Kazuo Oga (男鹿 和雄, Oga Kazuo; born 29 February 1952, in Akita Prefecture, Japan) is an art director and background…Kazuo Oga (男鹿 和雄, Oga Kazuo; born 29 February 1952, in Akita Prefecture, Japan) is an art director and background artist for many Madhouse Studio and Studio Ghibli anime films. Oga has worked with many respected directors, such as Hayao Miyazaki, Isao Takahata, Yoshiaki Kawajiri, and Osamu Dezaki. He has also published two compilations of his art and directed a short animated film.
Masashi Kudo (工藤 政志, Kudō Masashi; born August 24, 1951) is a Japanese former professional boxer who competed from 1973…Masashi Kudo (工藤 政志, Kudō Masashi; born August 24, 1951) is a Japanese former professional boxer who competed from 1973 to 1979. He held the WBA and lineal super welterweight titles from 1978 to 1979.
Michio Ashikaga (足利 道夫, Ashikaga Michio; born May 22, 1950) is a former Japanese football player. He played for Japan…Michio Ashikaga (足利 道夫, Ashikaga Michio; born May 22, 1950) is a former Japanese football player. He played for Japan national team.
Nobuo Fujishima (藤島 信雄, Fujishima Nobuo; born April 8, 1950) is a former Japanese football player and manager. He…Nobuo Fujishima (藤島 信雄, Fujishima Nobuo; born April 8, 1950) is a former Japanese football player and manager. He played for the Japan national team.
Katsutoshi Kaneda (金田 勝年, Kaneda Katsutoshi) is a Japanese politician who served as the Minister of Justice from 2016…Katsutoshi Kaneda (金田 勝年, Kaneda Katsutoshi) is a Japanese politician who served as the Minister of Justice from 2016 to 2017. He studied at and graduated from Hitotsubashi University.
Setsurō Wakamatsu (若松節朗, Wakamatsu Setsurō) is a Japanese film director. His film Shizumanu Taiyō won the Japan Academy…Setsurō Wakamatsu (若松節朗, Wakamatsu Setsurō) is a Japanese film director. His film Shizumanu Taiyō won the Japan Academy Prize for Picture of the Year at the 33rd Japan Academy Prize.
Shusaku Hirasawa (平沢 周策, Hirasawa Shusaku; born March 5, 1949) is a former Japanese football player. He played for…Shusaku Hirasawa (平沢 周策, Hirasawa Shusaku; born March 5, 1949) is a former Japanese football player. He played for Japan national team.
Yoetsu Suzuki (鈴木 陽悦, Suzuki Yōetsu; born January 10, 1949) is a former Japanese politician who served as a member of…Yoetsu Suzuki (鈴木 陽悦, Suzuki Yōetsu; born January 10, 1949) is a former Japanese politician who served as a member of the House of Councillors in the Diet (national legislature). A native of Akita, Akita and graduate of Chuo University, he was elected to the House of Councillors since 2004 after working at Akita Television.
Tomoyo Ōshima (大島 ともよ, Ōshima Tomoyo; born 1949) is a Japanese film editor, known as editor of Nagisa Oshima's and…Tomoyo Ōshima (大島 ともよ, Ōshima Tomoyo; born 1949) is a Japanese film editor, known as editor of Nagisa Oshima's and Shuji Terayama's films in her young days. She is the director of Tokyo Filmex, a film festival.
Yoshihide Suga (菅 義偉, Suga Yoshihide; born 6 December 1948) is a Japanese former politician who served as Prime…Yoshihide Suga (菅 義偉, Suga Yoshihide; born 6 December 1948) is a Japanese former politician who served as Prime Minister of Japan from 2020 to 2021. A member of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), he was the party's president from 2020 to 2021 and also represented Kanagawa 2nd in the House of Representatives from 1996 to 2026. Before his premiership, he was the Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications from 2006 to 2007, and the longest serving Chief Cabinet Secretary during the second administration of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe from 2012 to 2020. Born to a family of strawberry farmers in rural Akita Prefecture, Suga moved to Tokyo after graduating from high school, where he enrolled in Hosei University. Shortly after graduating, Suga became an aide to Representative Hikosaburo Okonogi in 1975, before entering politics himself when he was elected to the Yokohama Municipal Assembly in 1987. In the 1996 election, Suga was elected to the House of Representatives, representing Kanagawa's 2nd district as a member of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). During his time in the Diet, Suga became a close ally of Chief Cabinet Secretary Shinzo Abe. When Abe first became prime minister in 2006, he appointed Suga to the Cabinet as Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications. Suga left the Cabinet a year later, but after the LDP won the 2012 election, Suga was appointed Chief Cabinet Secretary, a role he would hold throughout Abe's second term as prime minister. This made him the longest-serving Chief Cabinet Secretary in Japanese history. In September 2020, after Abe announced that he would resign due to health concerns, Suga was elected to succeed him in the LDP presidential election and was subsequently elected prime minister by the Diet and appointed by Emperor Naruhito. Suga's premiership focused primarily on responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, including overseeing the rollout of vaccines in the country. Suga's time in office also saw the holding of the delayed 2020 Summer Olympics and Paralympics in Tokyo and the announcement of a plan for Japan to reach carbon neutrality by 2050. While Suga began his time in office relatively popular, his approval ratings fell due to public dissatisfaction with the government's handling of the pandemic and the Olympic Games. Facing hesitancy from his party amid preparation for the upcoming 2021 general election, Suga announced on 3 September 2021 that he would not seek reelection in the 2021 LDP presidential election, effectively resigning as party president and prime minister. His tenure officially ended on 4 October 2021 after he was succeeded by Fumio Kishida. From 2024 to 2025, he served as the LDP's vice president. Suga retired from public office in February 2026 following that month's lower house election.
Hisashi Yamada (山田 久志, Yamada Hisashi; born July 29, 1948) is a retired Japanese professional baseball submarine…Hisashi Yamada (山田 久志, Yamada Hisashi; born July 29, 1948) is a retired Japanese professional baseball submarine pitcher. He played with the Hankyu Braves in Nippon Professional Baseball from 1969 to 1988. Yamada won the Pacific League MVP for three consecutive seasons (1976–1978), sharing a record with Ichiro Suzuki (1994–1996) for the most consecutive awards won. In addition, Yamada won the Japan Series MVP in 1977. He won 20 or more games four times in his career, including notching 26 victories in 1976. Yamada twice won the Pacific League earned run average championship, with marks of 2.37 in 1971 and 2.28 in 1977. He won the Best Nine Award five times in his career. As coach of the Chunichi Dragons in 1999, he led the team to the Central League pennant. He was inducted into the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame in 2006. In 2009, Yamada served as a coach for the Japanese team in the World Baseball Classic.
Norihisa Satake (佐竹 敬久, Satake Norihisa; born 15 November 1947) is a Japanese politician. A former two-term mayor of…Norihisa Satake (佐竹 敬久, Satake Norihisa; born 15 November 1947) is a Japanese politician. A former two-term mayor of Akita City in Akita Prefecture, first elected in 2001. He was the Governor of Akita Prefecture for four terms between 2009 and 2025. He is the 21st head of the North Satake branch of the Satake clan.
Hideaki Yanagida (柳田 英明, Yanagida Hideaki; born 1 January 1947) is a retired Japanese bantamweight freestyle wrestler.…Hideaki Yanagida (柳田 英明, Yanagida Hideaki; born 1 January 1947) is a retired Japanese bantamweight freestyle wrestler. He won his event at the 1970 Asian Games, 1970 and 1971 world championships and 1972 Summer Olympics.
Hiromi Yamafuji (山藤 浩三, Yamafuji Hiromi; 23 October 1944 – 9 May 1984) was a Japanese cyclist. He competed in the…Hiromi Yamafuji (山藤 浩三, Yamafuji Hiromi; 23 October 1944 – 9 May 1984) was a Japanese cyclist. He competed in the individual pursuit and team pursuit events at the 1964 Summer Olympics. In 1984, Yamafuji, along with his wife and children, committed suicide in their home in Toride. Their suicides are believed to have been due to financial difficulties.
Kosaku Takahashi (高橋 耕作, Takahashi Kōsaku; born 25 July 1944) is a former Japanese cyclist. He competed in the team…Kosaku Takahashi (高橋 耕作, Takahashi Kōsaku; born 25 July 1944) is a former Japanese cyclist. He competed in the team pursuit at the 1964 Summer Olympics.
Shiro Ichinoseki (一ノ関史郎, Ichinoseki Shirō; born January 24, 1944) is a retired Japanese bantamweight weightlifter. He…Shiro Ichinoseki (一ノ関史郎, Ichinoseki Shirō; born January 24, 1944) is a retired Japanese bantamweight weightlifter. He competed at the 1964 and 1968 Olympics and finished in third and fifth place, respectively. Between 1963 and 1965 he set three official world records – two in the snatch and one in the total.
Takeshi Sasaki (佐々木毅; born July 15, 1942) is a Japanese political scientist who served as the 27th president of the…Takeshi Sasaki (佐々木毅; born July 15, 1942) is a Japanese political scientist who served as the 27th president of the University of Tokyo. He has served as the chairman of the Japan Academy since 2022.
Takehisa Kato (加藤武久, Katō Takehisa; born 8 December 1941) is a former Japanese cyclist. He competed in the team time…Takehisa Kato (加藤武久, Katō Takehisa; born 8 December 1941) is a former Japanese cyclist. He competed in the team time trial at the 1964 Summer Olympics.
Kiyokuni Katsuo (born 20 November 1941 as Tadao Sato) is a former sumo wrestler from Ogachi, Akita, Japan. His highest…Kiyokuni Katsuo (born 20 November 1941 as Tadao Sato) is a former sumo wrestler from Ogachi, Akita, Japan. His highest rank was ōzeki, which he held from 1969 to 1974. He won one top division yūshō or tournament championship and was a runner-up in five other tournaments. He also earned seven special prizes and seven gold stars. After his retirement he was the head coach of Isegahama stable.
Ryozo Kato (加藤 良三, Katō Ryōzō; born September 13, 1941) is a Japanese lawyer and diplomat who served as the Japanese…Ryozo Kato (加藤 良三, Katō Ryōzō; born September 13, 1941) is a Japanese lawyer and diplomat who served as the Japanese Ambassador to the United States from 2001 to 2008, and as the Commissioner of Nippon Professional Baseball from 2008 to 2013.
Koji Kimura (木村 興治, Kimura Kōji; born 11 December 1940) is a retired Japanese table tennis player and coach who won…Koji Kimura (木村 興治, Kimura Kōji; born 11 December 1940) is a retired Japanese table tennis player and coach who won four world titles between 1961 and 1967. He is left-handed.
Kazuo Nakamura (中村 和雄, Nakamura Kazuo; born December 4, 1940) is a former professional basketball head coach for…Kazuo Nakamura (中村 和雄, Nakamura Kazuo; born December 4, 1940) is a former professional basketball head coach for Hamamatsu, Akita and Niigata and a former college basketball head coach for Akita Keizaihoka University in Japan. Nakamura always said to players, "Play basketball with all your heart." He admires Mike Krzyzewski and Bob Knight. Nakamura also served for the San Antonio Silver Stars as a scout in Asia. He currently teaches amateurs in Akita prefecture.
Sukeshiro Terata (寺田 典城, Terata Sukeshiro; born June 19, 1940) is a retired Japanese politician who served as the…Sukeshiro Terata (寺田 典城, Terata Sukeshiro; born June 19, 1940) is a retired Japanese politician who served as the governor of Akita Prefecture from 1997 to 2009.
Takao Yaguchi (矢口高雄, Yaguchi Takao; 28 October 1939 – 20 November 2020), real name Takao Takahashi (髙橋 髙雄, Takahashi…Takao Yaguchi (矢口高雄, Yaguchi Takao; 28 October 1939 – 20 November 2020), real name Takao Takahashi (髙橋 髙雄, Takahashi Takao), was a Japanese manga artist. He specialized in manga with ecological messages. His most famous manga was Fisherman Sanpei, which won the Kodansha Children's Manga Award in 1974.
Kairyūyama Teruhisa (born Kannojo Aoki; August 28, 1939 - September 10, 1986) was a sumo wrestler from Shōwa, Akita…Kairyūyama Teruhisa (born Kannojo Aoki; August 28, 1939 - September 10, 1986) was a sumo wrestler from Shōwa, Akita, Japan. He made his professional debut in March 1956 and reached the top division in July 1960. His highest rank was sekiwake. He won eight gold stars against grand champion yokozuna in the course of his career. Upon retirement from active competition he became an elder in the Japan Sumo Association under the name Kiriyama. He left the Sumo Association in December 1980.
Sadatoshi Sugawara (菅原 貞敬, Sugawara Sadatoshi; born February 18, 1939) is a Japanese former volleyball player who…Sadatoshi Sugawara (菅原 貞敬, Sugawara Sadatoshi; born February 18, 1939) is a Japanese former volleyball player who competed in the 1964 Summer Olympics. He was born in Noshiro. In 1964 he was part of the Japanese team which won the bronze medal in the Olympic tournament. He played all nine matches.
Takeo Sugawara (菅原 武男, Sugawara Takeo; born 23 May 1938) is a Japanese former hammer thrower who competed in the 1960…Takeo Sugawara (菅原 武男, Sugawara Takeo; born 23 May 1938) is a Japanese former hammer thrower who competed in the 1960 Summer Olympics, in the 1964 Summer Olympics, in the 1968 Summer Olympics, and in the 1972 Summer Olympics. Sugawara won the British AAA Championships title at the 1963 AAA Championships and returned in 1968 to finish second behind Lázár Lovász at the 1968 AAA Championships.
Koji Futada (二田 孝治, Futada Kōji; born 4 May 1938) is a retired Japanese politician of the Liberal Democratic Party, who…Koji Futada (二田 孝治, Futada Kōji; born 4 May 1938) is a retired Japanese politician of the Liberal Democratic Party, who served as a member of the House of Representatives in the Diet (national legislature). A native of Minamiakita District, Akita and a graduate of Chuo University, he was elected to the assembly of Akita Prefecture for the first time in 1975 and to the House of Representatives for the first time in 1986.
Yukio Endō (遠藤 幸雄, Endō Yukio; January 18, 1937 – March 25, 2009) was a Japanese artistic gymnast, Olympic champion and…Yukio Endō (遠藤 幸雄, Endō Yukio; January 18, 1937 – March 25, 2009) was a Japanese artistic gymnast, Olympic champion and world champion. He was part of the first Japanese team that succeeded to win gold medals in the team event at the Summer Olympics (1960) and World Championships (1962). In 1964 he won the first individual all-around Olympic gold medal for Japan. He was the flag bearer at the 1968 Summer Olympics.
Kazuo Koike (Japanese: 小池 一夫, Hepburn: Koike Kazuo; May 8, 1936 – April 17, 2019) was a Japanese manga writer…Kazuo Koike (Japanese: 小池 一夫, Hepburn: Koike Kazuo; May 8, 1936 – April 17, 2019) was a Japanese manga writer (gensakusha), novelist, screenwriter, lyricist and entrepreneur. He is best known for his violent, artful seinen manga, notably Lone Wolf and Cub (with Goseki Kojima, 1970–6), Lady Snowblood (with Kazuo Kamimura, 1972–3) and Crying Freeman (with Ryoichi Ikegami, 1986–8), which – along with their numerous media adaptations − have been credited for their influence on the international growth of Japanese popular culture.
Kiyoko Ono (小野 清子, Ono Kiyoko; 4 February 1936 – 13 March 2021) was a Japanese politician and gymnast. She competed at…Kiyoko Ono (小野 清子, Ono Kiyoko; 4 February 1936 – 13 March 2021) was a Japanese politician and gymnast. She competed at the 1960 and 1964 Olympics and won a team bronze medal in 1964.
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.
Kantarō Suga (菅貫太郎, Suga Kantarō; born December 12, 1934, in Yuzawa, Akita - died March 22, 1994, in Yokohama) was a…Kantarō Suga (菅貫太郎, Suga Kantarō; born December 12, 1934, in Yuzawa, Akita - died March 22, 1994, in Yokohama) was a leading Japanese actor. His film credits span three decades, from 1960 to 1990. One of his prominent appearances was in the lead role in Pastoral: To Die in the Country. Suga also appeared in The Gate of Youth, Sword of the Beast, and Theater of Life. He also portrays Souichiro Akizuki- the father of Nobuhiko, Kyoko and also the foster father of the protagonist Kotaro Minami in the tokusatsu series Kamen Rider Black. A frequent television guest star, Suga acted in jidaigeki and contemporary shows. Twenty appearances on Abarenbō Shōgun, thirteen on Zenigata Heiji, eleven on Momotarō-zamurai, nine on Ōoka Echizen, seven on Edo o Kiru, and numerous guest roles on various programs in the Mito Komon and Hissatsu series top his list of roles.
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.
Yuichi Takai (高井 有一, Takai Yūichi; April 27, 1932 – October 26, 2016) was a Japanese author. Takai won the 1965…Yuichi Takai (高井 有一, Takai Yūichi; April 27, 1932 – October 26, 2016) was a Japanese author. Takai won the 1965 Akutagawa Prize for Kita no kawa (Northern Stream), the 1984 Tanizaki Prize for Kono kuni no sora (この国の空, This Country's Sky), and the 1989 Yomiuri Prize for Yoru no ari (夜 の 蟻).
Shūji Takashina (Japanese: 高階 秀爾 Takashina Shūji; 5 February 1932 – 17 October 2024) was a Japanese art historian and…Shūji Takashina (Japanese: 高階 秀爾 Takashina Shūji; 5 February 1932 – 17 October 2024) was a Japanese art historian and art critic.
Takashi Ono (小野 喬, Ono Takashi; born 26 July 1931) is a retired Japanese gymnast. He competed at the 1952, 1956, 1960…Takashi Ono (小野 喬, Ono Takashi; born 26 July 1931) is a retired Japanese gymnast. He competed at the 1952, 1956, 1960 and 1964 Olympics and won five gold, four silver and four bronze medals, making him the most decorated Japanese athlete and fourth-most decorated gymnast in Olympic history by number of total medals won. Ono was the flag bearer for Japan at the 1960 Olympics, and took the Olympic Oath at the 1964 Games. In 1998, he was inducted into the International Gymnastics Hall of Fame.
Ryuzo Sato (佐藤隆三, Satō Ryūzō; born 5 July 1931) is a Japanese economist and is the C.V. Starr Professor of Economics…Ryuzo Sato (佐藤隆三, Satō Ryūzō; born 5 July 1931) is a Japanese economist and is the C.V. Starr Professor of Economics Emeritus at New York University. He made notable contributions to the fields of mathematical economics and economic growth. He is a founding editor of the Japan and the World Economy (Elsevier) and the book series Advances in Japanese Business and Economics (Springer Nature).
Yasushi Akashi (明石 康 Akashi Yasushi, born January 19, 1931) is a Japanese senior diplomat and United Nations…Yasushi Akashi (明石 康 Akashi Yasushi, born January 19, 1931) is a Japanese senior diplomat and United Nations administrator.
Fuyukichi Maki (牧冬吉, Maki Fuyukichi; November 28, 1930 – June 27, 1998) was a Japanese actor. He worked in TV and film…Fuyukichi Maki (牧冬吉, Maki Fuyukichi; November 28, 1930 – June 27, 1998) was a Japanese actor. He worked in TV and film from 1951 to 1997. His birth name was Nobuyuki Okamura (岡村 信行). He was born in Ōdate, Akita, Japan. He played the role of the Iga ninja Tombei the Mist (Kiri no Tonbei) in the Edo period historical drama TV series The Samurai. This series became a surprise hit in Australia in 1965 and was the first Japanese TV series shown in that country.
Sasagu Arai (荒井 献, Arai Sasagu; May 6, 1930 – August 16, 2024) was a Japanese scholar of New Testament Study and…Sasagu Arai (荒井 献, Arai Sasagu; May 6, 1930 – August 16, 2024) was a Japanese scholar of New Testament Study and researcher of early Christianity and Gnosticism. Arai was a Doctor of Theology. Professor emeritus of University of Tokyo and Keisen University (in which he took office as president), and a member of the Japan Academy. He graduated (1962) at Erlangen-Nürnberg University in Germany.
Tetsumi Nabeya (鍋谷鐵巳, Nabeya Tetsuya; 2 January 1930 – 4 April 2010) was a Japanese gymnast. He competed in eight…Tetsumi Nabeya (鍋谷鐵巳, Nabeya Tetsuya; 2 January 1930 – 4 April 2010) was a Japanese gymnast. He competed in eight events at the 1952 Summer Olympics. His best result was 14th place in Floor Exercise and his worst result was 69th place in Rings. He achieved fifth place in the team all-around event. Nabeya died on 4 April 2010, at the age of 80.
Hosei Norota (野呂田 芳成, Norota Hōsei; 25 October 1929 – 23 May 2019) was a Japanese politician of the Liberal Democratic…Hosei Norota (野呂田 芳成, Norota Hōsei; 25 October 1929 – 23 May 2019) was a Japanese politician of the Liberal Democratic Party, a member of the House of Representatives in the Diet (national legislature). A native of Noshiro, Akita and graduate of Chuo University he joined the Ministry of Construction in 1953. Leaving the ministry, he was elected to the House of Councillors in the Diet for the first time in 1977. In 1983 he was elected to the House of Representatives for the first time. From 1995 to 1996 he served as the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries in Tomiichi Murayama's cabinet. In 1998 he served briefly as Director General of the Japan Defense Agency. In 2001, Norota received the civilian honor Padma Vibhushan from the President of India. Norota died of bladder cancer on 23 May 2019 at a Tokyo hospital, aged 89.
Tatsumi Hijikata (土方 巽, Hijikata Tatsumi; March 9, 1928 – January 21, 1986) was a Japanese choreographer, and the…Tatsumi Hijikata (土方 巽, Hijikata Tatsumi; March 9, 1928 – January 21, 1986) was a Japanese choreographer, and the founder of a genre of dance performance art called Butoh. By the late 1960s, he had begun to develop this dance form, which is highly choreographed with stylized gestures drawn from his childhood memories of his northern Japan home. It is this style which is most often associated with Butoh by Westerners.
Keizo Yamada (山田 敬蔵, Yamada Keizō; January 30, 1927 – April 2, 2020) was a long-distance runner from Japan, who won the…Keizo Yamada (山田 敬蔵, Yamada Keizō; January 30, 1927 – April 2, 2020) was a long-distance runner from Japan, who won the 1956 edition of the Fukuoka Marathon, clocking 2:25:15 on December 9, 1956. He represented his native country at the 1952 Summer Olympics, finishing in 26th place (2:38:11) and won the 1953 Boston Marathon. He retired on July 18, 2009. He was born in Odate, Akita.
Man Sasaki (Japanese: 佐々木満 Sasaki Man; 20 April 1926 – 7 April 2022) was a Japanese politician. A member of the Liberal…Man Sasaki (Japanese: 佐々木満 Sasaki Man; 20 April 1926 – 7 April 2022) was a Japanese politician. A member of the Liberal Democratic Party, he served in the House of Councillors from 1976 to 1998. He died in Akita on 7 April 2022 at the age of 95.
