Yukiko Sedlmajer, formerly Yukiko Kawasaki (川崎 由紀子, Kawasaki Yukiko; born July 31, 1977) is a Japanese former…Yukiko Sedlmajer, formerly Yukiko Kawasaki (川崎 由紀子, Kawasaki Yukiko; born July 31, 1977) is a Japanese former competitive figure skater who competed in both singles and pair skating. As a pair skater, she competed with Alexei Tikhonov for Japan. They are two-time Japanese national champions and won the bronze medal at the 1993 NHK Trophy. As a single skater, she competed internationally on the junior and senior levels. Kawasaki turned professional in 2000. She performed in shows as a single skater and in an adagio team with her husband, Czech pair skater Marek Sedlmajer. After coaching at SKK Ostrov, Sporting Ghiaccio Artistico Pinzolo (Italy), Cristal Sapporo (Japan) and ASK Lovosice, she joined the coaching staff at Stadion Brno, in 2019.
Hiroyuki Takaya (Japanese: 高谷裕之, Takaya Hiroyuki, born June 10, 1977) is a Japanese mixed martial artist currently…Hiroyuki Takaya (Japanese: 高谷裕之, Takaya Hiroyuki, born June 10, 1977) is a Japanese mixed martial artist currently competing in the Featherweight division. A professional competitor since 2003, Takaya has fought in the WEC, Strikeforce, DREAM, Shooto, K-1 HERO'S, Pancrase, RIZIN, Vale Tudo Japan, and Cage Force. Takaya is the former DREAM Featherweight Champion. He also competed at the Japanese MMA events Fight For Japan: Genki Desu Ka Omisoka 2011 and Dynamite!! 2010. Due to his experience in street fighting, Takaya is known as the "Streetfight Bancho".
Nozomi Hiroyama (廣山 望, Hiroyama Nozomi; born June 6, 1975) is a Japanese former professional footballer who played as a…Nozomi Hiroyama (廣山 望, Hiroyama Nozomi; born June 6, 1975) is a Japanese former professional footballer who played as a midfielder where he is currently the head coach of Japan U17. Hiroyama played over 400 games during his career which included spells in Japan, France, Portugal, Paraguay, Brazil and United States, as well as earning two caps with the Japan national team. Hiroyama was the first Japanese footballer to dispute the Copa Libertadores competition.
Shōgo Kawashima (川島 省吾, Kawashima Shōgo; born 2 February 1977, in Hanamigawa-ku, Chiba, Chiba), known by the stage name…Shōgo Kawashima (川島 省吾, Kawashima Shōgo; born 2 February 1977, in Hanamigawa-ku, Chiba, Chiba), known by the stage name Gekidan Hitori (劇団ひとり; 'one-person troupe') is a Japanese comedian, lyricist, actor, novelist, and film director. Gekidan is mainly known his improvisational ability and for his style of physical comedy. He is represented with Ohta Production.
Norishige Kanai (金井 宣茂, Kanai Norishige; born 5 December 1976) is a Japanese doctor and JAXA astronaut. He is a…Norishige Kanai (金井 宣茂, Kanai Norishige; born 5 December 1976) is a Japanese doctor and JAXA astronaut. He is a lieutenant and Diving Medical Officer in the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (Medical Service Division, 1st Service School). He served as a crew member on board the International Space Station for Expedition 54/55, and returned to Earth on June 3, 2018.
Takashi Ogasawara (小笠原 孝, born November 29, 1976) is a Japanese professional baseball pitcher who currently serves as…Takashi Ogasawara (小笠原 孝, born November 29, 1976) is a Japanese professional baseball pitcher who currently serves as the second squad pitching coach for the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). He played in NPB for the Chunichi Dragons from 1999 to 2012.
Daigoro Kashiwa (柏大五郎, Kashiwa Daigorō) is a Japanese retired professional wrestler and referee best known for his time…Daigoro Kashiwa (柏大五郎, Kashiwa Daigorō) is a Japanese retired professional wrestler and referee best known for his time with the Japanese promotion Kaientai Dojo.
Takayuki Chano (茶野 隆行, Chano Takayuki; born 23 November 1976) is a former Japanese football player. He played for Japan…Takayuki Chano (茶野 隆行, Chano Takayuki; born 23 November 1976) is a former Japanese football player. He played for Japan national team.
Emi Motokawa (元川 恵美, Motokawa Emi; born October 4, 1976), better known by the ring name Emi Sakura (さくら えみ, Sakura…Emi Motokawa (元川 恵美, Motokawa Emi; born October 4, 1976), better known by the ring name Emi Sakura (さくら えみ, Sakura Emi), is a Japanese professional wrestler performing for All Elite Wrestling (AEW), ChocoPro and on the independent circuit. After starting her career in International Wrestling Association of Japan in August 1995, Sakura worked for several promotions across Japan, winning numerous titles, before founding her own promotion, Ice Ribbon, in early 2006. Sakura not only wrestled for the promotion, but was also solely responsible for training wrestlers for the promotion, where she went on to become a two-time ICE×60 Champion and a five-time International Ribbon Tag Team Champion. During 2009, Sakura held not only both the ICE×60 and International Ribbon Tag Team Championships, but also the Daily Sports Women's and JWP Tag Team Championships and the NEO Single and NWA Women's Pacific Championships, which led to the Tokyo Sports magazine naming her the 2009 joshi wrestler of the year. After six years with Ice Ribbon, Sakura left the promotion for "personal reasons" in January 2012. The following month, Sakura formed the Gatoh Move Pro Wrestling promotion in Bangkok, Thailand. During 2012, Sakura also became a regular for JWP Joshi Puroresu, winning the JWP Openweight Championship in October.
Ryuichi Murata (Japanese: 村田 龍一, Murata Ryūichi; born August 27, 1976) is a Japanese judoka and mixed martial artist.…Ryuichi Murata (Japanese: 村田 龍一, Murata Ryūichi; born August 27, 1976) is a Japanese judoka and mixed martial artist. He was a world-class judo competitor with 5 top-3 Judo World Cup tournament finishes and has won multiple silver and bronze medals at world and national judo competitions. Most recently, he's competed in MMA and currently has an MMA record of 8 wins, 3 losses and 1 draw. He won the Spirit MC Heavyweight Grand Prix tournament in 2007.
Maho Hanaoka (Japanese: 花岡 麻帆; born 3 August 1976) is a Japanese former track and field athlete who competed mainly in…Maho Hanaoka (Japanese: 花岡 麻帆; born 3 August 1976) is a Japanese former track and field athlete who competed mainly in the long jump and triple jump. She is one of Japan's best female athletes in the horizontal jumps: she holds the Japanese records for the triple jump outdoors with 14.04 m (46 ft 3⁄4 in) and is also the record holder in both the long and triple jump indoors. Her long jump best of 6.82 m (22 ft 4+1⁄2 in) is a former Japanese record, second to Kumiko Ikeda. Her greatest international performance was a long jump gold medal at the 2006 Asian Indoor Athletics Championships, where she set a championship record. She was the long jump runner-up at the 2002 Asian Games and a three-time bronze medallist at the Asian Athletics Championships. She won medal in both jumps at the 2001 East Asian Games. At the global level Hanaoka represented Japan at the 2004 Olympic Games, the 2001 World Championships in Athletics, twice at the IAAF World Indoor Championships (1999 and 2006), and twice at the Summer Universiade (1995 and 1999). At national level she was a five-time Japanese long jump champion and won five triple jump national titles. In her career she won seven times in the jumps at the National Sports Festival of Japan.
Daito Manabe (Japanese: 真鍋 大度, Hepburn: Manabe Daito) (born 1976) is a Japanese media artist, programmer, engineer, and…Daito Manabe (Japanese: 真鍋 大度, Hepburn: Manabe Daito) (born 1976) is a Japanese media artist, programmer, engineer, and DJ who creates artwork and interactive installations that utilize contemporary technologies such as virtual reality as well as prominent use of light and sound. He founded Rhizomatiks in 2006 after graduating from the University of Tokyo. His work with Rhizomatiks includes collaborations with Perfume, Björk, Nike, Honda and an augmented reality computer graphics display at the closing ceremony of the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. In 2016 Manabe collaborated with American artist Nosaj Thing to create a touring show featuring real-time augmented reality visuals using multiple Kinect cameras on stage. The debut performance at Coachella Festival was described by Pitchfork Magazine as "runaway winner for best visual production" and was billed by Sónar Festival as "extremely captivating, technologically advanced, show of inordinate beauty". Manabe won the 2016 Mainichi Design Award In 2023 Manabe collaborated with two-time Olympic champion Yuzuru Hanyu in the creation of his solo ice show production Gift, the first figure skating event to be held at Tokyo Dome.
Ryoji Aikawa (相川 亮二, Aikawa Ryōji; born July 11, 1976) is a Japanese former professional baseball catcher who currently…Ryoji Aikawa (相川 亮二, Aikawa Ryōji; born July 11, 1976) is a Japanese former professional baseball catcher who currently serves as the manager for the Yokohama DeNA BayStars of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). He played in NPB for the BayStars, Tokyo Yakult Swallows, and Yomiuri Giants from 1995 to 2017.
Kazuo Misaki (Japanese: 三崎和雄, born April 25, 1976) is a retired Japanese professional mixed martial artist. A…Kazuo Misaki (Japanese: 三崎和雄, born April 25, 1976) is a retired Japanese professional mixed martial artist. A professional competitor from 2001 until 2013, he was the 2006 PRIDE Welterweight (183 lbs) Grand Prix Champion, and also competed in Sengoku, Pancrase, DEEP, and Strikeforce. His 2010 bout with Jorge Santiago for the Sengoku Middleweight Championship was InsideMMA's "Fight of the Year."
Hideki Kadowaki (門脇英基, Kadowaki Hideki) (born 28 May 1976) is a Japanese mixed martial artist. A professional…Hideki Kadowaki (門脇英基, Kadowaki Hideki) (born 28 May 1976) is a Japanese mixed martial artist. A professional competitor since 2000, he has competed for Shooto, DEEP, and World Victory Road. He is the former Shooto Lightweight (143 lbs) Champion.
Chikayo Nagashima (永島 千佳世, Nagashima Chikayo; born January 24, 1976) is a Japanese professional wrestler. She started…Chikayo Nagashima (永島 千佳世, Nagashima Chikayo; born January 24, 1976) is a Japanese professional wrestler. She started her career in 1995, working for the Gaea Japan promotion, where she became a one-time AAAW Single Champion and a record five-time AAAW Tag Team Champion. She was also notably one of the four founding members of the Oz Academy stable. Following the folding of Gaea Japan in 2005, Nagashima affiliated herself with Oz Academy, now a full-time promotion, where she has become a three-time Oz Academy Tag Team Champion and a one-time Oz Academy Openweight Champion, holding the record for the longest reign in the title's history. Nagashima remained with Oz Academy until August 2015, after which she became a freelancer.
Shigeyuki Furuki (古城 茂幸, Furuki Shigeyuki; born January 12, 1976 in Kashiwa, Chiba, Japan) is a Japanese Nippon…Shigeyuki Furuki (古城 茂幸, Furuki Shigeyuki; born January 12, 1976 in Kashiwa, Chiba, Japan) is a Japanese Nippon Professional Baseball player for the Yomiuri Giants in Japan's Central League. Before playing for the Giants he was a member of the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters. When he comes to bat, his fans often sing a cheer that goes to the tune of a song from the Super Nintendo Entertainment System game EarthBound.
Shinji Otsuka (大塚 真司, Otsuka Shinji; born December 29, 1975) is a Japanese professional football manager and former…Shinji Otsuka (大塚 真司, Otsuka Shinji; born December 29, 1975) is a Japanese professional football manager and former player who is the manager of J2 League club Ventforet Kofu.
Kazuya Fukuura (福浦 和也, born December 14, 1975) is a Japanese former professional baseball first baseman for the Chiba…Kazuya Fukuura (福浦 和也, born December 14, 1975) is a Japanese former professional baseball first baseman for the Chiba Lotte Marines in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball. His play and build drew comparisons to former Chicago Cubs player Mark Grace.
Yasuko Kuragaki (倉垣 靖子, Kuragaki Yasuko; born December 7, 1975) is a Japanese professional wrestler better known by the…Yasuko Kuragaki (倉垣 靖子, Kuragaki Yasuko; born December 7, 1975) is a Japanese professional wrestler better known by the ring name Tsubasa Kuragaki (倉垣 翼, Kuragaki Tsubasa). For most of her career, Kuragaki has worked for JWP Joshi Puroresu, becoming a one-time JWP Junior and two-time JWP Openweight Champion as a singles wrestler. As a tag team wrestler, she is best known as one half of the "Harukura" tag team with Kayoko Haruyama, with whom she has held the Daily Sports Women's and JWP Tag Team Championships three times each. She quit JWP in October 2013 to become a freelancer. She is currently working most notably for Oz Academy, where she is a former one-time Oz Academy Openweight Champion and a one-time Oz Academy Tag Team Champion.
Yusaku Maezawa (前澤 友作, Maezawa Yūsaku; born 22 November 1975) is a Japanese billionaire entrepreneur, space tourist…Yusaku Maezawa (前澤 友作, Maezawa Yūsaku; born 22 November 1975) is a Japanese billionaire entrepreneur, space tourist, and art collector. He founded Start Today in 1998 and launched the online fashion retail website Zozotown in 2004, now Japan's largest. Maezawa introduced a custom-fit apparel brand Zozo and at-home measurement system, the Zozosuit, in 2018. As of July 2025, he was estimated by Forbes to have a net worth of $1.5 billion.
Takanobu Jumonji (十文字 貴信, Jūmonji Takanobu; born 10 November 1975) is a Japanese former track cyclist who competed at…Takanobu Jumonji (十文字 貴信, Jūmonji Takanobu; born 10 November 1975) is a Japanese former track cyclist who competed at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, winning a bronze medal in the 1000 metres time trial. He retired on January 15, 2019. He now runs a ramen shop in Kashiwa city (Chiba Prefecture).
Makoto Kaneko (金子 誠, born November 8, 1975) is a Japanese professional baseball player and manager. He is an infielder…Makoto Kaneko (金子 誠, born November 8, 1975) is a Japanese professional baseball player and manager. He is an infielder for the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters. Kaneko won the Pacific League rookie of the year award in 1996. He won two golden glove awards at second base before being converted to shortstop. He joined the Japanese olympic baseball team for the 2004 Summer Olympics, and won a bronze medal.
Tadahiro Akiba (秋葉 忠宏, Akiba Tadahiro; born October 13, 1975) is a Japanese professional football coach and former…Tadahiro Akiba (秋葉 忠宏, Akiba Tadahiro; born October 13, 1975) is a Japanese professional football coach and former player who is the manager of J2 League club Júbilo Iwata.
Takashi Tachikawa (立川 隆史, Tachikawa Takashi; born October 7, 1975 in Shinjuku, Tokyo) is a Japanese former baseball…Takashi Tachikawa (立川 隆史, Tachikawa Takashi; born October 7, 1975 in Shinjuku, Tokyo) is a Japanese former baseball outfielder in Nippon Professional Baseball. He played for the Chiba Lotte Marines (1996–2004) and the Hanshin Tigers (2004). Prior to playing professionally, he attended Takudai Koryo High School and before playing in NPB, he played for the Visalia Oaks of the California League in 1995, hitting .176 in 47 games. The Oaks were a Single-A affiliate of Major League Baseball's California Angels. Tachikawa joined the Marines in 1996, hitting .172 in 29 at-bats. The following year, he hit .274 (a career-high) with a career-high seven home runs, six stolen bases and .401 slugging percentage in 252 at-bats and in 1998, he hit .216 in 153 ABs, setting a career-high in triples with three. He hit .136 in 22 at-bats in 1999 and in 2000, he hit .244 in 160 at-bats. After hitting .250 in 92 at-bats in 2001 (with a career-high .361 on-base percentage and .742 OPS), Tachikawa hit .238 in 269 ABs in 2002. He had the most playing time of his career in 2003, hitting .240, setting career highs in RBI (31), total bases (111), games played (94), at-bats (292), plate appearances (332), runs (34), hits (70), doubles (14), walks (29) and strikeouts (72). He tied previously set career highs in home runs and triples. He began 2004, with the Marines, but hit only .094 in 32 at-bats. The Marines cut ties with him and he finished out the year with Hanshin, hitting .171 in 35 ABs there. In total, he hit .136 in 67 at-bats his final campaign. Overall, Tachikawa hit .236 with 28 home runs, 117 RBI and 315 hits in 530 games over nine seasons.
Rie Yamaki (山木 里恵, Yamaki Rie; born 2 October 1975) is a former Japanese football player. She played for Japan national…Rie Yamaki (山木 里恵, Yamaki Rie; born 2 October 1975) is a former Japanese football player. She played for Japan national team.
Kenjiro Todoroki (轟 賢二郎, Todoroki Kenjirō; born September 1, 1975 in Chiba) is a sailing competitor from Japan. He won…Kenjiro Todoroki (轟 賢二郎, Todoroki Kenjirō; born September 1, 1975 in Chiba) is a sailing competitor from Japan. He won a bronze medal at the 2004 Athens Olympics with Kazuto Seki in the 470 (dinghy) class.
Akiyuki Kido (木戸 章之, Kido Akiyuki; born August 28, 1975) is a Japanese former ice dancer. He competed with Nozomi…Akiyuki Kido (木戸 章之, Kido Akiyuki; born August 28, 1975) is a Japanese former ice dancer. He competed with Nozomi Watanabe. They are three-time Japanese national champions. They placed 15th at the 2006 Winter Olympics in Torino.
Kasuganishiki Takahiro (born August 22, 1975 as Takahiro Suzuki) is a former sumo wrestler from Misaki, Isumi District…Kasuganishiki Takahiro (born August 22, 1975 as Takahiro Suzuki) is a former sumo wrestler from Misaki, Isumi District, Chiba Prefecture, Japan. He made his debut in 1991, reaching the top makuuchi division in 2002. His highest rank was maegashira 5. He retired in 2011 and became an elder of the Japan Sumo Association under the name Takenawa, but admitted involvement in match-fixing after text messages were found on his mobile phone that showed he had arranged the result of bouts with fellow wrestlers the previous year. His testimony was part of the Sumo Association's investigation into the affair which led to 22 other wrestlers being found guilty, most of whom were ordered to retire. Given a two-year suspension, he instead left sumo completely.
Masatoshi Akimoto (秋本 真利, Akimoto Masatoshi; born 10 August 1975) is an independent politician who served in the House…Masatoshi Akimoto (秋本 真利, Akimoto Masatoshi; born 10 August 1975) is an independent politician who served in the House of Representatives of Japan.
Fumie Kurotori (黒鳥 文絵, Kurotori Fumie) (born August 6, 1975 in Funabashi, Chiba) is a retired female medley swimmer…Fumie Kurotori (黒鳥 文絵, Kurotori Fumie) (born August 6, 1975 in Funabashi, Chiba) is a retired female medley swimmer from Japan, who represented her native country at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia. She is best known for winning two gold medals at the 1995 Summer Universiade in Fukuoka.
Ken Iwase (岩瀬 健, Iwase Ken; born July 8, 1975) is a former Japanese football player and current assistant manager of J2…Ken Iwase (岩瀬 健, Iwase Ken; born July 8, 1975) is a former Japanese football player and current assistant manager of J2 league team Oita Trinita.
Takayuki Yagi (八木 隆行, Yagi Takayuki; born March 20, 1975) is a Japanese professional wrestling referee and former…Takayuki Yagi (八木 隆行, Yagi Takayuki; born March 20, 1975) is a Japanese professional wrestling referee and former professional wrestler who works for the Japanese professional wrestling promotion Dragon Gate.
Yoshinobu Takahashi (高橋 由伸, born April 3, 1975) is a Japanese former professional baseball player and manager. He spent…Yoshinobu Takahashi (高橋 由伸, born April 3, 1975) is a Japanese former professional baseball player and manager. He spent his entire playing career with the Yomiuri Giants and served as the team's manager for three seasons. He graduated from Keio University. A superb contact hitter, he is also known for his exemplary defensive play. He won the Golden Glove award for six consecutive years between 1998 and 2003. Despite his brilliant records, Takahashi has injured himself numerous times over the years going after fly balls. The injuries primarily resulted from his play style, in which he does not give up on fly balls until they hit the ground. His first injury was on September 14, 1999, at a Chunichi Dragons game, where he jumped diagonally against the outfield fence, causing a fractured shoulder bone. He was selected to be part of the Japanese Olympic baseball team for the 2004 Summer Olympics and contributed to the team's bronze medal. Takahashi served as the Giants' manager from 2016 to 2018. After his departure, he stayed on with the Giants as a special adviser.
Shoichi Usui (born January 8, 1975, in Chiba Prefecture, Japan) is a Japanese politician who has served as a member of…Shoichi Usui (born January 8, 1975, in Chiba Prefecture, Japan) is a Japanese politician who has served as a member of the House of Councillors of Japan since 2022. He is one of the six representatives of the Chiba at-large district, and is a member of the Liberal Democratic Party. As of July 29, 2023, he is a member of the following committees: Committee on Education, Culture and Science Committee on Budget Commission on the Constitution He previously served in the Chiba Prefectural Assembly. He is the son of retired politician and former Cabinet member Hideo Usui.
Tomoko Kuzumi (泉朋子, Izumi Tomoko) better known by her ring name Azumi Hyuga is a Japanese retired professional wrestler…Tomoko Kuzumi (泉朋子, Izumi Tomoko) better known by her ring name Azumi Hyuga is a Japanese retired professional wrestler best known for her tenure with various Japanese promotions such as All Japan Women's Pro-Wrestling, JWP Joshi Puroresu and NEO Japan Ladies Pro-Wrestling.
Dabo (ダボ); born 6 January 1975 is a Japanese hip-hop rapper. He first appeared on the Japanese hip-hop scene in the…Dabo (ダボ); born 6 January 1975 is a Japanese hip-hop rapper. He first appeared on the Japanese hip-hop scene in the 1990s, collaborating in a Shakkazombie song, "Tomo ni ikkou". Since 2002, he has released three albums: Hitman (2002), Diamond (2003), and The Force (2006). Dabo's lyrics are more hard-edged than most J-pop, or Japanese pop, and represent a tough Japanese street culture. He also appears as a playable character in the Japanese version of Def Jam Vendetta.
Takayuki Kobayashi (小林 鷹之, Kobayashi Takayuki; born 29 November 1974) is a Japanese politician who has served as…Takayuki Kobayashi (小林 鷹之, Kobayashi Takayuki; born 29 November 1974) is a Japanese politician who has served as Chairman of the Policy Research Council in the Liberal Democratic Party since October 2025. He served as Minister of State for Economic Security from 2021 to 2022.
Mayuko Toyota (豊田 真由子) (born 10 October 1974) is a Japanese politician and former bureaucrat at the Ministry of Health…Mayuko Toyota (豊田 真由子) (born 10 October 1974) is a Japanese politician and former bureaucrat at the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. From 2012 to 2017, she served two terms in the House of Representatives as a member of the Liberal Democratic Party. In August 2017, she left the LDP after being accused of assault by her secretary. In 2026, she gained a seat again in the House of Representatives as a member of Sanseitō.
Katsushige Kawashima (川嶋勝重, Kawashima Katsushige; born October 6, 1974, in Ichihara, Chiba) is a Japanese retired…Katsushige Kawashima (川嶋勝重, Kawashima Katsushige; born October 6, 1974, in Ichihara, Chiba) is a Japanese retired professional boxer who fought in the super flyweight division. He is a former WBC and lineal super flyweight champion.