Wakana Yamazaki (Japanese: 山崎 和佳奈, Hepburn: Yamazaki Wakana; March 21, 1965 – April 18, 2026) was a Japanese actress…Wakana Yamazaki (Japanese: 山崎 和佳奈, Hepburn: Yamazaki Wakana; March 21, 1965 – April 18, 2026) was a Japanese actress, voice actress and narrator who worked for Aoni Production.
Rika Omoto (大本 里佳, Ōmoto Rika; born 8 May 1997) is a Japanese swimmer. She competed in the women's 200 metre individual…Rika Omoto (大本 里佳, Ōmoto Rika; born 8 May 1997) is a Japanese swimmer. She competed in the women's 200 metre individual medley at the 2019 World Aquatics Championships held in Gwangju, South Korea. She also competed in the women's 50 metre freestyle and women's 100 metre freestyle events. In both events she did not advance to compete in the semi-finals. She represented Japan at the 2020 Summer Olympics.
Shinichirō Watanabe (渡辺 信一郎, Watanabe Shin'ichirō; born May 24, 1965) is a Japanese anime television and film director…Shinichirō Watanabe (渡辺 信一郎, Watanabe Shin'ichirō; born May 24, 1965) is a Japanese anime television and film director, best known for directing the critically acclaimed and commercially successful anime series Cowboy Bebop, Macross Plus, Samurai Champloo, Space Dandy, Terror in Resonance, and Carole & Tuesday. Watanabe's work is characterized by evocative uses of music, mature themes, and the incorporation of multiple film genres.
Yuri Amano (天野 由梨, Amano Yuri; born January 5, 1966) is a Japanese voice actress who is affiliated with Arts Vision.…Yuri Amano (天野 由梨, Amano Yuri; born January 5, 1966) is a Japanese voice actress who is affiliated with Arts Vision. Her real name, as well as her former stage name, is Tomoko Yoshikawa (吉川 智子, Yoshikawa Tomoko). Her best known role is Rain Mikamura in Mobile Fighter G Gundam and Kiyone Makibi in the Tenchi Muyo! franchise. Other major roles include Asako Nakamura in Ushio and Tora, Keiko Yukimura in YuYu Hakusho, Alcyone in Magic Knight Rayearth, and Lorelei in the Saber Marionette J series. In video games, she voices Mary Argent in Tales of Destiny, Hokuto in Street Fighter EX, Ibuki in Street Fighter III, and Etoile Rosenqueen in the Marl Kingdom series.
Satoshi Honjō (本庄 知史, Honjō Satoshi; born 22 October 1974) is a Japanese politician of the Centrist Reform Alliance…Satoshi Honjō (本庄 知史, Honjō Satoshi; born 22 October 1974) is a Japanese politician of the Centrist Reform Alliance, who served as a member of the House of Representatives.
Tatsuya Ishihara (Japanese: 石原 立也, Hepburn: Ishihara Tatsuya; born July 31, 1966) is a Japanese animator, television…Tatsuya Ishihara (Japanese: 石原 立也, Hepburn: Ishihara Tatsuya; born July 31, 1966) is a Japanese animator, television and film director. Working for Kyoto Animation since 1988, he has directed The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, Clannad, Nichijou, Love, Chunibyo & Other Delusions and Sound! Euphonium.
Shuhei Naruse (Japanese: 鳴瀬 シュウヘイ, Hepburn: Naruse Shūhei) is a Japanese musician, composer, and music arranger from…Shuhei Naruse (Japanese: 鳴瀬 シュウヘイ, Hepburn: Naruse Shūhei) is a Japanese musician, composer, and music arranger from Kyoto Prefecture. Naruse attended Ritsumeikan University. His major debut as a musician was in the rock band DEVELOP=FRAME where he played keyboards. He has since worked on the composition and arrangement for various Avex Trax musical artists, including the soundtracks of Kamen Rider Den-O, Kamen Rider Kiva, and Kamen Rider Fourze. He also composed the soundtracks for the anime series MegaMan NT Warrior, Mega Man Star Force, and Sket Dance. For his work on Kamen Rider Kiva, he plays keyboard in the "limited rock unit" Tetra-Fang as SHUHEI.
Fujinokawa Seigō (Japanese: 藤ノ川 成剛; born February 22, 2005 as Seigō Saitō (齋藤 成剛, Saitō Seigō)) is a Japanese…Fujinokawa Seigō (Japanese: 藤ノ川 成剛; born February 22, 2005 as Seigō Saitō (齋藤 成剛, Saitō Seigō)) is a Japanese professional sumo wrestler from Edogawa, Tokyo and wrestles for the Isenoumi stable. He is the son of former maegashira wrestler Ōikari, who also wrestled for the same stable. He has won four gold stars for defeating yokozuna opponents as a maegashira, has a special prize for Technique, Fighting Spirit and Outstanding Performance. In July 2026, Fujinokawa tied the record for the most consecutive wins (four) against a yokozuna in the history of the sport, becoming the first to do so since the end of World War II. At that time, he had never lost a match against a yokozuna.
Goshi Hosono (細野 豪志, Hosono Gōshi; born 21 August 1971) is a Japanese politician and a member of the House of…Goshi Hosono (細野 豪志, Hosono Gōshi; born 21 August 1971) is a Japanese politician and a member of the House of Representatives in the Diet (national legislature). A native of Ōmihachiman, Shiga and graduate of Kyoto University, he was elected to the House of Representatives for the first time in 2000. He was the Minister of Environment and Minister of State for Nuclear Power Policy and Administration in the cabinet of Yoshihiko Noda. He represents the 5th District of Shizuoka prefecture.
Kaori Asada (浅田 香織, Asada Kaori; born 16 April 1973), known by her stage name Bonnie Pink, is a Japanese…Kaori Asada (浅田 香織, Asada Kaori; born 16 April 1973), known by her stage name Bonnie Pink, is a Japanese singer-songwriter and musician. She writes and composes all her songs, and plays guitar and piano. Asada has said that the name Bonnie Pink is random and has no special meaning; she chose it because it was easy to remember and because she thought the words were cute together.
Amii Ozaki (尾崎 亜美, Ozaki Ami), real name Misuzu Ohara (小原 美鈴, Ohara Misuzu), is a Japanese singer songwriter born on 19…Amii Ozaki (尾崎 亜美, Ozaki Ami), real name Misuzu Ohara (小原 美鈴, Ohara Misuzu), is a Japanese singer songwriter born on 19 March 1957 in Kita-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan. She has written music such as Oribia o Kikinagara by Anri and Tenshi no Uinku by Seiko Matsuda, as well as many other songs. Ozaki makes irregular appearances on her friend Akira Kamiya's internet radio show Kamiya Akira Hot Beat Party. Her husband is musician Ray Ohara. Her mother is Akemi Ozaki, a maker of popular handbags and purses made from vintage obi.
Risa Wataya (綿矢 りさ, Wataya Risa; born February 1, 1984) is a female Japanese novelist from Kyoto. Her short novel…Risa Wataya (綿矢 りさ, Wataya Risa; born February 1, 1984) is a female Japanese novelist from Kyoto. Her short novel Keritai senaka won the Akutagawa Prize and has sold more than a million copies. Wataya has also won the Bungei Prize and the Kenzaburo Oe Prize. Her work has been translated into German, Italian, French, Thai, Korean, and English.
Riho Yoshioka (吉岡 里帆, Yoshioka Riho; born January 15, 1993, in Kyoto) is a Japanese actress. She first attracted…Riho Yoshioka (吉岡 里帆, Yoshioka Riho; born January 15, 1993, in Kyoto) is a Japanese actress. She first attracted attention after landing a role in a television series, Here Comes Asa on NHK in 2016. She received the Elan d'or Award for Newcomer of the Year in 2018. She won the Newcomer of the Year Award at the 43rd Japan Academy Film Prize for her role in the 2019 film Mienai Mokugeki-sha and Parallel World Love Story.
Kanako Omura (大村加奈子, Ōmura Kanako; born December 15, 1976 in Nakagyō-ku, Kyoto) is a volleyball player from Japan. She…Kanako Omura (大村加奈子, Ōmura Kanako; born December 15, 1976 in Nakagyō-ku, Kyoto) is a volleyball player from Japan. She competed at the 2004 and 2008 Olympic Games for the Japanese team, finishing fifth on both occasions.
Ayumi Kaihori (海堀 あゆみ, Kaihori Ayumi; born September 4, 1986) is a former Japanese footballer who played as a…Ayumi Kaihori (海堀 あゆみ, Kaihori Ayumi; born September 4, 1986) is a former Japanese footballer who played as a goalkeeper. She played for the Japan national team.
Mai Ohara (小原 舞, Ohara Mai; born 10 July 1974) is a Japanese politician who served in the House of Representatives of…Mai Ohara (小原 舞, Ohara Mai; born 10 July 1974) is a Japanese politician who served in the House of Representatives of Japan.
Arisa Inoue (井上 愛里沙, Inoue Arisa; born 8 May 1995) is a Japanese volleyball player who plays for the Hisamitsu Springs.…Arisa Inoue (井上 愛里沙, Inoue Arisa; born 8 May 1995) is a Japanese volleyball player who plays for the Hisamitsu Springs. She also plays for the Japan women's national volleyball team. Inoue won a silver medal with the Japan U20 national team at the 2013 FIVB Women's Junior World Championship. She also competed at the 2014 Montreux Volley Masters, 2022 FIVB Volleyball Women's Nations League, 2022 FIVB Volleyball Women's World Championship with the Japan women's national volleyball team. Inoue won the Most Valuable Player award of 2021–22 V.League Division 1. Hisamitsu Springs were also the tournament champions. For the 2022-2023 season, Inoue joined Saint-Raphaël Var Volleyball team to compete in French Ligue A.
Mai Fukui (福井舞, Fukui Mai; born December 17, 1984) is a Japanese singer-songwriter, signed on Avex Group's J-More…Mai Fukui (福井舞, Fukui Mai; born December 17, 1984) is a Japanese singer-songwriter, signed on Avex Group's J-More label. She is known for singing the theme song for the video game Final Fantasy XIII-2, Yakusoku no Basho. She was nominated for Best New Artist at the 50th Japan Record Awards.
Rika Izumi (泉 里香, Izumi Rika; born October 11, 1988) is a Japanese model, actress and singer. She formerly used the…Rika Izumi (泉 里香, Izumi Rika; born October 11, 1988) is a Japanese model, actress and singer. She formerly used the stage name Chisaki Hama (浜千咲, Hama Chisaki) when she was with Snow Rabbits Productions. After Izumi returned to the modeling world in 2008, she used both 泉里果 and 泉里香 as stage names; both are pronounced "Izumi Rika".
Tomoko Tabata (田畑 智子, Tabata Tomoko; born December 26, 1980) is a Japanese actress. She won the best supporting actress…Tomoko Tabata (田畑 智子, Tabata Tomoko; born December 26, 1980) is a Japanese actress. She won the best supporting actress award from the Mainichi in 2004 for The Hidden Blade and Blood and Bones, and the best actress award at the Mainichi Film Awards for The Cowards Who Looked to the Sky in 2012.
Akari Oumi (近江 あかり, Oumi Akari, born 10 November 1989) is a Japanese volleyball player who retired from the NEC Red…Akari Oumi (近江 あかり, Oumi Akari, born 10 November 1989) is a Japanese volleyball player who retired from the NEC Red Rockets after the 2016-2017 season. She also played for Japan women's national volleyball team.
Hitomi Nakamichi (中道 瞳, Nakamichi Hitomi; born September 18, 1985) is a former Japanese volleyball player who played…Hitomi Nakamichi (中道 瞳, Nakamichi Hitomi; born September 18, 1985) is a former Japanese volleyball player who played for Toray Arrows. She has served as captain of the team since 2013. She was also part of the Japanese team that won the bronze medal at the 2012 Summer Olympics. She retired from volleyball in 2015.
Saori Koide (早织 小出, Saori Koide; born May 29, 1988), also credited mononymically as Saori, is a Japanese actress. She…Saori Koide (早织 小出, Saori Koide; born May 29, 1988), also credited mononymically as Saori, is a Japanese actress. She is known for her work in television, including Train Man, 1 Litre of Tears, Cell Phone Detective Zenigata Rai, and Return of the Statute of Limitations Police, as well as the films 100 Yen Love and River.
Miyu Kato (Japanese: 加藤 未唯, romanized: Katō Miyu; born 21 November 1994) is a Japanese professional tennis player who…Miyu Kato (Japanese: 加藤 未唯, romanized: Katō Miyu; born 21 November 1994) is a Japanese professional tennis player who specializes in doubles. She reached career-high WTA rankings of world No. 26 in doubles on 1 January 2024 and No. 122 in singles on 15 January 2018. Kato has won six doubles titles on the WTA Tour and three at WTA 125 level. She has also won four singles and 13 doubles titles on the ITF Circuit. In mixed doubles, she won the 2023 French Open with Germany's Tim Pütz, her first Grand Slam title. Three of Kato's six WTA Tour doubles titles were won with Indonesia's Aldila Sutjiadi: at Auckland and Cleveland in 2023, and Hua Hin in 2024. The pair also finished runners-up in the doubles event at the 2023 WTA Elite Trophy. In 2025, Kato reached the women's doubles finals at two WTA 1000 events: the 2025 Miami Open with Cristina Bucșa and the 2025 China Open with Fanny Stollár. Representing Japan, she won the bronze medal in women's doubles at the 2018 Asian Games with Makoto Ninomiya and has represented her country in the Billie Jean King Cup.
Keika Kitamura (北村 桂香, Kitamura Keika; born November 14, 1995) is a Japanese women's professional shogi player ranked…Keika Kitamura (北村 桂香, Kitamura Keika; born November 14, 1995) is a Japanese women's professional shogi player ranked 2-dan.
Rikiya Koyama (Japanese: 小山 力也, Hepburn: Koyama Rikiya; born December 18, 1963) is a Japanese actor, voice actor and…Rikiya Koyama (Japanese: 小山 力也, Hepburn: Koyama Rikiya; born December 18, 1963) is a Japanese actor, voice actor and narrator currently affiliated with Haiyuza Theatre Company. He has done popular voicing roles in Hajime no Ippo, Utawarerumono, Kamen no Maid Guy and Yakuza, and has become well known for voicing Yamato in Naruto Shippuden, Ging Freecss in Hunter X Hunter and Kogoro Mouri (second voice, 2009–present) in Case Closed. In addition, he is known for voicing rather tall or massive inhuman villains like Coyote Starrk in Bleach, Fukuro in Fairy Tail and Deep Sea King in One Punch Man. He is the official dub-over artist of George Clooney, Kiefer Sutherland, Dwayne Johnson and Ma Dong-seok. In addition, he dubbed many roles of Denzel Washington, Keanu Reeves and Guy Pearce.
Yurika Nakamura (中村 友梨香, Nakamura Yurika) (born 1 April 1986 in Fukuchiyama) is a Japanese long-distance runner.…Yurika Nakamura (中村 友梨香, Nakamura Yurika) (born 1 April 1986 in Fukuchiyama) is a Japanese long-distance runner. Nakamura grew up in the Hyōgo Prefecture. She finished seventh at the 2006 World Road Running Championships, helping the Japanese team win the bronze medal in the team competition. In 2008, she won the Nagoya Marathon in her marathon debut. In the 2008 Summer Olympics marathon, she finished 13th. She won the 2009 Sapporo Half Marathon title with a time of 1:09:20.
Yoshiko Saka (阪 淑子, Saka Yoshiko; née Ōta, April 25, 1932 – October 29, 2021) known professionally as Yoshiko Ōta…Yoshiko Saka (阪 淑子, Saka Yoshiko; née Ōta, April 25, 1932 – October 29, 2021) known professionally as Yoshiko Ōta (太田淑子, Ōta Yoshiko) was a Japanese voice actress and actress from Kyoto Prefecture, affiliated with Theater Echo. She is best known for voice roles such as Leo/Kimba in Kimba the White Lion, Tanpei in Time Bokan, Gan-chan/Yatterman No.1 in Yatterman, Sewashi in Doraemon, Nobita Nobi in Doraemon, Princess Sapphire in Princess Knight, Atsuko "Akko" Kagami in The Secret of Akko-chan, Kyoko Otowa in Aim for the Ace!, Chizuko Makieda in D.N.Angel, Panny/Baby Panda in Panda! Go Panda!, Peebo in Chodenshi Bioman, and Urasue in InuYasha.
Nacomi Tanaka (田中 名鼓美) or sometimes simply referred to as Nacomi is a Japanese blues singer, guitarist and songwriter.…Nacomi Tanaka (田中 名鼓美) or sometimes simply referred to as Nacomi is a Japanese blues singer, guitarist and songwriter. She often expands her boundaries beyond blues music into sounds of American roots and Japanese pops sung in Japanese. She is currently based in Kobe.
