Satomi Arai (新井 里美, Arai Satomi; born July 4, 1980) is a Japanese voice actress. She married Yoshimitsu Shimoyama in…Satomi Arai (新井 里美, Arai Satomi; born July 4, 1980) is a Japanese voice actress. She married Yoshimitsu Shimoyama in 2008 and had a son in 2010. Her husband's identity was later disclosed in 2016.
Junpei Yasuda (安田 純平, Yasuda Junpei; born March 16, 1974) or Jumpei Yasuda is a Japanese freelance journalist who has…Junpei Yasuda (安田 純平, Yasuda Junpei; born March 16, 1974) or Jumpei Yasuda is a Japanese freelance journalist who has reported from countries in the Middle East, including Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan. He has twice been kidnapped while reporting and was thought to have been taken hostage by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham in Syria for three years before being released on October 23, 2018.
Kaori Yoshida (吉田 香織, Yoshida Kaori; born August 4, 1981) is a Japanese long-distance runner and marathon athlete. She…Kaori Yoshida (吉田 香織, Yoshida Kaori; born August 4, 1981) is a Japanese long-distance runner and marathon athlete. She is a Salomon footwear ambassador.
Takeshi Kusao (草尾 毅, Kusao Takeshi; born November 20, 1965) is a Japanese actor, voice actor, and singer. He was born…Takeshi Kusao (草尾 毅, Kusao Takeshi; born November 20, 1965) is a Japanese actor, voice actor, and singer. He was born in Tokorozawa, Saitama, and works for Aoni Production. Among his many roles, he is best known as the voices of Trunks (Dragon Ball Z), Kabutack (B-Robo Kabutack), Hanamichi Sakuragi (Slam Dunk), Ryo Sanada (Yoroiden Samurai Troopers), Parn (Record of Lodoss War), Coco/Kōji Kokoda (Yes! PreCure 5), Ky Kiske (Guilty Gear), Yukimura Sanada (Samurai Warriors and Warriors Orochi), Dororo (Sgt. Frog), and Mao (Code Geass).
Mitsuo Iwata (岩田 光央, Iwata Mitsuo; born July 31, 1967) is a Japanese actor, voice actor, and singer who was born in…Mitsuo Iwata (岩田 光央, Iwata Mitsuo; born July 31, 1967) is a Japanese actor, voice actor, and singer who was born in Tokorozawa, Saitama. He is previously married to voice actress Rikako Aikawa. Mania.com praised him as "truly one of the greatest seiyuu". Otakunews.com complimented him for the role of Tetsuya from Outlanders. Mania.com comments on his role of Kintaro Oe (Golden Boy) that he "practiced months before hand [sic], to the point of going hoarse from overwork, to perfect Kintaro's voice" and "there's no one who could replace him for this role". He is also known for the role of Kaneda in the 1988 anime film Akira and won the 7th Seiyu Awards for Best Personality in 2013. He was previously affiliated with Office Osawa and Across Entertainment, but is currently affiliated with Aoni Production.
Teruhide Takahashi (高橋 照英, Takahashi Teruhide; born 4 April 1974), better known by his stage name Shōei (照英, Shoei), is…Teruhide Takahashi (高橋 照英, Takahashi Teruhide; born 4 April 1974), better known by his stage name Shōei (照英, Shoei), is a Japanese actor.
Yuki Koyanagi (小柳 ゆき, Koyanagi Yuki; born January 26, 1982) is a Japanese pop singer. She released her first single…Yuki Koyanagi (小柳 ゆき, Koyanagi Yuki; born January 26, 1982) is a Japanese pop singer. She released her first single, "Anata no kisu o kazoemashô – You Were Mine" on September 15, 1999. This song was a huge hit in Japan and made the 17-year-old a sensation overnight. Her second album, Expansion, sold over 1.3 million copies, and it features her biggest chart hit, "Aijo". She has done several albums (in English) of cover songs, including disco and movie standards. After a break of several years, her album Sunrise was released in March 2007.
Rie Takahashi (Japanese: 高橋 李依, Hepburn: Takahashi Rie; born February 27, 1994) is a Japanese voice actress and singer…Rie Takahashi (Japanese: 高橋 李依, Hepburn: Takahashi Rie; born February 27, 1994) is a Japanese voice actress and singer affiliated with 81 Produce. A member of the musical unit Earphones, she has voicing the leading roles in several series, including Futaba Ichinose in Seiyu's Life!, Megumin in KonoSuba, Emilia and Satella in Re:Zero − Starting Life in Another World, Takagi in Teasing Master Takagi-san, Mash Kyrielight in Fate/Grand Order, Mirai Asahina/Cure Miracle in Witchy Pretty Cure!, Yuzuriha in Hell's Paradise: Jigokuraku, Sumi Sakurasawa in Rent-A-Girlfriend, Anzu Hoshino in Romantic Killer, Ai Hoshino in Oshi no Ko, Tomo Aizawa in Tomo-chan Is a Girl!, Iku Sutō in The 100 Girlfriends Who Really, Really, Really, Really, Really Love You, and Ouka Shiunji in The Shiunji Family Children. She won the Best Female Newcomer at the 10th Seiyu Awards.
Shiori Niiyama (新山 詩織, Niiyama Shiori; born February 10, 1996) is a Japanese singer and songwriter, who made major…Shiori Niiyama (新山 詩織, Niiyama Shiori; born February 10, 1996) is a Japanese singer and songwriter, who made major debut with single Yureru Yureru under B Zone in 2013. In, 2018, she announced hiatus which lasted 3 years and in 2021 resumed her music activities.
Tomokazu Sugita (杉田 智和, Sugita Tomokazu; born October 11, 1980) is a Japanese voice actor and author. He mainly plays…Tomokazu Sugita (杉田 智和, Sugita Tomokazu; born October 11, 1980) is a Japanese voice actor and author. He mainly plays young men and is characterized by his "deep bass voice," and he often performs ad-libs and imitations. He is best known for his roles as Gintoki Sakata in Gintama and Joseph Joestar in JoJo's Bizarre Adventure.
Yuki Ishikawa may refer to: Yuki Ishikawa (wrestler, born 1967), Japanese wrestler Yuki Ishikawa (volleyball) (born…Yuki Ishikawa may refer to: Yuki Ishikawa (wrestler, born 1967), Japanese wrestler Yuki Ishikawa (volleyball) (born 1987), Japanese volleyball player Yuki Ishikawa (wrestler, born 1995), Japanese wrestler Yūki Ishikawa (born 1995), Japanese volleyball player
Shinako Tanaka (田中 姿子, Tanaka Shinako; born July 28, 1975, in Saitama) is a female beach volleyball player from Japan…Shinako Tanaka (田中 姿子, Tanaka Shinako; born July 28, 1975, in Saitama) is a female beach volleyball player from Japan, who won the silver medal in the women's team competition at the 2006 Asian Games in Doha, partnering compatriot Eiko Koizumi. In the final the couple lost (1–2) to the Chinese pair Xue Chen and Zhang Xi. Tanaka started her sports career in indoor volleyball, and played for the Women's National Team.
Ōhō Kōnosuke (Japanese: 王鵬 幸之介; born February 14, 2000, as Kōnosuke Naya (納谷 幸之介, Naya Kōnosuke)) is a Japanese…Ōhō Kōnosuke (Japanese: 王鵬 幸之介; born February 14, 2000, as Kōnosuke Naya (納谷 幸之介, Naya Kōnosuke)) is a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Kōtō, Tokyo. He made his professional debut in January 2018, wrestling for Ōtake stable. He reached the second-highest division, jūryō, in January 2021 and reached the top division, makuuchi, in January 2022. His highest rank has been sekiwake. He has earned three gold stars for defeating a yokozuna and one special prize for Technique. He is a third generation makuuchi wrestler, the son of former sekiwake Takatōriki and the grandson of the 48th yokozuna Taihō.
Tsurugishō Momotarō (Japanese: 剣翔 桃太郎; born 27 July 1991 as Kentarō Abiko (安彦 剣太郎, Abiko Kentarō)) is a Japanese former…Tsurugishō Momotarō (Japanese: 剣翔 桃太郎; born 27 July 1991 as Kentarō Abiko (安彦 剣太郎, Abiko Kentarō)) is a Japanese former professional sumo wrestler from Katsushika, Tokyo. He is a graduate of Nihon University. His highest rank was maegashira 6. He won a Fighting Spirit Prize in his debut tournament in the top makuuchi division in September 2019. He was a member of Oitekaze stable and retired in April 2026.
Tochitaikai Yū (Japanese: 栃大海 雄; born 12 October 1999 as Takaaki Tsukahara) is a professional sumo wrestler from…Tochitaikai Yū (Japanese: 栃大海 雄; born 12 October 1999 as Takaaki Tsukahara) is a professional sumo wrestler from Koshigaya, Saitama Prefecture, who is currently affiliated with the Kasugano stable. He is the older brother of Tokotochi, a former fifth-class tokoyama who also trained at the same stable.
Tobizaru Masaya (翔猿 正也, born April 24, 1992, as Masaya Iwasaki (岩﨑 正也, Iwasaki Masaya)) is a professional sumo wrestler…Tobizaru Masaya (翔猿 正也, born April 24, 1992, as Masaya Iwasaki (岩﨑 正也, Iwasaki Masaya)) is a professional sumo wrestler from Japan and wrestles for Oitekaze stable. He made his top division debut in September 2020 and his san'yaku debut in November 2022. As of August 2023, Tobizaru is also the smallest makuuchi wrestler and the third smallest sekitori-ranked wrestler overall. He is the brother of retired wrestler Hidenoumi of the Kise stable; they became the 18th pair of sekitori brothers in sumo history. Despite the fact that they are in different stables, Tobizaru will not face him in competition as Japan Sumo Association rules prevent close relatives from being matched against each other outside of playoff bouts.
Hidenoumi Takuya (Japanese: 英乃海 拓也; born 11 June 1989 as Iwasaki Takuya (岩崎 拓也)) is a former Japanese professional sumo…Hidenoumi Takuya (Japanese: 英乃海 拓也; born 11 June 1989 as Iwasaki Takuya (岩崎 拓也)) is a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler for Kise stable. A former amateur sumo competitor at Nihon University, he made his professional debut in 2012 and was promoted to the top makuuchi division in July 2015. His highest rank to date is maegashira 6. He has one jūryō division yūshō or championship. He is the elder brother of Oitekaze stable wrestler Tobizaru. He retired following the March 2026 tournament.
Hokutofuji Daiki (Japanese: 北勝富士 大輝; born 15 July 1992 as Daiki Nakamura (中村 大輝, Nakamura Daiki)) is a Japanese former…Hokutofuji Daiki (Japanese: 北勝富士 大輝; born 15 July 1992 as Daiki Nakamura (中村 大輝, Nakamura Daiki)) is a Japanese former professional sumo wrestler from Tokorozawa, Saitama. His debut in maezumō was in March 2015, and his first makuuchi division honbasho was the Kyūshū tournament in November 2016. His highest rank has been komusubi. He has seven kinboshi or gold stars for a defeat of a yokozuna and two special prizes for Technique and one for Fighting spirit. He wrestled for Hakkaku stable.
Miho Kanno (菅野 美穂, Kanno Miho; born August 22, 1977) is a Japanese actress and J-Pop singer. Her nicknames are…Miho Kanno (菅野 美穂, Kanno Miho; born August 22, 1977) is a Japanese actress and J-Pop singer. Her nicknames are Suga-chan (菅ちゃん) and Kanno-chan (カンノちゃん).
Ayuko Tsukahara (Japanese: 塚原 あゆ子, Hepburn: Tsukahara Ayuko) is a director from Saitama Prefecture, Japan. She belongs…Ayuko Tsukahara (Japanese: 塚原 あゆ子, Hepburn: Tsukahara Ayuko) is a director from Saitama Prefecture, Japan. She belongs to TBS Sparkle and has directed many television series for TBS Television and films. Her notable works include the television series Unnatural, La Grande Maison Tokyo, and MIU404. She made her film directorial debut in 2018 with Cafe Funiculi Funicula.
Nanao Arai (荒井 菜々緒, Arai Nanao; born October 28, 1988) known professionally by her mononym Nanao (菜々緒), is a Japanese…Nanao Arai (荒井 菜々緒, Arai Nanao; born October 28, 1988) known professionally by her mononym Nanao (菜々緒), is a Japanese actress and model who is affiliated with Platinum Production.
Asami Seto (瀬戸 麻沙美, Seto Asami; born April 2, 1993) is a Japanese voice actress currently affiliated with StarCrew. Her…Asami Seto (瀬戸 麻沙美, Seto Asami; born April 2, 1993) is a Japanese voice actress currently affiliated with StarCrew. Her debut role was as Yoshino Takatsuki in Wandering Son, with major roles including Raphtalia in The Rising of the Shield Hero, Mai Sakurajima in the Rascal Does Not Dream series, Asuka Takizawa/Cure Flamingo in Tropical-Rouge! Pretty Cure, Chihaya Ayase in Chihayafuru, Shoko Sashinami in Valvrave the Liberator, Asagi Aiba in Strike the Blood, Mirage Farina Jenius in Macross Delta, Nobara Kugisaki in Jujutsu Kaisen and Konatsu Miyamoto in Tari Tari.
Sayaka Mori (森 さやか, Mori Sayaka, born 29 September 1988) is a Japanese softball player. She competed in the 2020 Summer…Sayaka Mori (森 さやか, Mori Sayaka, born 29 September 1988) is a Japanese softball player. She competed in the 2020 Summer Olympics and won a gold medal.
Rieko Yauchi (矢内 理絵子, Yauchi Rieko; born January 10, 1980) is a Japanese women's professional shogi player ranked…Rieko Yauchi (矢内 理絵子, Yauchi Rieko; born January 10, 1980) is a Japanese women's professional shogi player ranked 5-dan. She is a former Women's Meijin, Ōi and Jo-Ō title holder.
Iwao Hirose (広瀬 巌 (Hirose Iwao), born 1970) is a Japanese philosopher and economist. He is currently professor and…Iwao Hirose (広瀬 巌 (Hirose Iwao), born 1970) is a Japanese philosopher and economist. He is currently professor and Canada Research Chair in Value Theory and the Philosophy of Public Policy at McGill University.
Mariko Kouda (國府田 マリ子, Kōda Mariko; born September 5, 1969 in Miyashiro, Minami Saitama, Saitama Prefecture) is a…Mariko Kouda (國府田 マリ子, Kōda Mariko; born September 5, 1969 in Miyashiro, Minami Saitama, Saitama Prefecture) is a Japanese actress, voice actress, J-pop singer and radio personality. She graduated from Kasukabe Kyōei High School and went on to major in Communications at Tamagawa University in Machida City, Tokyo, graduating in 1990. Kouda has had at least one song appear on the program Minna no Uta. She was a member of the J-pop voice acting group, Drops, until they disbanded. They were most well known for singing the ending theme to the anime Doki Doki School Hours although they did perform a couple of concerts one of which was released on DVD. She works for the talent management firm Aoni Production. Her most notable roles include Okinu from Ghost Sweeper Mikami, Miki Koishikawa from Marmalade Boy and Shaorin from Mamotte Shugogetten.
Natsumi Hoshi (星 奈津美, Hoshi Natsumi; born August 21, 1990) is a Japanese competitive swimmer who specializes in the…Natsumi Hoshi (星 奈津美, Hoshi Natsumi; born August 21, 1990) is a Japanese competitive swimmer who specializes in the 200-meter butterfly. In this event she won the world title in 2015 and bronze medals at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics. Hoshi studied sports science at Waseda University in Tokyo, and enjoys shopping in her spare time. In 2006, she showed symptoms of Graves' disease, a condition that results in an overactive thyroid and frequent fatigue. Her thyroid gland was removed in November 2014, and in January 2015 she returned to competitions. Earlier in 2011 she was named Best Athlete of the Year by the Saitama Swimming Federation.
Kagami Yoshimizu (美水 かがみ, Yoshimizu Kagami; born 1977) is a Japanese manga artist from Satte, Saitama, Japan. He is…Kagami Yoshimizu (美水 かがみ, Yoshimizu Kagami; born 1977) is a Japanese manga artist from Satte, Saitama, Japan. He is best known as the creator of Lucky Star, which began serialization in Kadokawa Shoten's Comptiq magazine in December 2003. He is also credited for creating Comptiq's mascot character Comp-chan (コンプちゃん, Konpu-chan). Yoshimizu also works under the pen name Tsukasa Suina (水奈 つかさ, Suina Tsukasa).
Noriyuki Shiroishi (城石 憲之, Shiroishi Noriyuki; born April 17, 1973 in Omiya, Saitama, Japan) is a former Nippon…Noriyuki Shiroishi (城石 憲之, Shiroishi Noriyuki; born April 17, 1973 in Omiya, Saitama, Japan) is a former Nippon Professional Baseball infielder.
Abi Masatora (Japanese: 阿炎 政虎; born May 4, 1994 as Kōsuke Horikiri (堀切 洸助, Horikiri Kōsuke)) is a Japanese professional…Abi Masatora (Japanese: 阿炎 政虎; born May 4, 1994 as Kōsuke Horikiri (堀切 洸助, Horikiri Kōsuke)) is a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Saitama Prefecture. He made his debut in May 2013 and wrestles for Shikoroyama stable. He reached the top makuuchi division in January 2018 and has four special prizes for Fighting Spirit and one for Outstanding Performance. He has five gold stars for yokozuna upsets. His highest rank has been sekiwake. He won his first championship in November 2022.
Yoshiharu Habu (Japanese: 羽生 善治, Hepburn: Habu Yoshiharu; born September 27, 1970) is a professional shogi player and a…Yoshiharu Habu (Japanese: 羽生 善治, Hepburn: Habu Yoshiharu; born September 27, 1970) is a professional shogi player and a chess FIDE Master. He is a former holder of the Ryūō, Meijin, Ōi, Ōza, Kiō, Ōshō and Kisei major titles. He was the first person to simultaneously hold seven major professional shogi titles at the same time and is the only person to qualify as a lifetime title holder for seven major titles. In January 2018, Habu became the first professional shogi player to be awarded Japan's People's Honour Award. Habu is also a former president of the Japan Shogi Association (JSA).
Yōko Honna (本名 陽子, Honna Yōko; born January 7, 1979) is a Japanese actress, voice actress and singer from Sōka, Saitama…Yōko Honna (本名 陽子, Honna Yōko; born January 7, 1979) is a Japanese actress, voice actress and singer from Sōka, Saitama Prefecture, Japan. She works at Re-Max, although she formerly worked at 81 Produce. She is best known as the voice of Nagisa Misumi from the original Pretty Cure series, as well as Shizuku Tsukishima from Whisper of the Heart. She married someone outside of the industry in 2014 and gave birth to a daughter in June 2015. In 2017, she announced her pregnancy with a second child, as well as sharing her experience of miscarriage sometime prior.
Yasuko Komiyama (小宮山 泰子, Komiyama Yasuko; born 25 April 1965) is a Japanese politician of the Constitutional Democratic…Yasuko Komiyama (小宮山 泰子, Komiyama Yasuko; born 25 April 1965) is a Japanese politician of the Constitutional Democratic Party (CDP), who serves as a member of the House of Representatives in the Diet (national legislature).
Yumi Kawai (河合由美, Kawai Yumi; born June 8, 1966 in Soka, Saitama Prefecture, Japan), better known by the stage name…Yumi Kawai (河合由美, Kawai Yumi; born June 8, 1966 in Soka, Saitama Prefecture, Japan), better known by the stage name Yumi Morio (森尾由美, Morio Yumi), is a Japanese actress and singer employed by the talent management firm Stardust Promotion.
Saori Kimura (木村 沙織, Kimura Saori; born August 19, 1986) is a retired Japanese volleyball player who played for Toray…Saori Kimura (木村 沙織, Kimura Saori; born August 19, 1986) is a retired Japanese volleyball player who played for Toray Arrows. She also played for the All-Japan women's volleyball team and was a captain of the team. She was a participant at the 2004 Summer Olympics, 2008 Summer Olympics, 2012 Summer Olympics and 2016 Summer Olympics, winning a bronze medal in 2012. She was so versatile that she could play any position. On 10 July 2012, Toray announced that Kimura will move to VakıfBank Türk Telekom next season. On 3 June 2013, Daikin (which is a sponsor of Galatasaray Daikin) announced that Kimura will move to Galatasaray Daikin next season. On 5 June 2014, Toray Arrows announced Kimura would join the next season. In 2017, Kimura announced her retirement.
Yuko Fueki (born June 21, 1979 in Tokyo) is a Japanese actress. She is most popular in South Korea, where she is known…Yuko Fueki (born June 21, 1979 in Tokyo) is a Japanese actress. She is most popular in South Korea, where she is known as Yoo Min. Fueki made her feature film debut in the 2001 film Hotaru (Firefly) and, in the same year, her Korean TV debut. She is more popular in South Korea than in Japan. Fueki was the subject of a legal dispute between the Korean company A Stars and the Japanese talent agency Riku Corporation. In 2005, nude scenes in the movie Sinseolguk (known as Shin Yukiguni in Japan) caused a brief scandal for Fueki, as the Korean release of the movie had followed on the heels of her nude photo shoot just a few months earlier. For a time, the film's website received so many visitors that it briefly crashed.
Umika Kawashima (川島 海荷, Kawashima Umika; born March 3, 1994) is a Japanese actress, voice actress and singer. She is a…Umika Kawashima (川島 海荷, Kawashima Umika; born March 3, 1994) is a Japanese actress, voice actress and singer. She is a former member of the Japanese girl group 9nine. Her solo single "Maji de Koi Suru 5 Byō Mae/Ichigo Iro no Kimochi", on the Watashi no Yasashikunai Senpai soundtrack, reached #46 on the Oricon chart. As an actress, she played in numerous Japanese TV series and movies.
Sakiko Matsui (松井咲子, Matsui Sakiko; born December 10, 1990 in Warabi, Saitama Prefecture) is a Japanese singer and…Sakiko Matsui (松井咲子, Matsui Sakiko; born December 10, 1990 in Warabi, Saitama Prefecture) is a Japanese singer and pianist. She was a member of AKB48. Concurrently as a student specializing in piano at Tokyo College of Music, she has released a piano instrumental album Kokyū Suru Piano on October 3, 2012, which reached number 10 on Oricon's albums chart.
Koki Uchiyama (内山 昂輝, Uchiyama Kōki; born August 16, 1990) is a Japanese actor who specializes in voice acting. He is…Koki Uchiyama (内山 昂輝, Uchiyama Kōki; born August 16, 1990) is a Japanese actor who specializes in voice acting. He is affiliated with Himawari Theatre Group. He won Best Male Rookie at 5th Seiyu Awards. He also received one of Best Voice Actors at Tokyo Anime Award Festival in 2015. His voice roles include Roxas and Ventus in the Kingdom Hearts series, Neku Sakuraba in The World Ends with You, Yuu Otosaka in Charlotte, Kei Tsukishima in Haikyu!!, Tomura Shigaraki in My Hero Academia, Rei Suwa in Buddy Daddies, Meruem in Hunter × Hunter, Toge Inumaki in Jujutsu Kaisen, Carpaccio Luo-Yang in Mashle, and Rin Itoshi in Blue Lock.
Miyuki Okumura (奥村 心雪, Okumura Miyuki) is a character artist and manga artist from Saitama Prefecture. She is well…Miyuki Okumura (奥村 心雪, Okumura Miyuki) is a character artist and manga artist from Saitama Prefecture. She is well known as the character illustrator and artist for Sanrio's Cinnamoroll and Jewelpet franchises.
Hiroshi Sagawa (佐川博志, Sagawa Hiroshi) better known mononymously by his ring name Sagat (often stylized in capital…Hiroshi Sagawa (佐川博志, Sagawa Hiroshi) better known mononymously by his ring name Sagat (often stylized in capital letters as SAGAT) is a Japanese professional wrestler currently working as a freelancer and is best known for his tenure with the Japanese promotions DDT Pro-Wrestling and Big Japan Pro Wrestling.
Kitagawa Utamaro (喜多川 歌麿; Japanese pronunciation: [ɯ.ta.ma.ɾo], c. 1753 – 31 October 1806) was a Japanese artist. He is…Kitagawa Utamaro (喜多川 歌麿; Japanese pronunciation: [ɯ.ta.ma.ɾo], c. 1753 – 31 October 1806) was a Japanese artist. He is one of the most highly regarded designers of ukiyo-e woodblock prints and paintings, and is best known for his bijin ōkubi-e "large-headed pictures of beautiful women" of the 1790s. He also produced nature studies, particularly illustrated books of insects. Little is known of Utamaro's life. His work began to appear in the 1770s, and he rose to prominence in the early 1790s with his portraits of beauties with exaggerated, elongated features. He produced over 2000 known prints and was one of the few ukiyo-e artists to achieve fame throughout Japan in his lifetime. In 1804 he was arrested and manacled for fifty days for making illegal prints depicting the 16th-century military ruler Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and died two years later. Utamaro's work reached Europe in the mid-nineteenth century, where it was very popular, enjoying particular acclaim in France. He influenced the European Impressionists, particularly with his use of partial views and his emphasis on light and shade, which they imitated. The reference to the "Japanese influence" among these artists often refers to the work of Utamaro.
Gen Sekine (関根元, Sekine Gen; 2 January 1942 – 27 March 2017) was a Japanese dog breeder and serial killer who, together…Gen Sekine (関根元, Sekine Gen; 2 January 1942 – 27 March 2017) was a Japanese dog breeder and serial killer who, together with his common-law wife Hiroko Kazama (風間博子), murdered at least four clients in Kumagaya, Saitama Prefecture, between April and August 1993. Both were sentenced to death for their crimes, but Sekine died on death row prior to execution.
