Hidekazu Himaruya (Japanese: 日丸屋秀和, Hepburn: Himaruya Hidekazu; born May 8, 1985), also romanized as Hidekaz Himaruya…Hidekazu Himaruya (Japanese: 日丸屋秀和, Hepburn: Himaruya Hidekazu; born May 8, 1985), also romanized as Hidekaz Himaruya, is a Japanese manga artist best known for his manga series Hetalia: Axis Powers. He emigrated to the United States to study at the Parsons School of Design, but dropped out. He currently lives in Japan, and is best known for writing and illustrating the web manga series Hetalia: Axis Powers, which has been adapted into manga and an anime with seven released seasons.
Katsuaki Susa (須佐 勝明, Susa Katsuaki; born September 13, 1984 in Aizuwakamatsu, Fukushima) is a Japanese boxer who…Katsuaki Susa (須佐 勝明, Susa Katsuaki; born September 13, 1984 in Aizuwakamatsu, Fukushima) is a Japanese boxer who competed at the 2012 Summer Olympics in the flyweight division (– 52 kg). He is an alumnus of the Toyo University, and is Second lieutenant in the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force. Susa took the bronze medal twice in the flyweight division at the Asian Games in 2006 and 2010. In July 2011, he won the gold medal in that division in the 21st President's Cup in Jakarta, Indonesia. At the 2012 Summer Olympics, Susa competed in the Men's flyweight, but was defeated by the eventual gold medal winner Robeisy Ramírez in the first round.
Kosei Shibasaki (柴崎 晃誠, Shibasaki Kōsei; born August 28, 1984 in Nagasaki) is a Japanese former footballer who played…Kosei Shibasaki (柴崎 晃誠, Shibasaki Kōsei; born August 28, 1984 in Nagasaki) is a Japanese former footballer who played for Tokyo Verdy, Kawasaki Frontale, Tokushima Vortis and most notably Sanfrecce Hiroshima. Shibasaki made over 500 career appearances across all competitions, scoring over 50 goals from midfield. He was part of the Sanfrecce Hiroshima team that won the J1 League in 2015 and the Japanese Super Cup in 2016. He spent 10 seasons with Sanfrecce before announcing his retirement at the end of the 2023 season. In June 2011, Shibasaki was called up to be part of the Japan squad that faced Peru, although he did not play.
Toshiyuki Yanuki (矢貫 俊之, Yanuki Toshiyuki) is a Japanese professional baseball player. He was born on December 15…Toshiyuki Yanuki (矢貫 俊之, Yanuki Toshiyuki) is a Japanese professional baseball player. He was born on December 15, 1983. He debuted in 2010. He had 59 strikeouts in 2013 for the Yomiuri Giants.
Kazunari Watanabe (渡邉一成, Watanabe Kazunari; born 12 August 1983) is a Japanese cyclist. Watanabe has competed in the…Kazunari Watanabe (渡邉一成, Watanabe Kazunari; born 12 August 1983) is a Japanese cyclist. Watanabe has competed in the keirin and other track events at the 2008 Summer Olympics and 2012 Summer Olympics in London. He also competes in Japanese professional keirin cycling competitions.
Rui Tokisaki (時崎 塁, Tokisaki Rui; born October 30, 1982) is a former Japanese football player. His brother is Yu…Rui Tokisaki (時崎 塁, Tokisaki Rui; born October 30, 1982) is a former Japanese football player. His brother is Yu Tokisaki
Satoshi Komatsu (小松 聖, Komatsu Satoshi; born October 29, 1981 in Iwaki, Fukushima) is a retired Japanese pitcher who…Satoshi Komatsu (小松 聖, Komatsu Satoshi; born October 29, 1981 in Iwaki, Fukushima) is a retired Japanese pitcher who played his entire career in Nippon Professional Baseball for the Orix Buffaloes in Japan's Pacific League.
Takeshi Honda (本田 武史, Honda Takeshi; born 23 March 1981) is a former Japanese competitive figure skater. He is a…Takeshi Honda (本田 武史, Honda Takeshi; born 23 March 1981) is a former Japanese competitive figure skater. He is a two-time World bronze medalist (2002, 2003), two-time Four Continents champion (1999, 2003), and six-time Japanese national champion.
Ryuzo Anzai (安齋竜三, Anzai Ryūzō; born November 10, 1980) is a Japanese professional basketball coach and former player…Ryuzo Anzai (安齋竜三, Anzai Ryūzō; born November 10, 1980) is a Japanese professional basketball coach and former player, who is the head coach for the Koshigaya Alphas of the B.League. He played college basketball for Takushoku University. He was selected by the Saitama Broncos with the second overall pick in the 2005 bj League draft.
Hiromi Kaneko (金子 広美, Kaneko Hiromi; born 9 September 1980) is a Japanese racing cyclist. She rode in the women's road…Hiromi Kaneko (金子 広美, Kaneko Hiromi; born 9 September 1980) is a Japanese racing cyclist. She rode in the women's road race event at the 2018 UCI Road World Championships. She was selected to the 2020 Summer Olympics team, and finished in 43rd place in the women's road race.
Tatsuo Fujioka (藤岡 竜雄, Fujioka Tatsuo; born August 19, 1980), better known as Dean Fujioka (ディーン・フジオカ, Dīn Fujioka…Tatsuo Fujioka (藤岡 竜雄, Fujioka Tatsuo; born August 19, 1980), better known as Dean Fujioka (ディーン・フジオカ, Dīn Fujioka; stylized as DEAN FUJIOKA) is a Japanese actor, voice actor, singer, songwriter, musician, model and film director/producer.
Ryutaro Sakamoto (坂本 竜太郎, Sakamoto Ryutaro; born 28 March 1980) is a Japanese politician of the Liberal Democratic…Ryutaro Sakamoto (坂本 竜太郎, Sakamoto Ryutaro; born 28 March 1980) is a Japanese politician of the Liberal Democratic Party, who serves as a member of the House of Representatives.
Midori Takahashi (高橋翠 Takahashi Midori, born March 10, 1980) is a Japanese volleyball player who played for Toyota Auto…Midori Takahashi (高橋翠 Takahashi Midori, born March 10, 1980) is a Japanese volleyball player who played for Toyota Auto Body Queenseis.
Mitsuhiro Sato (佐藤 光浩, Satō Mitsuhiro; born 8 January 1980 in Aizuwakamatsu, Fukushima) is a retired Japanese sprinter…Mitsuhiro Sato (佐藤 光浩, Satō Mitsuhiro; born 8 January 1980 in Aizuwakamatsu, Fukushima) is a retired Japanese sprinter who specializes in the 400 metres. He finished fourth in 4 × 400 m relay at the 2004 Olympic Games, together with teammates Yuki Yamaguchi, Jun Osakada and Tomohiro Ito. Sato also competed at the World Championships in 2003, 2005 and 2007. His personal best time is 45.50 seconds, achieved in June 2003 in Yokohama.
Yu Tokisaki (時崎 悠, Tokisaki Yu; born June 15, 1979) is a former Japanese football player and coach His brother Rui…Yu Tokisaki (時崎 悠, Tokisaki Yu; born June 15, 1979) is a former Japanese football player and coach His brother Rui Tokisaki is also a former footballer.
Kazuya Narita (成田 和也, born (1979-02-25)25 February 1979) is a Japanese male track cyclist, and part of the national…Kazuya Narita (成田 和也, born (1979-02-25)25 February 1979) is a Japanese male track cyclist, and part of the national team. He competed in the 2007 and 2009 UCI Track Cycling World Championships. He is also a professional keirin cyclist.
Gorgeous (ゴー☆ジャス, Gōjasu; born 10 November 1978, in Iwaki, Fukushima) is a Japanese comedian. Gorgeous is represented…Gorgeous (ゴー☆ジャス, Gōjasu; born 10 November 1978, in Iwaki, Fukushima) is a Japanese comedian. Gorgeous is represented by Sun Music Production. He was formerly signed with Denner Systems.
Atsushi Sato (佐藤 敦之, Satō Atsushi; born 8 May 1978) is a Japanese long-distance runner who competes in marathon races.…Atsushi Sato (佐藤 敦之, Satō Atsushi; born 8 May 1978) is a Japanese long-distance runner who competes in marathon races. He is the Asian record holder in the half marathon with his time of 60:25 minutes. His marathon best of 2:07:13 hours is the fourth fastest by a Japanese athlete. He is married to Miho Sato (née Sugimori), who was a 2004 Japanese Olympian. At major championships, he has twice finished in the top ten in the marathon at the World Championships in Athletics, including sixth at the 2009 World Championships marathon. He has also had two top ten finishes at the IAAF World Half Marathon Championships. He represented Japan at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, but was last in the marathon. He also competed for Japan in the 10,000 metres at the 2002 Asian Games.
Hitoshi Ono (大野均, Ōno Hitoshi; born May 6, 1978, in Kōriyama, Fukushima) is a retired Japanese rugby player. He plays…Hitoshi Ono (大野均, Ōno Hitoshi; born May 6, 1978, in Kōriyama, Fukushima) is a retired Japanese rugby player. He plays at lock for the Japan national rugby union team. He is nicknamed the "Iron Man". Ono started playing rugby after converting from baseball at Nihon University where he was studying to become a firefighter. However, he changed careers and joined Toshiba Brave Lupus in 2001, with whom he has gone on to win the Top League four times. He made his international debut for Japan in 2004 against Korea. He became a regular member of the national team from there onwards and represented his country at both the 2007 and 2011 Rugby World Cup. Since Eddie Jones took over as Japan coach in 2012, he has not missed an international match, and has become the most capped player for Japan of all time. After the Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami and Fukushima nuclear disaster in 2011, Ono's family dairy farm suffered greatly, and alongside prop Kensuke Hatakeyama who lost his home, he was named honorary captain for the Asian 5 Nations match with the UAE by coach John Kirwan to mark the team's solidarity for the cause. Ono is one of the 'Frontier Ambassadors' of his hometown Koriyama City. He retired from professional rugby in 2020
Takahiro Suzuki (鈴木 尚広, Suzuki Takahiro; born April 27, 1978 in Sōma, Fukushima) is a Japanese retired Nippon…Takahiro Suzuki (鈴木 尚広, Suzuki Takahiro; born April 27, 1978 in Sōma, Fukushima) is a Japanese retired Nippon Professional Baseball player. After leaving his professional career, he worked as a baseball commentator and also was engaged in farming.
Nakaba Suzuki (Japanese: 鈴木央, Hepburn: Suzuki Nakaba; born February 8, 1977) is a Japanese manga artist. He is best…Nakaba Suzuki (Japanese: 鈴木央, Hepburn: Suzuki Nakaba; born February 8, 1977) is a Japanese manga artist. He is best known for his fantasy series The Seven Deadly Sins (2012–2020), which has over 55 million copies in circulation making it among the top 50 best-selling manga series of all time. He began a sequel, Four Knights of the Apocalypse, in 2021.
Atsushi Fujita (藤田 敦史, Fujita Atsushi; born November 6, 1976 in Shirakawa, Fukushima) is a former long-distance runner…Atsushi Fujita (藤田 敦史, Fujita Atsushi; born November 6, 1976 in Shirakawa, Fukushima) is a former long-distance runner from Japan.
Tomo Iwabuchi (Japanese: 岩渕 友, Hepburn: Iwabuchi Tomo; 3 October 1976, Fukushima Prefecture) is a member of both the…Tomo Iwabuchi (Japanese: 岩渕 友, Hepburn: Iwabuchi Tomo; 3 October 1976, Fukushima Prefecture) is a member of both the Japanese Communist Party and the Japanese House of Councillors. She was elected to her seat in the national proportional representation block in 2016. Iwabuchi is opposed to nuclear reactors in Japan, advocating for their elimination and against their reactivation.
Atsuko Sakuraba (桜庭 あつこ, Sakuraba Atsuko; real name Akiko Kanari (金成 亜希子, Kanari Akiko) born on (1976-03-29)March 29…Atsuko Sakuraba (桜庭 あつこ, Sakuraba Atsuko; real name Akiko Kanari (金成 亜希子, Kanari Akiko) born on (1976-03-29)March 29, 1976) is a former Japanese gravure idol, tarento, actress and one-time mixed martial arts fighter. Sakuraba has appeared in several photobooks, films, and TV series. She also participated in the MMA tournament ReMix World Cup 2000.
Toshiaki Fushimi (伏見俊昭, Fushimi Toshiaki; February 4, 1976 – July 19, 2026) was a Japanese cyclist. He won the Silver…Toshiaki Fushimi (伏見俊昭, Fushimi Toshiaki; February 4, 1976 – July 19, 2026) was a Japanese cyclist. He won the Silver Medal in the Men's team sprint in the 2004 Summer Olympics along with Masaki Inoue and Tomohiro Nagatsuka. In Japan, he is mostly known as a keirin cyclist, with over 400 victories. Fushimi died on July 19, 2026, at the age of 50, following an accident during a keirin race in Japan.
Hiroyuki Nishiuchi (西内 洋行, Nishiuchi Hiroyuki) (born October 13, 1975) is an athlete from Japan. He competes in the…Hiroyuki Nishiuchi (西内 洋行, Nishiuchi Hiroyuki) (born October 13, 1975) is an athlete from Japan. He competes in the triathlon. Nishiuchi competed at the first Olympic triathlon at the 2000 Summer Olympics. He took forty-sixth place with a total time of 1:56:59.76. Four years later, at the 2004 Summer Olympics, Nishiuchi competed again. He placed thirty-second with a time of 1:57:43.51.
Tomoaki Hamatsu (浜津 智明, Hamatsu Tomoaki; born 3 August 1975), better known as Nasubi (なすび, "Eggplant"), is a Japanese…Tomoaki Hamatsu (浜津 智明, Hamatsu Tomoaki; born 3 August 1975), better known as Nasubi (なすび, "Eggplant"), is a Japanese comedian and media personality. Hamatsu is best known for appearing on the controversial reality television show Susunu! Denpa Shōnen.
Fumihiro Suzuki (鈴木 郁洋, born May 23, 1975) is a retired Japanese professional baseball catcher and current coach for…Fumihiro Suzuki (鈴木 郁洋, born May 23, 1975) is a retired Japanese professional baseball catcher and current coach for the Orix Buffaloes in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball. He previously played with the Chunichi Dragons and the Osaka Kintetsu Buffaloes. Suzuki also played for Team Japan at the 2000 Olympics.
Koki Tagashira (田頭 弘毅, Tagashira Kōki; born (1973-09-25)25 September 1973 in Fukushima Prefecture) is a Japanese male…Koki Tagashira (田頭 弘毅, Tagashira Kōki; born (1973-09-25)25 September 1973 in Fukushima Prefecture) is a Japanese male weightlifter, competing in the 56 kg category and representing Japan at international competitions. He participated at the 2000 Summer Olympics in the 56 kg event. He competed at world championships, most recently at the 1999 World Weightlifting Championships.
Yoshihito Sugamoto (菅本 儀人, Sugamoto Yoshihito; born May 16, 1973), better known by the ring name Gamma, is a Japanese…Yoshihito Sugamoto (菅本 儀人, Sugamoto Yoshihito; born May 16, 1973), better known by the ring name Gamma, is a Japanese professional wrestler. He is best known for his Dragon Gate tenure.
Makio Madarame (班目 真紀夫, Madarame Makio; born 1 February 1972) is a Japanese former cyclist. He competed in the team…Makio Madarame (班目 真紀夫, Madarame Makio; born 1 February 1972) is a Japanese former cyclist. He competed in the team pursuit at the 1992 Summer Olympics. He later became a teacher and coach at a high school in Fukushima Prefecture.
Kouji Shishido (宍戸 幸之, Shishido Kōji; born February 2, 1972) is a Japanese professional wrestler who competes for…Kouji Shishido (宍戸 幸之, Shishido Kōji; born February 2, 1972) is a Japanese professional wrestler who competes for Dragon Gate.
Miyuki Komatsu (小松 みゆき, Komatsu Miyuki; originally 小松美幸, born June 5, 1971) is a Japanese actress. She made her debut…Miyuki Komatsu (小松 みゆき, Komatsu Miyuki; originally 小松美幸, born June 5, 1971) is a Japanese actress. She made her debut as a gravure idol in 1990, and also appeared in two adult videos in 1993. She is well known for her roles as Sanami in Death Note and Death Note 2: The Last Name. She reprised her role for TV special The Man who was Made a Fool by L the Most - Detective Matsuda's Case File.
Tomomi Yamaki (八巻 智美, Yamaki Tomomi) is a Paralympian athlete from Japan competing mainly in category T52 sprint…Tomomi Yamaki (八巻 智美, Yamaki Tomomi) is a Paralympian athlete from Japan competing mainly in category T52 sprint events. She competed in the 2008 Summer Paralympics in Beijing, China. There she won a silver medal in the women's 100 metres - T52 event and a silver medal in the women's 200 metres - T52 event
Tsutomu Nihei (弐瓶 勉, Nihei Tsutomu; born February 26, 1971) is a Japanese manga artist. Nihei has been drawing comics…Tsutomu Nihei (弐瓶 勉, Nihei Tsutomu; born February 26, 1971) is a Japanese manga artist. Nihei has been drawing comics professionally since the mid-1990s. In 1995, he was awarded the "Jiro Taniguchi Special Prize" in that year's Afternoon Four Seasons Award for his one-shot submission, Blame. After working as an assistant to veteran comic artist Tsutomu Takahashi, Nihei went on to launch his debut series Blame! in Monthly Afternoon in 1997. Following the success of Blame!, he next penned Wolverine: Snikt! (published by Marvel Comics) and Biomega. In 2009, Nihei returned to Monthly Afternoon to launch what would become his most successful series, Knights of Sidonia. An architectural student, Nihei's early works were mainly wordless, relying on visuals and backgrounds to tell their stories. His cyberpunk-influenced artwork has gained a strong cult following worldwide.
Sarutoki Minagawa (Japanese: 皆川 猿時, Hepburn: Minagawa Sarutoki; born 1 February 1971) is a Japanese actor. He worked…Sarutoki Minagawa (Japanese: 皆川 猿時, Hepburn: Minagawa Sarutoki; born 1 February 1971) is a Japanese actor. He worked with Suzuki Matsuo in the theater group, Otona Keikaku.
Miho Murata (村田 美穂, Murata Miho; born 3 September 1970) is a Japanese former volleyball player. Murata won a bronze…Miho Murata (村田 美穂, Murata Miho; born 3 September 1970) is a Japanese former volleyball player. Murata won a bronze medal with the Japanese women's national volleyball team at the 1994 Goodwill Games in Saint Petersburg. Murata also played with the national team at the 1994 FIVB World Championship in Brazil, where she finished in seventh place. On club level she played with Hitachi.
Mikiko Hagiwara (萩原 美樹子, Hagiwara Mikiko; born April 17, 1970) is a Japanese former professional basketball player. She…Mikiko Hagiwara (萩原 美樹子, Hagiwara Mikiko; born April 17, 1970) is a Japanese former professional basketball player. She won a silver medal with the Japan women's national basketball team at the 1994 Asian Games. Hagiwara also competed at the 1996 Summer Olympics, where Japan's team came in seventh place. Hagiwara would also play in the WNBA for one year from June 1997 to July 1998. Hagiwara was drafted by the Sacramento Monarchs with the 14th pick in the WNBA Elite Draft. Her WNBA debut took place on June 21, 1997 in a 73 - 61 win over the Utah Starzz where she recorded 3 points in 16 minutes of playing time. She was traded to the Phoenix Mercury on July 31, 1997 and played 12 games for them, averaging 2.8 points and 1.2 rebounds. She remained with the Mercury partially for the 1998 season, playing 10 games for them between June 26 - July 20, 1998 but played significantly fewer minutes (5.9 minutes per game) and averaged 2.2 points. Hagiwara was waived by the Mercury on July 31, 1998 (exactly one year after being traded to the team) and would never play in the WNBA afterwards. Her final WNBA game was played on July 20, 1998 in a 88 - 67 win over her former team, the Sacramento Monarchs. Hagiwara recorded two points and no other stats in her final game.
Nobushige Kumakubo (熊久保信重, Kumakubo Nobushige; born February 10, 1970, Fukushima Prefecture) is a drifting driver from…Nobushige Kumakubo (熊久保信重, Kumakubo Nobushige; born February 10, 1970, Fukushima Prefecture) is a drifting driver from Japan who competes in the D1 Grand Prix series and racetrack and land owner. Nicknamed Kuma or Shihainin, he is commonly referred to as one of the pioneers of drifting.
Kenji Morozumi (諸積 兼司, Morozumi Kenji; born May 29, 1969), nicknamed "Moro", is a former Nippon Professional Baseball…Kenji Morozumi (諸積 兼司, Morozumi Kenji; born May 29, 1969), nicknamed "Moro", is a former Nippon Professional Baseball outfielder and the current coach of the Chiba Lotte Marines.
Asako Takakura (高倉 麻子, Takakura Asako; born 19 April 1968), also known as Asako Takakura-Takemoto or Asako Takemoto due…Asako Takakura (高倉 麻子, Takakura Asako; born 19 April 1968), also known as Asako Takakura-Takemoto or Asako Takemoto due to her marriage, is a Japanese football manager and former player. She played for Japan national team. She is a former manager of the Japan national team. Her husband is former footballer Kazuhiko Takemoto.
Koichi Azuma (我妻 広一, Azuma Kōichi; born 24 October 1966) is a Japanese former cyclist. He competed in the team pursuit…Koichi Azuma (我妻 広一, Azuma Kōichi; born 24 October 1966) is a Japanese former cyclist. He competed in the team pursuit event at the 1988 Summer Olympics. He later became a professional keirin cyclist with more than 200 wins.
Wakako Abe (阿部 和香子, Abe Wakako; born 4 April 1966) is a Japanese former cyclist. She competed in the women's road race…Wakako Abe (阿部 和香子, Abe Wakako; born 4 April 1966) is a Japanese former cyclist. She competed in the women's road race event at the 1984 Summer Olympics and 1990 Asian Games.
