Mashiho Chiri (Japanese: 知里 真志保; February 24, 1909 – June 9, 1961) was an Ainu linguist and anthropologist. He was best…Mashiho Chiri (Japanese: 知里 真志保; February 24, 1909 – June 9, 1961) was an Ainu linguist and anthropologist. He was best known for creating Ainu-Japanese dictionaries.
Katakura Nobumitsu (片倉 信光; ? – ?) was a Japanese scholar of the early to mid 20th century. A direct descendant of the…Katakura Nobumitsu (片倉 信光; ? – ?) was a Japanese scholar of the early to mid 20th century. A direct descendant of the famed Katakura Kagetsuna, Nobumitsu was a scholar of regional history, focusing on Sendai. Nobumitsu would have been the sixteenth Katakura Kojūrō.
Heigoro Kuriyagawa (born 4 October 1908, date of death unknown) was a Japanese cross-country skier. He competed in the…Heigoro Kuriyagawa (born 4 October 1908, date of death unknown) was a Japanese cross-country skier. He competed in the men's 18 kilometre event at the 1932 Winter Olympics.
Morio Yukawa (湯川 盛夫, Yukawa Morio; February 23, 1908 – March 16, 1988) was a Japanese economist and diplomat. Yukawa…Morio Yukawa (湯川 盛夫, Yukawa Morio; February 23, 1908 – March 16, 1988) was a Japanese economist and diplomat. Yukawa served in the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs during World War II and took part in the Japanese official delegation that met US General Douglas MacArthur in Manila on August 19, 1945, in order to make arrangements for the Japanese surrender. During the 1950s, he served as head of Economic Affairs Bureau in the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and in that capacity tried to negotiate his country's accession to GATT. He represented Japan at the UNESCO General Session in 1953. Later, he served as Ambassador to the Philippines, and in that capacity concluded the Treaty of Amity of December 9, 1960. Afterwards he served as Head of Mission to the EEC in 1964–1968 and Ambassador to the United Kingdom in 1968-1972. In 1972–1979, Yukawa served as Grand Master of Ceremonies of the Imperial Household Agency.
Iwao Tokito (時任巌, Tokio Iwao; born 1908, date of death unknown) was a Japanese water polo player. He competed in the…Iwao Tokito (時任巌, Tokio Iwao; born 1908, date of death unknown) was a Japanese water polo player. He competed in the men's tournament at the 1932 Summer Olympics.
Yoshie Wada (和田 芳恵, Wada Yoshie; April 6, 1906 - October 5, 1977) was a Japanese novelist and critic. Wada was born in…Yoshie Wada (和田 芳恵, Wada Yoshie; April 6, 1906 - October 5, 1977) was a Japanese novelist and critic. Wada was born in Oshamambe, Hokkaidō, and graduated from Chuo University with a law degree. In addition to his novels in the naturalist tradition, he edited the diaries of Ichiyō Higuchi and Fumiko Hayashi. He received one of the 13th Japan Art Academy Prizes (1956) for Diary of Ichiyō Higuchi (一葉の日記, Ichiyō no nikki), the 50th Naoki Prize (1963下) for Chiri no Naka (塵の中), and the 26th Yomiuri Prize (1974) for Tsugiki no dai (接木の台).
Japanese supercentenarians are citizens, residents or emigrants from Japan who have attained or surpassed the age of…Japanese supercentenarians are citizens, residents or emigrants from Japan who have attained or surpassed the age of 110 years. As of January 2015, the Gerontology Research Group (GRG) had validated the longevity claims of 263 Japanese supercentenarians, most of whom are women. As of 18 October 2026, the oldest-known living Japanese person is Fuyo Kishimoto (born in Hamasaka on 20 December 1911), who is aged 114 years, 302 days. The oldest verified Japanese and Asian person ever is Kane Tanaka (1903–2022), who lived to the age of 119 years and 107 days, making her the second-oldest validated person ever as well. Japan was also home to the world's oldest man ever, Jiroemon Kimura (1897–2013), who lived to the age of 116 years and 54 days.
Katsumi Yamada (6 June 1905 – 1970) was a Japanese ski jumper. He competed in the individual event at the 1932 Winter…Katsumi Yamada (6 June 1905 – 1970) was a Japanese ski jumper. He competed in the individual event at the 1932 Winter Olympics.
Katsumi Ōno (大野 勝己, Ōno Katsumi; April 6, 1905 - Setagaya Ward, Tokyo, September 1, 2006) was a Japanese diplomat. He…Katsumi Ōno (大野 勝己, Ōno Katsumi; April 6, 1905 - Setagaya Ward, Tokyo, September 1, 2006) was a Japanese diplomat. He entered the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1929. In 1953-1955 served as Ambassador to the Philippines, and as Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs in 1957–1958. He served as Ambassador to the United Kingdom in 1958–1964.
Sei Itō (伊藤 整, Itō Sei; 16 January 1905 – 15 November 1969), born Hitoshi Itō (伊藤 整, Itō Hitoshi), was a Japanese…Sei Itō (伊藤 整, Itō Sei; 16 January 1905 – 15 November 1969), born Hitoshi Itō (伊藤 整, Itō Hitoshi), was a Japanese Modernist writer of poetry, prose and essays, and a translator.
Tamako Kataoka (片岡球子, Kataoka Tamako) (5 January 1905 in Sapporo – 16 January 2008) was a Japanese Nihonga painter. She…Tamako Kataoka (片岡球子, Kataoka Tamako) (5 January 1905 in Sapporo – 16 January 2008) was a Japanese Nihonga painter. She is known for her series of Mount Fuji and other mountains, painted in bold colours such as red.
Motohiko Ban (1 January 1905 – 3 September 1998) was a Japanese ski jumper. He competed in the individual event at the…Motohiko Ban (1 January 1905 – 3 September 1998) was a Japanese ski jumper. He competed in the individual event at the 1928 Winter Olympics.
Chūhei Nambu (南部 忠平, Nanbu Chūhei; May 27, 1904 – July 23, 1997) was a Japanese track and field athlete. As of 2024, he…Chūhei Nambu (南部 忠平, Nanbu Chūhei; May 27, 1904 – July 23, 1997) was a Japanese track and field athlete. As of 2024, he is the only person to have held world records in both the long jump and the triple jump.
Hidemi Kon (今 日出海, Kon Hidemi; 6 November 1903 – 30 July 1984) was a literary critic and essayist active in Japan…Hidemi Kon (今 日出海, Kon Hidemi; 6 November 1903 – 30 July 1984) was a literary critic and essayist active in Japan during the Shōwa period.
Takaji Muranaka (村中 孝次, Muranaka Takaji; 3 October 1903 – 19 August 1937) was an Imperial Japanese Army officer who was…Takaji Muranaka (村中 孝次, Muranaka Takaji; 3 October 1903 – 19 August 1937) was an Imperial Japanese Army officer who was a conspirator in the February 26 Incident in 1936 and was subsequently arrested and executed by the Japanese authorities for the attempted coup.
Tateo Katō (加藤 建夫, Katō Tateo; September 28, 1903 – May 22, 1942) was a Japanese ace army aviator, credited with at…Tateo Katō (加藤 建夫, Katō Tateo; September 28, 1903 – May 22, 1942) was a Japanese ace army aviator, credited with at least 18 aerial victories and who was honored posthumously by an award of the Order of the Golden Kite.
Kensaku Shimaki (島木 健作, Shimaki Kensaku; 7 September 1903 – 17 August 1945) was the pen name of Asakura Kikuo (朝倉 菊雄)…Kensaku Shimaki (島木 健作, Shimaki Kensaku; 7 September 1903 – 17 August 1945) was the pen name of Asakura Kikuo (朝倉 菊雄), a Japanese author active during the Shōwa period in Japan. He had an interest in leftist ideology and was arrested in 1928 due to his ties to the Japanese Communist Party. Throughout his literary career, Shimaki wrote multiple novels and stories with a common theme being proletariat life. Some of his works were published by magazines and journals. He associated with Nobel laureate Kawabata Yasunari.
Yukie Chiri (知里 幸恵, Chiri Yukie; June 8, 1903 – September 18, 1922) was an Ainu transcriber and translator of Yukar…Yukie Chiri (知里 幸恵, Chiri Yukie; June 8, 1903 – September 18, 1922) was an Ainu transcriber and translator of Yukar (Ainu epic tales).
Subaru Takahashi (高橋 昴, Takahashi Subaru; 31 August 1902 – 4 July 1992) was a Japanese cross-country skier. He competed…Subaru Takahashi (高橋 昴, Takahashi Subaru; 31 August 1902 – 4 July 1992) was a Japanese cross-country skier. He competed in the men's 18 kilometre event at the 1928 Winter Olympics.
On Watanabe (渡辺 温, Watanabe On; 26 August 1902 – 10 February 1930) was a Japanese mystery writer and fantasy novelist.…On Watanabe (渡辺 温, Watanabe On; 26 August 1902 – 10 February 1930) was a Japanese mystery writer and fantasy novelist. Despite his early death aged 27, he was an inspiration for later Japanese authors.
Jūran Hisao (久生 十蘭, Hisao Jūran; 6 April 1902 – 6 October 1957) was the pen-name of a Japanese author of popular…Jūran Hisao (久生 十蘭, Hisao Jūran; 6 April 1902 – 6 October 1957) was the pen-name of a Japanese author of popular fiction in Shōwa period Japan. Hisao Jūran was a pioneer in the use of black humor in Japanese literature. His works reflect his extensive knowledge of a wide range of subjects, and displayed extraordinary skills, and range from mystery tales to humor, and both historical and contemporary settings. His real name was Masao Abe (阿部 正雄, Abe Masao).
Kenzo Yashima (八島健三, Yashima Kenzō; 6 April 1902 – 17 October 1979) was a Japanese long-distance runner. He competed in…Kenzo Yashima (八島健三, Yashima Kenzō; 6 April 1902 – 17 October 1979) was a Japanese long-distance runner. He competed in the marathon at the 1920 Summer Olympics.
Hideo Oguma (小熊秀雄, Oguma Hideo; 9 September 1901 – 20 November 1940) was a Japanese poet for the Proletarian literature…Hideo Oguma (小熊秀雄, Oguma Hideo; 9 September 1901 – 20 November 1940) was a Japanese poet for the Proletarian literature movement and was noted for writing children's stories, comic books and literary criticism. A Hideo Oguma poetry prize is awarded for new poetry writers.
Iboshi Hokuto (違星 北斗; 1901 – January 26, 1929) was a Japanese Ainu waka poet and social activist. He devoted his life…Iboshi Hokuto (違星 北斗; 1901 – January 26, 1929) was a Japanese Ainu waka poet and social activist. He devoted his life to improving the standing of the Ainu people, expressing his ideas as tanka in newspapers and magazines and influencing the Ainu youth of the time. He also circulated around the Ainu kotan (villages) of Hokkaido, preaching of the need for unity and the formation of an Ainu identity. Along with Yaeko Batchelor and Takeichi Moritake, Iboshi is counted as one of the "Three Great Ainu Poets" (アイヌ三大歌人). He has been called the "Takuboku of the Ainu".
Kingo Machimura (町村 金五, Machimura Kingo; 16 August 1900 – 14 December 1992) was a Japanese politician who served as…Kingo Machimura (町村 金五, Machimura Kingo; 16 August 1900 – 14 December 1992) was a Japanese politician who served as governor of Toyama Prefecture (1941–1943), Governor of Niigata Prefecture (1945) and the second Governor of Hokkaido (1959–1971). He was a member of the Liberal Democratic Party. He was a graduate of the University of Tokyo. He was a recipient of the Order of the Rising Sun. His second son was Nobutaka Machimura, who was twice Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan and Chief Cabinet Secretary of Japan.
Eitaro Noro (野呂 榮太郎, Noro Eitarō; 1900–1934) was a Japanese economic historian. Noro was born in Hokkaido in 1900. He…Eitaro Noro (野呂 榮太郎, Noro Eitarō; 1900–1934) was a Japanese economic historian. Noro was born in Hokkaido in 1900. He studied at Keio Gijuku University, where he first became involved in radical politics. He worked for a labour research institute following graduation. In 1930 he joined the Japanese Communist Party. He was instrumental in laying the foundations for the Koza school, a branch of Japanese Marxist thought. Noro was arrested in November 1933. He died on 19 February 1934, in Shinagawa Police Station. His death was the result of police torture.
Masatoshi Yokota (Japanese: 横田正俊, romanized: Yokota Masatoshi; January 11, 1899 – July 1, 1984) was the 4th Chief…Masatoshi Yokota (Japanese: 横田正俊, romanized: Yokota Masatoshi; January 11, 1899 – July 1, 1984) was the 4th Chief Justice of Japan (1966–1969). He was born in Hakodate, Hokkaido. He graduated from the University of Tokyo. He was a recipient of the Order of the Rising Sun. He was a practitioner of kendo.
Ryūichi Inamura (稲村 隆一, Inamura Ryūichi, 7 March 1898 – 20 November 1990) was a Japanese peasant movement activist and…Ryūichi Inamura (稲村 隆一, Inamura Ryūichi, 7 March 1898 – 20 November 1990) was a Japanese peasant movement activist and politician who served four terms in the House of Representatives. Active in the prewar agrarian and leftist movements, he belonged successively to the Japanese Communist Party, the Labour-Farmer Party, the Social Masses Party, and the Tōhōkai, before joining the Japan Socialist Party after the war. He was purged from public office during the Allied occupation and later returned the Order of the Sacred Treasure in protest against its award to Ryōichi Sasakawa. His younger brother was politician Junzō Inamura and his nephew was Toshio Inamura.
Jōichirō Sanada (真田 穣一郎, Sanada Jōichirō; November 21, 1897 – August 3, 1957) was a major general in the Imperial…Jōichirō Sanada (真田 穣一郎, Sanada Jōichirō; November 21, 1897 – August 3, 1957) was a major general in the Imperial Japanese Army in World War II.
Tachihikari Denemon (Japanese: 太刀光 電右エ門; 29 March 1897 – 15 May 1952) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from…Tachihikari Denemon (Japanese: 太刀光 電右エ門; 29 March 1897 – 15 May 1952) was a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Mikasa, Hokkaido. His highest rank was ōzeki. He was a member of the Tomozuna and Takasago stable. After retiring in 1927 he was an elder of the Japan Sumo Association under the name of Naruto (鳴戸).
Tama Morita (森田 たま, Morita Tama; 19 December 1894 - 31 October 1970) was a Japanese essayist whose books were quite…Tama Morita (森田 たま, Morita Tama; 19 December 1894 - 31 October 1970) was a Japanese essayist whose books were quite popular in Japan around World War II. She later served as a member of the House of Councillors in 1962.
Kogo Noda (野田 高梧, Noda Kōgo; November 19, 1893 – September 23, 1968) was a Japanese screenwriter most famous for…Kogo Noda (野田 高梧, Noda Kōgo; November 19, 1893 – September 23, 1968) was a Japanese screenwriter most famous for collaborating with Yasujirō Ozu on many of the director's films. Born in Hakodate, Noda was the son of the head of the local tax bureau and younger brother to Kyūho, a Nihonga painter. He moved to Nagoya after completing elementary school and later went to Waseda University. After graduating, he worked for the city of Tokyo while also serving as a reporter for Katsudō kurabu, one of the major film magazines, using the pen name Harunosuke Midorikawa. On the recommendation of a scriptwriter friend from junior high, Takashi Oda, he joined the script department at Shōchiku after the Great Kantō earthquake. He soon became one of the studio's central screenwriters, penning for instance Aizen katsura (1938), one of its biggest pre-war hits. He is most known for his collaborations with Ozu, which began with Noda supplying the script for the director's first feature Sword of Penitence (1927), and led to such postwar works as Tokyo Story (1953), regarded by many critics as one of the greatest films of all time. He co-wrote thirteen of Ozu's fifteen post-war films. When the Writers Association of Japan was formed in 1950, Noda served as its first chair.
Hōshun Yamaguchi (山口蓬春, Yamaguchi Hōshun) (1893–1971) was a Japanese Nihonga painter and designer. He received a…Hōshun Yamaguchi (山口蓬春, Yamaguchi Hōshun) (1893–1971) was a Japanese Nihonga painter and designer. He received a commission to paint a piece for the new Tokyo Imperial Palace. The piece titled “Kaede (maples)” is a large painting measuring 2.74x2.5 metres. It is located on the cedar door of the east corridor of the Seiden hall. Opposite of it on the other side is “Sakura (cherry)” by Meiji Hashimoto. The preparatory drawing for the panel at a 4:1 scale dating to 1967 is in the Yamatane Museum of Art in Tokyo. The Yamaguchi Hoshun Memorial Museum exhibits many of his works.
Saburo Hamada (21 December 1892 – 10 November 1973) was a Japanese sculptor. His work was part of the sculpture event…Saburo Hamada (21 December 1892 – 10 November 1973) was a Japanese sculptor. His work was part of the sculpture event in the art competition at the 1932 Summer Olympics.
Sadamichi Hirasawa (平沢 貞通, Hirasawa Sadamichi; February 18, 1892 – May 10, 1987) was a Japanese tempera painter. He was…Sadamichi Hirasawa (平沢 貞通, Hirasawa Sadamichi; February 18, 1892 – May 10, 1987) was a Japanese tempera painter. He was convicted of mass poisoning and sentenced to death. Due to strong suspicions that he was innocent, no justice minister ever signed his death warrant.
Kan Shimozawa (子母澤 寛, Shimozawa Kan; sometimes spelled Shimosawa; February 1, 1892 – July 19, 1968) was a Japanese…Kan Shimozawa (子母澤 寛, Shimozawa Kan; sometimes spelled Shimosawa; February 1, 1892 – July 19, 1968) was a Japanese novelist and historical writer best known for originating the character Zatoichi. He was awarded the Kikuchi Kan Prize in 1962 for a series of works set at the end of the Tokugawa period and the Meiji era.
Gennosuke Fuse (布施 現之助, Fuse Gennosuke; January 24, 1880 in Otaru, Hokkaidō - December 12, 1946) was a Japanese…Gennosuke Fuse (布施 現之助, Fuse Gennosuke; January 24, 1880 in Otaru, Hokkaidō - December 12, 1946) was a Japanese anatomist of the Meiji period. He graduated from Tokyo Imperial University medical school. Then he studied abroad in Switzerland. He was assistant of the University of Zurich from 1907 to 1911 and from 1914 to 1916 and worked with Constantin von Monakow. His name is lent to the Kölliker-Fuse nucleus.
Naohide Yatsu (September 8, 1877 – October 2, 1947) was a Japanese biologist, geneticist, and embryologist. Yatsu…Naohide Yatsu (September 8, 1877 – October 2, 1947) was a Japanese biologist, geneticist, and embryologist. Yatsu received his Ph.D. from Columbia University and was a pioneer in embryonic induction and laid the foundations for zoology research in Japan.
Imekanu (イメカヌ; November 10, 1875 – April 6, 1961), also known by her Japanese name Kannari Matsu (金成 マツ), was an Ainu…Imekanu (イメカヌ; November 10, 1875 – April 6, 1961), also known by her Japanese name Kannari Matsu (金成 マツ), was an Ainu missionary and epic poet. Along with her niece, Yukie Chiri, she wrote down and preserved numerous Ainu yukar she learned from her mother.
Nonoc (stylized as nonoc, born July 12) is a Japanese singer from Utashinai, Hokkaido who was affiliated with Kadokawa…Nonoc (stylized as nonoc, born July 12) is a Japanese singer from Utashinai, Hokkaido who was affiliated with Kadokawa Corporation until 2024, when she joined the brand-new record label New World Line.
Rika Nakagawa (中川 梨花, Nakagawa Rika; born April 21, 1998) is a Japanese actress and singer who is affiliated with Sun…Rika Nakagawa (中川 梨花, Nakagawa Rika; born April 21, 1998) is a Japanese actress and singer who is affiliated with Sun Music Production. Starting her career as a member of a Hokkaido-based idol group, she also appeared in various television shows and events in Hokkaido before moving to Tokyo to continue her career while studying at Keio University. She portrayed Momiji Itō in the mixed-media project Shine Post, as well as Kanata Misora, the protagonist of the anime series Narenare: Cheer for You!
Kei Sanbe (三部 敬, Sanbe Kei) is a Japanese manga artist born in Tomakomai, Hokkaido and raised in Chiba Prefecture. He…Kei Sanbe (三部 敬, Sanbe Kei) is a Japanese manga artist born in Tomakomai, Hokkaido and raised in Chiba Prefecture. He has formerly worked under the pseudonym Keisuke Kawara (瓦 敬助, Kawara Keisuke). He is married to illustrator Keishi Kanesada (兼処 敬士, Kanesada Keishi). Sanbe was an honorable mention in the 1990 40th Tezuka Award and a semi-final winner in the 41st iteration. His manga, Erased, was nominated for the 18th Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize Reader Award.
Toshiya Ueda (上田 敏也, Ueda Toshiya; February 24, 1933 – February 8, 2022) was a Japanese voice actor who worked for 81…Toshiya Ueda (上田 敏也, Ueda Toshiya; February 24, 1933 – February 8, 2022) was a Japanese voice actor who worked for 81 Produce. He died on February 8, 2022, at the age of 88.
Sayaka Kobayashi (小林 さやか, Kobayashi Sayaka; born October 12, 1970) is a Japanese actress and voice actress. She is…Sayaka Kobayashi (小林 さやか, Kobayashi Sayaka; born October 12, 1970) is a Japanese actress and voice actress. She is affiliated with Seinenza Theater Company from April 1, 1992 through the Institute of Literary Research and the Juvenile Research Institute of the 16th period. She was born in Sapporo, Hokkaido. Graduated from Hokkaido Sapporo Minami High School. Her father was a documentary film director, Chigusa Kobayashi. Her mother was an actress belonging to the NHK Sapporo Broadcasting Company, and Nobuko Matsui, who also performed many TV dramas such as "Toshiba Sunday Theater".