Yoshito Kishi (岸 義人, Kishi Yoshito; 13 April 1937 – 9 January 2023) was a Japanese chemist who was the Morris Loeb…Yoshito Kishi (岸 義人, Kishi Yoshito; 13 April 1937 – 9 January 2023) was a Japanese chemist who was the Morris Loeb Professor of Chemistry at Harvard University. He was known for his contributions to the sciences of organic synthesis and total synthesis.
Ichiro Ichikawa (市川 一朗, Ichikawa Ichirō; born April 12, 1937) is a Japanese politician of the Liberal Democratic Party…Ichiro Ichikawa (市川 一朗, Ichikawa Ichirō; born April 12, 1937) is a Japanese politician of the Liberal Democratic Party, a member of the House of Councillors in the Diet (national legislature). A native of Uguisuzawa, Miyagi and graduate of the University of Tokyo, he worked at the Ministry of Construction from 1961 to 1994. He was elected for the first time in 1995.
Minoru Betsuyaku (別役 実, Betsuyaku Minoru; 1937 – March 3, 2020) was one of Japan's most prominent postwar playwrights…Minoru Betsuyaku (別役 実, Betsuyaku Minoru; 1937 – March 3, 2020) was one of Japan's most prominent postwar playwrights, novelists, and essayists, associated with the Angura ("underground") theater movement in Japan. He won a name for himself as a writer in the "nonsense" genre and helped lay the foundations of the Japanese "theater of the absurd." His works focused on the aftermath of the war and especially the nuclear holocaust.
Tsutomu Kawara (瓦 力, Kawara Tsutomu; 1 April 1937 – 13 January 2013) was a Japanese politician of the Liberal…Tsutomu Kawara (瓦 力, Kawara Tsutomu; 1 April 1937 – 13 January 2013) was a Japanese politician of the Liberal Democratic Party.
Yoshiyuki Kamei (亀井 善之, Kamei Yoshiyuki; 30 April 1936 – 12 May 2006) was a Japanese politician who served as a member…Yoshiyuki Kamei (亀井 善之, Kamei Yoshiyuki; 30 April 1936 – 12 May 2006) was a Japanese politician who served as a member of the House of Representatives representing Kanagawa Prefecture.
Shigehiko Hasumi (Japanese: 蓮實重彥, also romanized Shiguéhiko; born 29 April 1936) is a Japanese literary critic, film…Shigehiko Hasumi (Japanese: 蓮實重彥, also romanized Shiguéhiko; born 29 April 1936) is a Japanese literary critic, film critic, French literature scholar, and novelist. He was a professor at the University of Tokyo (Cultural Studies, or the Study of Culture and Representation), dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, and the 26th President (1997-2001). Hasumi started his academic career as a Gustave Flaubert scholar, and played a central role in the early introduction of the contemporary French philosophy, such as Gilles Deleuze and Michel Foucault, into Japan in the 1970s. He is known as one of the most prolific Japanese reviewers of modern literature and film. Since the 1980s, Hasumi has been active in introducing the French New Wave filmmakers' thought and Hollywood B-films. His method of viewing and writing about film, inspired by the 1950s French film criticism appearing in Cahiers du Cinéma, played a major role in Japanese film culture in the late 20th century. His influential work includes Directed by Yasujiro Ozu (1983). Reflecting on Hasumi, Kiyoshi Kurosawa noted, "The international recognition of Yasujiro Ozu and Mikio Naruse would never have been achieved without Hasumi. Even the popularity of Clint Eastwood and Wim Wenders in Japan owes much to his influence. And as for myself—there’s no doubt that I’m only able to be here, doing what I do, all thanks to the good fortune of having met Shiguéhiko Hasumi." He is married to Chantal Van Melkebeke, the daughter of the Belgian painter, journalist, and writer Jacques Van Melkebeke, who is known for having been the first chief editor of Tintin magazine. They had one son, Shigeomi Hasumi. In 1970, the French Broadcasting and Television Office interviewed him, his wife and his son in French in Tokyo for 20 minutes. Hasumi curated a film series entitled Shiguéhiko Hasumi: Another History of the Movie in America and Japan for Japan Society in 2025, including works by Richard Fleischer, Michael Mann and Makoto Sato. Director Sho Miyake attended, presenting his collaboration with Hasumi—the montage film John Ford and Throwing.
Adolfo Nicolás Pachón (29 April 1936 – 20 May 2020) was a Spanish Catholic priest who served as the 30th superior…Adolfo Nicolás Pachón (29 April 1936 – 20 May 2020) was a Spanish Catholic priest who served as the 30th superior general of the Society of Jesus from 2008 to 2016. He previously taught at Sophia University in Tokyo for twenty years and headed educational institutions in Manila from 1978 to 1984 and in Tokyo from 1991 to 1993. He led the Jesuits in Japan from 1993 to 1996 and, after four years of pastoral work in Tokyo, led the Jesuits in Asia from 2004 to 2008. Though elected superior general for life, Nicolás, like his predecessor Peter Hans Kolvenbach, resigned, as the Jesuit constitutions permit.
Toshio Naka (中 利夫, Naka Toshio; 28 April 1936 – 10 October 2023) was a Japanese baseball outfielder and manager. Naka…Toshio Naka (中 利夫, Naka Toshio; 28 April 1936 – 10 October 2023) was a Japanese baseball outfielder and manager. Naka played with the Chunichi Dragons from 1955 to 1972, and later managed the team from 1978 to 1980. He led the Central League with a .343 batting average in 1967.
Sō Nishimura (西村 宗, Nishimura Sou); (born April 28, 1936) is a Japanese manga artist from Izumiōtsu. Nishimura's…Sō Nishimura (西村 宗, Nishimura Sou); (born April 28, 1936) is a Japanese manga artist from Izumiōtsu. Nishimura's best-known work is the yonkoma comedy Sarari-kun (サラリ君, Mr. Salary), which earned Nishimura the 1985 Bungeishunjū Manga Award and the Japanese Cartoonists' Association's Excellence Prize for 2000.
Tōru Shinohara (篠原とおる, Shinohara Tōru; born April 28, 1936) is a Japanese manga artist. He was born in Niihama, Ehime.…Tōru Shinohara (篠原とおる, Shinohara Tōru; born April 28, 1936) is a Japanese manga artist. He was born in Niihama, Ehime. After graduating from high school in 1955, he started working at a factory in Osaka making car parts but quit after only ten months. He studied manga via a mail-offered course and wrote to various manga magazines. In 1958, came his first commercially printed work Fukumenhakushi (覆面博士) and he began his career as a manga artist. He is best known for Nippon Keibaden that detailed the history of Japan's horse racing industry and its horses. He is also known for beautiful amazon-like heroines who are never daunted by the hardship they endure. Since 1970, he has written a series of works titled Sasori, lit. scorpion, which is the name for a female inmate and heroine seeking escape and revenge upon those who wronged her. Director Shunya Ito started a series of ten films starring Meiko Kaji based on the manga, the most famous one being the initial film, Female Prisoner 701: Scorpion. However, Ito withdrew from the project after three, and Kaji four films. Many of his works have been turned into movies since 1972.
Joseph Atsumi Misue (24 April 1936 – 28 June 2016) was a Japanese Roman Catholic bishop. Ordained to the priesthood in…Joseph Atsumi Misue (24 April 1936 – 28 June 2016) was a Japanese Roman Catholic bishop. Ordained to the priesthood in 1963, Misue served as bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Hiroshima, Japan, from 1985 to 2011.
Wakanokuni Takeo (born 4 April 1936 as Teruo Ito) is a former sumo wrestler from Nannō, Gifu, Japan. He made his…Wakanokuni Takeo (born 4 April 1936 as Teruo Ito) is a former sumo wrestler from Nannō, Gifu, Japan. He made his professional debut in March 1953 and reached the top division in November 1959. His highest rank was maegashira 8. He left the sumo world upon retirement from active competition in September 1969.
Kōji Wakamatsu (若松孝二, Wakamatsu Kōji; 1 April 1936 – 17 October 2012) was a Japanese film director who directed such…Kōji Wakamatsu (若松孝二, Wakamatsu Kōji; 1 April 1936 – 17 October 2012) was a Japanese film director who directed such pink films as Ecstasy of the Angels (天使の恍惚, Tenshi no Kōkotsu; 1972) and Go, Go, Second Time Virgin (ゆけゆけ二度目の処女, Yuke Yuke Nidome no Shojo; 1969). He also produced Nagisa Ōshima's controversial film In the Realm of the Senses (1976). He has been called "the most important director to emerge in the pink film genre," and one of "Japan's leading directors of the 1960s". His 2010 film, Caterpillar, was nominated for the Golden Bear at the 60th Berlin International Film Festival.
Akira Ohgi (仰木 彬, Ohgi Akira; April 29, 1935 – December 15, 2005) was a professional Japanese baseball player, coach…Akira Ohgi (仰木 彬, Ohgi Akira; April 29, 1935 – December 15, 2005) was a professional Japanese baseball player, coach, and manager. He played second base for the Nishitetsu Lions from 1954 to 1968. He became a coach in 1968 for the Lions before being hired to coach the Kintetsu Buffaloes in 1970. He was promoted to manager in 1988 and managed five seasons before initially retiring. He then managed the Orix BlueWave from 1994 to 2001 before being brought back to manage the now Orix Buffaloes in 2005. Less than two months after the season ended, Ohgi died.
Kenzo Ohashi (大橋 謙三, Ohashi Kenzo; April 21, 1934 – December 21, 2015) was a Japanese football player and manager. He…Kenzo Ohashi (大橋 謙三, Ohashi Kenzo; April 21, 1934 – December 21, 2015) was a Japanese football player and manager. He played for Japan national team.
Yoshitaka Satō (佐藤 良孝, Satō Yoshitaka; April 20, 1935 — June 28, 2007), known by the stage name Shinji Nakae (中江 真司…Yoshitaka Satō (佐藤 良孝, Satō Yoshitaka; April 20, 1935 — June 28, 2007), known by the stage name Shinji Nakae (中江 真司, Nakae Shinji), was a Japanese actor, voice actor, and narrator from Kōtō, Tokyo. He graduated from Kamakura Gakuen Senior High School, and was affiliated with Aoni Production at the time of his death. He was married with fellow voice actress Michiko Hirai, until her death. Nakae narrated numerous Nintendo commercials during 2006. He retired in 2007 due to his failing health; Hitoshi Kubota took over his role as the narrator of the Nintendo commercials, and Ryūzaburō Ōtomo took over his role as the narrator of the Hey! Spring of Trivia game show. Shinji Nakae died of hepatocellular carcinoma in a Koganei hospital on June 28, 2007. He was 72 years old.
Masanori Hata (畑 正憲, Hata Masanori; 17 April 1935 – 5 April 2023) was a Japanese zoologist, essayist, and filmmaker. A…Masanori Hata (畑 正憲, Hata Masanori; 17 April 1935 – 5 April 2023) was a Japanese zoologist, essayist, and filmmaker. A popular essayist under the pen name Mutsugorō, he was awarded the Kikuchi Kan Prize for his writing in 1977. He was perhaps best known in the West as the director and screenwriter of the 1986 film The Adventures of Milo and Otis.
Shoji Kamata (鎌田 正司, Kamata Shōji; born 17 April 1935) is a Japanese basketball player. He competed in the men's…Shoji Kamata (鎌田 正司, Kamata Shōji; born 17 April 1935) is a Japanese basketball player. He competed in the men's tournament at the 1960 Summer Olympics.
Kiyonomori Masao (8 April 1935 – 20 April 2019, real name Masao Sasaki) was a sumo wrestler from Ōmori, Akita, Japan.…Kiyonomori Masao (8 April 1935 – 20 April 2019, real name Masao Sasaki) was a sumo wrestler from Ōmori, Akita, Japan. He made his professional debut in January 1953 and reached the top division in March 1959. His highest rank was maegashira 9. Upon retirement from active competition he became an elder in the Japan Sumo Association and took charge of Kise stable from his father-in-law Katsuragawa. He reached the Sumo Association's mandatory retirement age in April 2000. He died of pneumonia in April 2019 at the age of 84.
Takao Kajimoto (梶本 隆夫; April 8, 1935—September 23, 2006) was a left-handed Japanese baseball pitcher for the Hankyu…Takao Kajimoto (梶本 隆夫; April 8, 1935—September 23, 2006) was a left-handed Japanese baseball pitcher for the Hankyu Braves from 1954 to 1973. He won 254 games and was a 12-time All-Star during his career. He is a member of the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame and Meikyukai.
Takashi Ishimoto (石本隆, Ishimoto Takashi; born April 6, 1935) is a retired butterfly swimmer from Japan. He won the…Takashi Ishimoto (石本隆, Ishimoto Takashi; born April 6, 1935) is a retired butterfly swimmer from Japan. He won the silver medal in the men's 200 m butterfly at the 1956 Summer Olympics in Melbourne, Australia. Ishimoto set 16 world records between 1958 and 1959. He won the 100m and 200m butterfly events at the 1959 U.S. International Swimming Championships, and in the 1950s received the Japan Sports Award, Mainichi Sports Award and Asahi Sports Award (twice, in 1955 and 1957). In 1985 he opened his own swimming pool in Kurihama, Yokosuka, Japan.
Akira Takarada (Japanese: 宝田 明, Hepburn: Takarada Akira; April 29, 1934 – March 14, 2022) was a Japanese actor best…Akira Takarada (Japanese: 宝田 明, Hepburn: Takarada Akira; April 29, 1934 – March 14, 2022) was a Japanese actor best known for his roles in the Godzilla film series.
Kazuo Yamagishi (1934-2015) was a Japanese chef, who is known for inventing the tsukemen dish. He was born in Nagano…Kazuo Yamagishi (1934-2015) was a Japanese chef, who is known for inventing the tsukemen dish. He was born in Nagano Prefecture, and came upon the idea of Tsukemen at the age of 17 after seeing a co-worker eating noodles dipped in a soup bowl. In 1961, he added tsukemen, then named "special morisoba", to his Taishoken restaurant. The 2013 documentary The God of Ramen, follows 13 years in his life.
Fumiko Sakaguchi (坂口 文子, Sakaguchi Fumiko; born 27 April 1934) is a Japanese former swimmer. She competed in two events…Fumiko Sakaguchi (坂口 文子, Sakaguchi Fumiko; born 27 April 1934) is a Japanese former swimmer. She competed in two events at the 1952 Summer Olympics.
Akira Nakamura (中村 粲, Nakamura Akira; 24 April 1934 – 23 June 2010) was a Japanese academic of English literature and…Akira Nakamura (中村 粲, Nakamura Akira; 24 April 1934 – 23 June 2010) was a Japanese academic of English literature and self-trained historian specialising in Japan's wartime role in the first half of the 20th century. Born in Tokyo, Nakamura studied English literature and graduated from University of Tokyo in March 1959. He worked as a senior high school teacher of English until he clashed with the school principal. From April 1964 onwards he lectured at the newly founded Dokkyo University on a full-time basis until his retirement in March 2005 to become an emeritus professor. A representative of Showa History Research Institute, he frequently joined controversies surrounding Japan's wartime past, particularly the denialism or minimization of the Nanking Massacre of 1937–38. He completely rejected the Chinese government's claim of 300,000 death toll as mere propaganda, giving his own estimate of around 10,000 deaths. He was also a supporter of the film The Truth About Nanjing, containing apologism for Japan's wartime past, and which denied the existence of the Nanking Massacre. He detested what he viewed as "left leaning" mass media, especially The Asahi Shimbun newspaper and NHK public broadcasting organisation.
Masao Uchino (内野 正雄, Uchino Masao; April 21, 1934 – April 2013) was a Japanese football player and manager. He played…Masao Uchino (内野 正雄, Uchino Masao; April 21, 1934 – April 2013) was a Japanese football player and manager. He played for Japan national team.
Hideo Kiyama (木山 英雄, Kiyama Hideo; born 20 April 1934) is a Japanese Sinologist. He was born in Arakawa, Tokyo and…Hideo Kiyama (木山 英雄, Kiyama Hideo; born 20 April 1934) is a Japanese Sinologist. He was born in Arakawa, Tokyo and graduated from the University of Tokyo.
Emiko Iiyama (Japanese: 飯山恵巳子, born 16 April 1934 in Tokyo)is a Japanese soprano. She was in 1968 a singer in Nikolaus…Emiko Iiyama (Japanese: 飯山恵巳子, born 16 April 1934 in Tokyo)is a Japanese soprano. She was in 1968 a singer in Nikolaus Harnoncourt's recording of Bach's Mass in B minor, pioneering historically informed performances in 1968, singing the second soprano part. She recorded Bach cantatas for solo soprano, conducted by Fritz Werner, including Jauchzet Gott in allen Landen, BWV 51, with Maurice André performing the solo trumpet part. She performed contemporary music in a concert in honour of prize winners of an Austrian composition competition. Conducted by one of them, Erich Urbanner, she sang with bravura ("mit Bravour") Bojidar Dimov's Incantationes I, Kurt Schwertsik's Liebesträume, and Sommerpoesie – Winterpoesie by Günter Kahowez.
Soichiro Tahara (田原 総一朗, Tahara Sōichirō; born 15 April 1934) is a Japanese political journalist, best known for…Soichiro Tahara (田原 総一朗, Tahara Sōichirō; born 15 April 1934) is a Japanese political journalist, best known for hosting TV Asahi's Sunday Project program.
Yayori Matsui (松井やより Matsui Yayori) (April 12, 1934 – December 27, 2002) was a Japanese journalist and women's rights…Yayori Matsui (松井やより Matsui Yayori) (April 12, 1934 – December 27, 2002) was a Japanese journalist and women's rights activist noted for her work to raise awareness of sex slaves and sex tourism in post-war Asia. In 1961 she began work as a journalist for the newspaper Asahi Shimbun, retiring in 1994 to work as a full-time social activist, founding numerous women's organizations and writing on gender inequality in Japan and on sex crimes committed by the Japanese Imperial Army, namely against the comfort women of the Second World War. Her work culminated in the 2000 Tokyo Women's War Crimes Tribunal, a tribunal held to gain some form of justice for the victims of Japanese military sexual slavery.
Kisho Kurokawa (黒川 紀章, Kurokawa Kishō) (April 8, 1934 – October 12, 2007) was a leading Japanese architect and a…Kisho Kurokawa (黒川 紀章, Kurokawa Kishō) (April 8, 1934 – October 12, 2007) was a leading Japanese architect and a founder of the Metabolist Movement.
Misako Tamura (田村 美佐子, Tamura Misako; born 8 April 1934) is a Japanese former freestyle swimmer. She competed in two…Misako Tamura (田村 美佐子, Tamura Misako; born 8 April 1934) is a Japanese former freestyle swimmer. She competed in two events at the 1952 Summer Olympics.
Shigeharu Suzuki (鈴木 重晴, Suzuki Shigeharu; 5 April 1934 – 27 February 2012) was a Japanese sprinter. He competed in the…Shigeharu Suzuki (鈴木 重晴, Suzuki Shigeharu; 5 April 1934 – 27 February 2012) was a Japanese sprinter. He competed in the men's 800 metres and the men's 4 × 400 metres relay events at the 1956 Summer Olympics. He served as the coach for the Waseda University track and field team for 19 years starting in 1984.
Hideshi Miyake (三宅 秀史, Miyake Hideshi; April 5, 1934 – March 3, 2021) was a Japanese Nippon Professional Baseball third…Hideshi Miyake (三宅 秀史, Miyake Hideshi; April 5, 1934 – March 3, 2021) was a Japanese Nippon Professional Baseball third baseman and second baseman. He played for the Osaka/Hanshin Tigers from 1953 to 1967.
Takeshi Noma (Japanese: 野間赳 Noma Takeshi; 3 April 1934 – 11 March 2023) was a Japanese politician. A member of the…Takeshi Noma (Japanese: 野間赳 Noma Takeshi; 3 April 1934 – 11 March 2023) was a Japanese politician. A member of the Liberal Democratic Party, he served in the House of Councillors from 1992 to 2004. Noma died on 11 March 2023, at the age of 88.
Keiji Ogushi (大串 啓二, Ōgushi Keiji; 3 April 1934 – 17 March 2020) was a Japanese hurdler who competed in the 1956 Summer…Keiji Ogushi (大串 啓二, Ōgushi Keiji; 3 April 1934 – 17 March 2020) was a Japanese hurdler who competed in the 1956 Summer Olympics, in the 1960 Summer Olympics, and in the 1964 Summer Olympics. He died on 17 March 2020 from pneumonia.
Chikara Sakaguchi (坂口 力, Sakaguchi Chikara; 1 April 1934 – 7 August 2026) was a Japanese politician who served in the…Chikara Sakaguchi (坂口 力, Sakaguchi Chikara; 1 April 1934 – 7 August 2026) was a Japanese politician who served in the House of Representatives between 1972 and 2012, and as Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare from 2001 to 2004.
Yukichi Amano (天野 祐吉) (27 April 1933 in Adachi, Tokyo – 20 October 2013 in Tokyo) was a Japanese columnist, founder and…Yukichi Amano (天野 祐吉) (27 April 1933 in Adachi, Tokyo – 20 October 2013 in Tokyo) was a Japanese columnist, founder and chief editor of monthly magazine Kokoku Hihyo. Amano attended Meiji Gakuin University but did not graduate. In 1970 he established Madra Publishing Ltd. In 1979 he established Kokoku Hihyo, a magazine that was discontinued in 2009. In 2002 he became Director (later Honorary Director) of the Shiki Memorial Museum.
Yotaro Kobayashi (小林陽太郎, Kobayashi Yotaro; 25 April 1933 – 5 September 2015) was a British-born Japanese executive who…Yotaro Kobayashi (小林陽太郎, Kobayashi Yotaro; 25 April 1933 – 5 September 2015) was a British-born Japanese executive who was chairman of the Fuji Xerox company, a joint venture between Fujifilm (75%) and Xerox (25%). He served as Pacific Asia chairman of the Trilateral Commission.
Yoshiyasu Gomi (五味 芳保, Gomi Yoshiyasu; born 25 April 1933) is a Japanese former speed skater who competed in the 1952…Yoshiyasu Gomi (五味 芳保, Gomi Yoshiyasu; born 25 April 1933) is a Japanese former speed skater who competed in the 1952 and 1956 Winter Olympics. He was born in Nagano Prefecture. In 1952 he finished tenth in the 5000 metres competition and 14th in the 10000 metres event. Four years later he finished 23rd in the 10000 metres contest, 27th in the 5000 metres competition, and 39th in the 1500 metres event at the 1956 Games.
Noboru Karashima (辛島 昇, Karashima Noboru; 24 April 1933 – 26 November 2015) was a Japanese historian, writer and…Noboru Karashima (辛島 昇, Karashima Noboru; 24 April 1933 – 26 November 2015) was a Japanese historian, writer and Professor Emeritus in University of Tokyo, Japan. He also served as Professor Emeritus at the Taisho University, Japan. He was a prominent scholar of Asia in the studies of south Indian and South Asian histories. He has rewritten historical accounts on medieval south India and published a number of writings. Professor Karashima played a critical role in developing Indo-Japan cultural ties and was conferred the Padma Shri award in 2013, one of India's highest civilian award, for his contribution in the field of literature and education. In a rare gesture the Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh handed over the award personally to Professor Karashima in Tokyo. He died of leukemia in November, 2015.
Baku Akae (赤江 瀑, Akae Baku; April 22, 1933 – June 8, 2012) was a Japanese novelist. He was born in Shimonoseki…Baku Akae (赤江 瀑, Akae Baku; April 22, 1933 – June 8, 2012) was a Japanese novelist. He was born in Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi. His novel Oidipusu no yaiba (オイディプスの刃, Oedipus' Sword) won the 1st Kadokawa Novel Award in 1974. In 1984, his novels Kaikyou (海峡 Straits) and Yakumo ga Koroshita (八雲が殺した Yakumo Kills) won the Izumi Kyōka Prize for Literature.
Yutaka Kaneko (兼子 隆, Kaneko Yutaka; born 21 April 1933) is a Japanese former wrestler who competed in the 1960 Summer…Yutaka Kaneko (兼子 隆, Kaneko Yutaka; born 21 April 1933) is a Japanese former wrestler who competed in the 1960 Summer Olympics.
Yoshitaki Hori (born 20 April 1933) is a Japanese speed skater. He competed at the 1956 Winter Olympics and the 1960…Yoshitaki Hori (born 20 April 1933) is a Japanese speed skater. He competed at the 1956 Winter Olympics and the 1960 Winter Olympics.
