia in 4 × 400 metres relay at the 1998 IAAF World Cup. The Asian team finished sixth with teammates Ibrahim Ismail Faraj, Sugath Tillakaratne and fellow Japanese Kenji Tabata. In May the same year he clocked a career best time of 45.33 seconds in Osaka.
