Hiroshi Yoshida (吉田 弘, Yoshida Hiroshi; born February 11, 1958) is a former Japanese football player and manager. He…Hiroshi Yoshida (吉田 弘, Yoshida Hiroshi; born February 11, 1958) is a former Japanese football player and manager. He played for Japan national team.
Masatsugu Asakawa (浅川 雅嗣, Asakawa Masatsugu; born 25 January 1958), a Japanese civil servant, was the president of the…Masatsugu Asakawa (浅川 雅嗣, Asakawa Masatsugu; born 25 January 1958), a Japanese civil servant, was the president of the Asian Development Bank (ADB). Asakawa, who took office on 17 January 2020, was the 10th president of ADB. He was formerly special adviser to Shinzo Abe, prime minister of Japan, and to Taro Aso, the deputy prime minister of Japan and minister of finance. He was also formerly the vice minister for international affairs in the Ministry of Finance in Japan.
Yoshinori Ishigami (石神 良訓, Ishigami Yoshinori; born November 4, 1957) is a former Japanese football player. He played…Yoshinori Ishigami (石神 良訓, Ishigami Yoshinori; born November 4, 1957) is a former Japanese football player. He played for Japan national team.
Keiko Masuda (増田 恵子, Masuda Keiko) (born Keiko Kobayashi (小林 啓子, Kobayashi Keiko) on September 2, 1957, in Shizuoka…Keiko Masuda (増田 恵子, Masuda Keiko) (born Keiko Kobayashi (小林 啓子, Kobayashi Keiko) on September 2, 1957, in Shizuoka, Japan) is a Japanese pop singer and actress. She is better known by her nickname Kei, and is one half of Pink Lady, the top idol group in Japan in the 1970s. In the United States, they are known for their self-titled TV program. Masuda is represented by her own management firm Kei-Office (ケイ・オフィス, Kei Ofisu).
Koji Suzuki (鈴木 光司, Suzuki Kōji; May 13, 1957 – May 8, 2026) was a Japanese writer, who was born in Hamamatsu and lived…Koji Suzuki (鈴木 光司, Suzuki Kōji; May 13, 1957 – May 8, 2026) was a Japanese writer, who was born in Hamamatsu and lived in Tokyo. Suzuki was the author of the Ring novels, which have been adapted into other formats, including films, manga, television series, and video games. He wrote several books on the subject of fatherhood. His hobbies included traveling, motorcycling, as well as sailing. He graduated from Keio University before debuting as a novelist. Koji Suzuki died in Tokyo on May 8, 2026, at the age of 68.
Masaru Uchiyama (内山 勝, Uchiyama Masaru; born April 14, 1957) is a former Japanese football player. He played for Japan…Masaru Uchiyama (内山 勝, Uchiyama Masaru; born April 14, 1957) is a former Japanese football player. He played for Japan national team. His brother Atsushi Uchiyama also played for Japan national team.
Yuji Fujimoto (藤本 祐司, Fujimoto Yūji; born February 16, 1957) is a Japanese politician of the Democratic Party of Japan…Yuji Fujimoto (藤本 祐司, Fujimoto Yūji; born February 16, 1957) is a Japanese politician of the Democratic Party of Japan, a member of the House of Councillors in the Diet (national legislature). A native of Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, he graduated from Waseda University and received his master's degree from Michigan State University. In 2004, he was elected to the House of Councillors for the first time.
Akio Miyazawa (Japanese: 宮沢 章夫 Miyazawa Akio; 9 December 1956 – 12 September 2022) was a Japanese playwright, writer…Akio Miyazawa (Japanese: 宮沢 章夫 Miyazawa Akio; 9 December 1956 – 12 September 2022) was a Japanese playwright, writer, and academic.
Kazuyoshi Nakamura (中村 一義, Nakamura Kazuyoshi; born April 8, 1955) is a former Japanese football player. He played for…Kazuyoshi Nakamura (中村 一義, Nakamura Kazuyoshi; born April 8, 1955) is a former Japanese football player. He played for Japan national team.
Akira Isogai (磯貝 明, Isogai Akira; born October 19, 1954) is a Japanese academician, wood scientist and senior…Akira Isogai (磯貝 明, Isogai Akira; born October 19, 1954) is a Japanese academician, wood scientist and senior biomaterials researcher, who is an elected fellow (FIAWS) of the International Academy of Wood Science and also an elected fellow of the Japan Academy. He has been a chaired professor at the University of Tokyo, making several contributions to sustainable material science through his research work on plant cellulose and bio-nanofibers.
Yasuaki Shimizu (清水靖晃, Shimizu Yasuaki) (born 9 August 1954) is a Japanese composer, saxophonist and producer. He is…Yasuaki Shimizu (清水靖晃, Shimizu Yasuaki) (born 9 August 1954) is a Japanese composer, saxophonist and producer. He is known for his interpretations of the music of J.S. Bach, in particular the "Cello Suites 1-6" re-arranged for and performed on tenor saxophone. Since 1981 he has composed, produced or arranged for artists as diverse as jazz vocalist Helen Merrill, composer Ryuichi Sakamoto, and DJ Towa Tei. During this time he has lived in London, Paris and Tokyo.
Kumiko Onodera (小野寺 久美子, Onodera Kumiko) (born July 29, 1954), better known as Kumiko Akiyoshi (秋吉 久美子, Akiyoshi…Kumiko Onodera (小野寺 久美子, Onodera Kumiko) (born July 29, 1954), better known as Kumiko Akiyoshi (秋吉 久美子, Akiyoshi Kumiko), is a Japanese actress. She won the award for best actress at the 1st Hochi Film Award for Banka, Saraba natsuno hikariyo and Brother and Sister.
Mariko Suga (菅 真理子, Suga Mariko; born 28 November 1953) is the wife of the former Prime Minister of Japan, Yoshihide…Mariko Suga (菅 真理子, Suga Mariko; born 28 November 1953) is the wife of the former Prime Minister of Japan, Yoshihide Suga.
Hiroyuki Usui (碓井 博行, Usui Hiroyuki; born August 4, 1953) is a former Japanese football player and manager. He played…Hiroyuki Usui (碓井 博行, Usui Hiroyuki; born August 4, 1953) is a former Japanese football player and manager. He played for Japan national team. His son Kempei Usui is also a footballer.
Naoko Ken(研 ナオコ, Ken Naoko, born July 7, 1953)is a Japanese singer and actress. She is well known for her comedy roles…Naoko Ken(研 ナオコ, Ken Naoko, born July 7, 1953)is a Japanese singer and actress. She is well known for her comedy roles featuring idiosyncratic looks, and a string of successful torch songs that gained popularity in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
Yōko Kamikawa (上川 陽子, Kamikawa Yōko; born 1 March 1953) is a Japanese politician and former think tank researcher who…Yōko Kamikawa (上川 陽子, Kamikawa Yōko; born 1 March 1953) is a Japanese politician and former think tank researcher who served as the Minister for Foreign Affairs between September 2023 and October 2024. She served as the Minister of Justice from September 2020 to October 2021, and also served as Minister of State for Gender Equality and Social Affairs in the cabinets of Shinzō Abe and Yasuo Fukuda. She has been a member of the House of Representatives since December 2012.
Teruichi Aono (青野 照市, Aono Teruichi; born January 1, 1953) is a Japanese retired professional shogi player from Yaizu…Teruichi Aono (青野 照市, Aono Teruichi; born January 1, 1953) is a Japanese retired professional shogi player from Yaizu, Shizuoka who achieved the rank of 9-dan.
Masami Tsuchiya (Japanese: 土屋 昌巳, Hepburn: Tsuchiya Masami) is a Japanese singer-songwriter, guitarist, and record…Masami Tsuchiya (Japanese: 土屋 昌巳, Hepburn: Tsuchiya Masami) is a Japanese singer-songwriter, guitarist, and record producer. He rose to prominence in the late 1970s as lead vocalist and guitarist of the rock band Ippu-Do. Following their disbandment in 1984, Tsuchiya focused on his solo career and formed several short-lived bands with well-known musicians. He has also participated in various collaborations and produced recordings for acts such as Glay, Blankey Jet City, and The Willard.
Masaaki Sugiyama (杉山正明, Sugiyama Masaaki) (1952-2019) was a Japanese historian and author. Sugiyama was born March 1…Masaaki Sugiyama (杉山正明, Sugiyama Masaaki) (1952-2019) was a Japanese historian and author. Sugiyama was born March 1, 1952, in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan. He graduated from the Faculty of Letters of Kyoto University in 1974. In 1992, he became an associate professor at the Faculty of Letters at Kyoto University, and in 1995, a professor, and later a professor at the Graduate School of Letters. He received the Japan Academy Prize in 2007. Sugiyama died on December 24, 2019.
Kazuo Ueda (Japanese: 植田 和男, Hepburn: Ueda Kazuo; born September 20, 1951) is a Japanese economist who has been serving…Kazuo Ueda (Japanese: 植田 和男, Hepburn: Ueda Kazuo; born September 20, 1951) is a Japanese economist who has been serving as the 32nd Governor of the Bank of Japan (BOJ) since April 2023. He is a professor emeritus at the University of Tokyo (UTokyo) and also worked briefly as a professor at Kyoritsu Women’s University after his retirement from UTokyo in 2017. He was the dean of the Faculty of Economics at UTokyo and president of the Japanese Economic Association.
Yōko Asaji (浅茅 陽子, Asaji Yōko) (born April 2, 1951) is a Japanese actress from Shimizu (now part of the city of…Yōko Asaji (浅茅 陽子, Asaji Yōko) (born April 2, 1951) is a Japanese actress from Shimizu (now part of the city of Shizuoka), Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan. Yōko starred in the NHK morning drama Kumo no Jūtan, achieving widespread popularity. Since then she has appeared in various television, film, and stage productions. In addition to contemporary roles, Yōko has taken parts in jidaigeki. She portrayed Yaya in the 1987 NHK Taiga drama Onna Taikōki, and from 1988 to 1994 she played Osai, the wife of the fire captain, in Abarenbo Shogun (the second of three actresses for that character). Yōko voiced Maddie Hayes, the Cybill Shepherd role, in the dubbed version of Moonlighting.
Mitsuru Sugaya (すがやみつる, Sugaya Mitsuru; originally 菅谷 充, born September 20, 1950) is a Japanese manga artist, novelist…Mitsuru Sugaya (すがやみつる, Sugaya Mitsuru; originally 菅谷 充, born September 20, 1950) is a Japanese manga artist, novelist, an author of instructional comics, and a racing writer. Sugaya wrote and illustrated Game Center Arashi, a manga series based on video games. He also drew a manga tied to the Japanese Spider-Man television series from the 1970s and also drew the manga adaptations of all Kamen Rider series from Ichigo to Stronger.
Kotoe Nagasawa (長沢 琴枝, Nagasawa Kotoe; born June 11, 1950 in Shizuoka Prefecture) is a Japanese figure skating coach…Kotoe Nagasawa (長沢 琴枝, Nagasawa Kotoe; born June 11, 1950 in Shizuoka Prefecture) is a Japanese figure skating coach and former competitive pair skater. With her skating partner, Hiroshi Nagakubo, she became a five-time (1967–1971) Japanese national champion and competed at the 1972 Winter Olympics, placing 16th. After retiring from competition, Nagasawa became a skating coach in Japan.
Ryu Shionoya (塩谷 立, Shionoya Ryū; born 18 February 1950) is a former Japanese politician of the Liberal Democratic…Ryu Shionoya (塩谷 立, Shionoya Ryū; born 18 February 1950) is a former Japanese politician of the Liberal Democratic Party, who served as a member of the House of Representatives in the Diet (national legislature) and who was the former Minister of Education, Science and Technology.
Masanori Sekiya (関谷 正徳, Sekiya Masanori; born 27 November 1949) is a Japanese former racing driver, most famous for…Masanori Sekiya (関谷 正徳, Sekiya Masanori; born 27 November 1949) is a Japanese former racing driver, most famous for being the first Japanese driver to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans, in 1995. Sekiya drove in single-seaters in his early career, contesting the Japanese Formula 3000 Championship and Formula Nippon from 1987 to 1993, mostly for the Leyton House team. He never achieved any victories, but finished fourth in the standings in 1988 and 1989, scoring three and four podiums, respectively. A long-time works Toyota driver, Sekiya drove in the All Japan Sports Prototype Championship, All Japan Grand Touring Championship and Japanese Touring Car Championship, a series which he won in 1994, driving a Toyota Chaser for the Tom's team. He was also runner-up the following year. As Sekiya is rather fond of Le Mans, in 1987, he got married in the town prior to the race. His best result in international sports car racing was winning the 1995 24 Hours of Le Mans, at the wheel of a McLaren F1 GTR for Kokusai Kaihatsu Racing. He became the first Japanese-born driver to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans. He was also fourth in the 1993 edition. He competed in the JGTC until the 2000 season and now works as team manager for the Super GT division of the Toyota Team TOM'S and also runs a racing school at Fuji Speedway. In 1998, Sekiya also appeared in a TV commercial in Japan driving a JZA80 Supra promoting its handling package. Sekiya retired from professional motorsports in October 2000 and is now involved in team management.
Tetsuji Hayashi (林 哲司, Hayashi Tetsuji; born August 20, 1949) is a Japanese composer, singer-songwriter, and arranger…Tetsuji Hayashi (林 哲司, Hayashi Tetsuji; born August 20, 1949) is a Japanese composer, singer-songwriter, and arranger known for his influential contributions to the development of J-pop and city pop during the 1980s. He was exposed to Western pop music from an early age, sparking his passion for music. He honed his skills as a composer and arranger, and in 1978, he composed Mariya Takeuchi's debut album, Beginning, followed by her hit single "September" in 1979 and "Mayonaka no Door" for Miki Matsubara that same year. His collaborations extended to other prominent artists such as S. Kiyotaka & Omega Tribe, Masaki Ueda and Junichi Inagaki. Despite initially planning retirement in 2008, Hayashi returned to the spotlight due to fan support at a commemorative concert. Since then, he has continued to compose and produce music. His legacy was celebrated with the release of the compilation album 50th Anniversary Special A Tribute of Hayashi Tetsuji: Saudade in 2023, accompanied by a concert showcasing his impact.
Izumi Suzuki (鈴木いづみ, Suzuki Izumi; July 10, 1949 – February 17, 1986) was a Japanese writer and actress, known for her…Izumi Suzuki (鈴木いづみ, Suzuki Izumi; July 10, 1949 – February 17, 1986) was a Japanese writer and actress, known for her science fiction stories and essays on Japanese pop culture. Married to avant-garde saxophonist Kaoru Abe from 1973 to 1977, she is also known for her association with photographer Nobuyoshi Araki.
Masato Harada (原田 眞人, Harada Masato; July 3, 1949 – December 8, 2025) was a Japanese film director, screenwriter…Masato Harada (原田 眞人, Harada Masato; July 3, 1949 – December 8, 2025) was a Japanese film director, screenwriter, critic and occasional actor. He was nominated five times for the Japan Academy Film Prize for Best Director, among other accolades.
Nozomu Suzuki (Japanese: 鈴木望; 20 April 1949 – 7 June 2024) was a Japanese politician. A member of the Japan Restoration…Nozomu Suzuki (Japanese: 鈴木望; 20 April 1949 – 7 June 2024) was a Japanese politician. A member of the Japan Restoration Party, he served in the House of Representatives from 2012 to 2014. Suzuki died in Hamamatsu on 7 June 2024, at the age of 75.
Yukiko Sakamoto (坂本 由紀子, Sakamoto Yukiko; born 20 January 1949) is a Japanese politician and bureaucrat from Mishima…Yukiko Sakamoto (坂本 由紀子, Sakamoto Yukiko; born 20 January 1949) is a Japanese politician and bureaucrat from Mishima, Shizuoka. She was the first woman to be appointed vice-governor of Shizuoka Prefecture in 1996 and served one term in the House of Councillors in the National Diet from 2004 until 2009.
Keiko Nishikawa (Japanese: 西川惠子, born 27 November 1948) is a Japanese physical chemist known for her studies of…Keiko Nishikawa (Japanese: 西川惠子, born 27 November 1948) is a Japanese physical chemist known for her studies of supercritical fluids. She is an emeritus professor at Chiba University and research fellow at the Toyota Physical and Chemical Research Institute.
Eiko Yanami (八並 映子, Yanami Eiko; October 22, 1948 – January 14, 2017) was a Japanese actress who performed in movies…Eiko Yanami (八並 映子, Yanami Eiko; October 22, 1948 – January 14, 2017) was a Japanese actress who performed in movies such as Gamera vs. Zigra and Female Convict Scorpion: Jailhouse 41.
Akira Matsunaga (松永 章, Matsunaga Akira; born August 8, 1948) is a former Japanese football player. He played for Japan…Akira Matsunaga (松永 章, Matsunaga Akira; born August 8, 1948) is a former Japanese football player. He played for Japan national team.
Hideji Katō (加藤 秀司, Katō Hideji) (born May 24, 1948) is a Japanese former professional baseball first baseman in Nippon…Hideji Katō (加藤 秀司, Katō Hideji) (born May 24, 1948) is a Japanese former professional baseball first baseman in Nippon Professional Baseball. He played for the Hankyu Braves from 1969 to 1982, Hiroshima Toyo Carp in 1983, Kintetsu Buffaloes from 1984 to 1985, Yomiuri Giants in 1986 and the Nankai Hawks in 1987. He was the Pacific League MVP in 1975.
Takashi Kuwahara (桑原 隆, Kuwahara Takashi; born May 5, 1948) is a Japanese former football player and manager. His…Takashi Kuwahara (桑原 隆, Kuwahara Takashi; born May 5, 1948) is a Japanese former football player and manager. His brother Katsuyoshi Kuwahara is also former footballer.
Yū Koyama (小山 ゆう, Koyama Yū; born 20 February 1948 in Ogasa, Shizuoka) is a Japanese manga artist. After graduating…Yū Koyama (小山 ゆう, Koyama Yū; born 20 February 1948 in Ogasa, Shizuoka) is a Japanese manga artist. After graduating from Shizuoka Prefectural Shimada Commercial High School he moved to Tokyo and in 1968 took a job with Saito Productions, the company run by Takao Saitō. In 1971 he worked with Kazuo Koike at Studio Ship. Koyama debuted in Shōnen Sunday in 1973 with Ore wa Chokkaku. He has won multiple awards in the manga field, winning the Shogakukan Manga Award twice, once in 1977 for Ganbare Genki and again in 1998 for Azumi. Azumi also won an Excellence Award at the 1997 Japan Media Arts Festival.
Yasuo Minagawa (皆川 康夫, Minagawa Yasuo; November 3, 1947 – December 19, 2022) was a Japanese professional baseball…Yasuo Minagawa (皆川 康夫, Minagawa Yasuo; November 3, 1947 – December 19, 2022) was a Japanese professional baseball pitcher. He played in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) for the Toei Flyers/Nittaku Home Flyers/Nippon Ham Fighters and the Hiroshima Toyo Carp.
Kazuyoshi Hoshino (Shinjitai: 星野 一義, Hoshino Kazuyoshi; born 1 July 1947) is a Japanese former racing driver and…Kazuyoshi Hoshino (Shinjitai: 星野 一義, Hoshino Kazuyoshi; born 1 July 1947) is a Japanese former racing driver and businessman.
Kazue Hayakawa (早川 一枝, Hayakawa Kazue; born 13 June 1947) is a Japanese former freestyle swimmer. She competed in the…Kazue Hayakawa (早川 一枝, Hayakawa Kazue; born 13 June 1947) is a Japanese former freestyle swimmer. She competed in the women's 400 metre freestyle at the 1964 Japan Summer Olympics. She also competed in the 1962 4th Asian Games in Indonesia and the 1966 5th Asian Games in Thailand.
Isao Matsushita is the president of JX Holdings, a Japanese petroleum and metals conglomerate, and a Fortune Global 500…Isao Matsushita is the president of JX Holdings, a Japanese petroleum and metals conglomerate, and a Fortune Global 500 company. Matsushita has been president of JX since June 2012.
Harumi Kurihara (栗原 はるみ, Kurihara Harumi; born March 5, 1947) is a celebrity homemaker and television personality in…Harumi Kurihara (栗原 はるみ, Kurihara Harumi; born March 5, 1947) is a celebrity homemaker and television personality in Japan. Kurihara has often been called the "Martha Stewart of Japan", and has enjoyed popularity there for over twenty years. She is the host of numerous television shows, author of Suteki Recipe, a quarterly recipe magazine which has sold 5 million copies, as well as over 20 bestselling cookbooks and style magazines, has a line of cookware named after her, and owns a chain of stores. Her homemaking empire is named Yutori no Kukan, which means "a space to relax". She has had sponsorship deals with companies such as P&G, Shiseido, 3M, Takara Distillers and Nissan. She was born in Shimoda, a coastal city, and never had professional training as a chef. She is therefore known for satisfying home cooking. In particular her cuisine is known for combining traditional and newer Western influences, while accounting for the real-world time constraints of a housewife. She is married to Reiji Kurihara, a former television newsanchor, who originally encouraged her to begin her television career, and is now president of Yutori no Kukan. Harumi's first cookbook was Gochisōsama Ga Kikitakute!, which translates to "I want to hear you say: 'I'm all finished and that was great!'". Harumi's first major cookbook published in English was Harumi's Japanese Cooking, which in 2004 was awarded the best cookbook of the year (and the best world Asian cuisine book) at the 10th Gourmand World Cookbook Awards, and was selected from a pool of 5000 cookbooks from 67 countries.