Hodaka Maruyama (丸山 穂高, Maruyama Hodaka; born on January 10, 1984) is a Japanese political activist who was elected to…Hodaka Maruyama (丸山 穂高, Maruyama Hodaka; born on January 10, 1984) is a Japanese political activist who was elected to the House of Representatives in 2012 as a member of Nippon Ishin no Kai. He was forced out of the party in 2019 after making remarks suggesting the need for Japan to wage war with Russia, and joined The Party to Protect the People from NHK.
Hideki Asai (朝井 秀樹, Asai Hideki; born January 1, 1984) is a Nippon Professional Baseball pitcher for the Yomiuri Giants…Hideki Asai (朝井 秀樹, Asai Hideki; born January 1, 1984) is a Nippon Professional Baseball pitcher for the Yomiuri Giants in Japan's Central League.
Takayoshi Ohmura (Japanese: 大村孝佳, Hepburn: Ōmura Takayoshi; born 26 December 1983) is a Japanese musician and…Takayoshi Ohmura (Japanese: 大村孝佳, Hepburn: Ōmura Takayoshi; born 26 December 1983) is a Japanese musician and songwriter. In 2004, he released the album Nowhere to Go, which included contributions from Richie Kotzen, Mark Boals, and Doogie White. In 2005, Ohmura formed the band Cross Hard and issued the album Eclipse from East. In 2006, along with Cross Hard's bassist, Kaoru, he formed Gloria, releasing the albums MOTIF (2008) and Acrobatic Road (2009). Between 2015 and 2016, he was a member of Uroboros.
Shouma Yamamoto (山本 匠馬, Yamamoto Shōma; born Kōsuke Yamamoto (山本 光将, Yamamoto Kōsuke) on November 6, 1983) is a…Shouma Yamamoto (山本 匠馬, Yamamoto Shōma; born Kōsuke Yamamoto (山本 光将, Yamamoto Kōsuke) on November 6, 1983) is a Japanese actor. His first major role was as Tsubasa Yamagatana/Dan the Knight of the White Night in Garo Special: Byakuya no Maju. Yamamoto later portrayed Seiji Hayami in Cutie Honey: The Live. He also portrayed Takato Shiramine/Kamen Rider Rey in the Kamen Rider Kiva movie Kamen Rider Kiva: King of the Castle in the Demon World, and in the TV series as Taiga Nobori/Kamen Rider Saga. He is one of two actors to portray two different characters in a single Kamen Rider Series film and television series; the other is Kenji Matsuda in Kamen Rider Hibiki and Kamen Rider Hibiki & The Seven War Oni.
Takamichi Sasaki (佐々木隆道, Sasaki takamichi; born 30 October 1983) is a former Japanese rugby union player who played as…Takamichi Sasaki (佐々木隆道, Sasaki takamichi; born 30 October 1983) is a former Japanese rugby union player who played as a flanker. He played for both Suntory Sungoliath and Hino Red Dolphins in Japan's domestic Top League, playing over 100 times. He was named in the Japan squad for the 2007 Rugby World Cup, making 1 appearances in the tournament. He made a further 12 appearances for Japan in his career, scoring four tries.
Satoshi Fukuda (福田 聡志, Fukuda Satoshi; born September 12, 1983) is a Japanese former professional baseball pitcher. He…Satoshi Fukuda (福田 聡志, Fukuda Satoshi; born September 12, 1983) is a Japanese former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) for the Yomiuri Giants from 2006 to 2015.
Kenya Kobayashi (小林 研也, Kobayashi Ken'ya; born 21 August 1983) is a Japanese gymnast. He was part of the Japanese team…Kenya Kobayashi (小林 研也, Kobayashi Ken'ya; born 21 August 1983) is a Japanese gymnast. He was part of the Japanese team that won the silver medal in the team event at the 2006 Asian Games. He won a team silver medal as part of Japan's delegation at the 2010 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships and 2011 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships.
Takeya Nakamura (中村 剛也, Nakamura Takeya) (born August 15, 1983, in Daitō, Osaka) is a Japanese professional baseball…Takeya Nakamura (中村 剛也, Nakamura Takeya) (born August 15, 1983, in Daitō, Osaka) is a Japanese professional baseball infielder for the Saitama Seibu Lions of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). Nicknamed "Okawari-kun (おかわり君)" (roughly translating to second helpings) for his large, overweight frame, Nakamura is one of Japan's premier power hitters.
Asami Mizukawa (水川 あさみ, Mizukawa Asami; born July 24, 1983) is a Japanese actress. She made her debut in 1996 at age 13…Asami Mizukawa (水川 あさみ, Mizukawa Asami; born July 24, 1983) is a Japanese actress. She made her debut in 1996 at age 13 in an advertisement for Asahi Kasei's "Hebel Haus". In 2000, she won the Grand Prix at the “3rd Miss Tokyo Walker” competition (the first winner was Chiaki Kuriyama) and gained the supporting role in the 2002 J-horror film Dark Water. She has since appeared in many films, television dramas, and commercials.
Mariko Adachi (足立 真梨子, Adachi Mariko; born 21 July 1983) is a Japanese triathlete. She competed in the Women's event at…Mariko Adachi (足立 真梨子, Adachi Mariko; born 21 July 1983) is a Japanese triathlete. She competed in the Women's event at the 2012 Summer Olympics.
Katsunari Takayama (高山 勝成, Takayama Katsunari; born May 12, 1983) is a Japanese professional boxer. He is a five-time…Katsunari Takayama (高山 勝成, Takayama Katsunari; born May 12, 1983) is a Japanese professional boxer. He is a five-time mini-flyweight world champion, having held the WBC title in 2005, the IBF title twice between 2013 and 2015, and the WBO title twice between 2014 and 2017. He retired as a professional in 2017, as WBO world champion, to focus on participation in the 2020 Olympics, but returned in 2020 after failing to qualify.
Yoshihiro Okumura (奥村 幸大, Okumura Yoshihiro; born 9 May 1983 in Osaka, Japan) is a Japanese international swimmer…Yoshihiro Okumura (奥村 幸大, Okumura Yoshihiro; born 9 May 1983 in Osaka, Japan) is a Japanese international swimmer, competing in the freestyle. At the 2003 Summer Universiade, he won the title in the Men's 200m Freestyle. He won the bronze medal in the 2004 Summer Olympics in the Men's 4 × 100 m Medley Relay.
Yusuke Kosai (小斉 祐輔, born April 30, 1983, in Matsubara, Osaka) is a Japanese professional baseball infielder for the…Yusuke Kosai (小斉 祐輔, born April 30, 1983, in Matsubara, Osaka) is a Japanese professional baseball infielder for the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball.
Maki Mita (三田 真希, Mita Maki; born 22 April 1983) is a Japanese former swimmer who competed in the 2000 Summer Olympics…Maki Mita (三田 真希, Mita Maki; born 22 April 1983) is a Japanese former swimmer who competed in the 2000 Summer Olympics and in the 2008 Summer Olympics.
Mai Sekiguchi (関口まい, Sekiguchi Mai; born January 11, 1983) is a Japanese actress. She played Kaori Minami in Battle…Mai Sekiguchi (関口まい, Sekiguchi Mai; born January 11, 1983) is a Japanese actress. She played Kaori Minami in Battle Royale. She is represented with Ohta Production.
Noriaki Kinoshita (木下 典明, Kinoshita Noriaki), born December 29, 1982) is a Japanese football wide receiver who…Noriaki Kinoshita (木下 典明, Kinoshita Noriaki), born December 29, 1982) is a Japanese football wide receiver who currently plays for the Obic Seagulls of the X-League. He was signed by the Amsterdam Admirals in 2005. He played college football for the Ritsumeikan Panthers.
Noriko Shiina (椎名 法子, Shīna Noriko; born 22 November 1982, Japan) is a Japanese actress, tarento, and singer. Shiina is…Noriko Shiina (椎名 法子, Shīna Noriko; born 22 November 1982, Japan) is a Japanese actress, tarento, and singer. Shiina is represented with Someday. She graduated from Horikoshi High School. Shiina's husband is former footballer Kiyoshi Saito.
Sachiko Yamada (山田沙知子, Yamada Sachiko; born October 15, 1982) is an Olympic and former World-Record-holding freestyle…Sachiko Yamada (山田沙知子, Yamada Sachiko; born October 15, 1982) is an Olympic and former World-Record-holding freestyle swimmer from Japan. She swam for Japan at the 2000 and 2004 Olympics. Yamada was born in Osaka, Japan.
Arata Kodama (児玉 新, Kodama Arata; born October 8, 1982) is a former Japanese football player and manager. He is the…Arata Kodama (児玉 新, Kodama Arata; born October 8, 1982) is a former Japanese football player and manager. He is the currently an assistant manager of Gamba Osaka.
Nana Ozaki (尾崎菜々, Ozaki Nana; born September 12, 1982) is a Japanese gravure idol. She is represented by talent agency…Nana Ozaki (尾崎菜々, Ozaki Nana; born September 12, 1982) is a Japanese gravure idol. She is represented by talent agency Fang. She is from Osaka and interested in tennis, long-distance track events and Western popular music. She worked with talent agency Artist Box until December 28, 2007.
Ai Otsuka (大塚 愛, Ōtsuka Ai; born September 9, 1982) is a Japanese singer-songwriter from Suminoe-ku, Osaka, Japan. She…Ai Otsuka (大塚 愛, Ōtsuka Ai; born September 9, 1982) is a Japanese singer-songwriter from Suminoe-ku, Osaka, Japan. She is a popular artist on the Avex Trax label and is best known for her 2003 hit "Sakuranbo", which stayed in the Top 200 Oricon Weekly Singles Chart for 103 weeks. A piano player since age four, Otsuka composes and co-produces her own songs, as well as writes her own lyrics. Her music ranges from upbeat pop/rock music to ballads. Every year, Otsuka also has her own Love is Born tour to mark the anniversary of being in the music industry and her birthday in September. All of the Love is Born concerts take place in Japan, ending in her hometown of Osaka. On Love is Born 5th Anniversary in 2008, Otsuka held a leg of the concert in Taiwan, where she performed a Chinese version of her song "Planetarium". In 2009, Otsuka held 3 Love is Born 6th Anniversary concerts in Japan, as well as two concerts in Taiwan. In 2012, Otsuka debuted as the vocalist of the band Rabbit. She sold 7 million copies in Japan.
Emi Hinouchi (日之内 絵美, Hinouchi Emi; born September 7, 1982), known professionally with different characters of the same…Emi Hinouchi (日之内 絵美, Hinouchi Emi; born September 7, 1982), known professionally with different characters of the same name (日之内 エミ), is a Japanese singer-songwriter. She was formerly signed under King Records' sub-label Venus-B and Taku Takahashi's Tachytelic Records. She is best known for writing songs for Heartsdales and for her collaborations with M-Flo. As of 2011, Hinouchi has released twelve singles, three studio length albums, and collaborated with numerous artists.
Takuto Hayashi (林 卓人, Hayashi Takuto; born 9 August 1982) is a Japanese former professional footballer who played as a…Takuto Hayashi (林 卓人, Hayashi Takuto; born 9 August 1982) is a Japanese former professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper for Sanfrecce Hiroshima, Consadole Sapporo and Vegalta Sendai.
Kenzo Maeda (前田 顕蔵, Maeda Kenzō; born June 27, 1982) is a professional basketball coach who currently serves as a head…Kenzo Maeda (前田 顕蔵, Maeda Kenzō; born June 27, 1982) is a professional basketball coach who currently serves as a head coach for Chinese Taipei women's national basketball team in Taiwan and the former bench boss for the Takamatsu Five Arrows of the bj league. He also served as a support coach/translator for the Japan national basketball team. In April 2026, Maeda was named head coach of the Taiwan women's national basketball team.
Masaki Okimoto (沖本 摩幸, Okimoto Masaki) (born May 21, 1982) is a Japanese professional wrestler from Neyagawa, Japan…Masaki Okimoto (沖本 摩幸, Okimoto Masaki) (born May 21, 1982) is a Japanese professional wrestler from Neyagawa, Japan; he's a current member of the Michinoku Pro Wrestling roster as Rasse (ラッセ). He mainly uses a high-flying style.
Taizo Kawabe (川辺泰三, Kawabe Taizou) is the head coach of the Toyotsu Fighting Eagles Nagoya in the Japanese B.League. He…Taizo Kawabe (川辺泰三, Kawabe Taizou) is the head coach of the Toyotsu Fighting Eagles Nagoya in the Japanese B.League. He played college basketball for Konan University. Kawabe was drafted second overall by the Kyoto Hannaryz in the 2009 bj league draft.
Kasumi Nakane (仲根かすみ, Nakane Kasumi) () is a Japanese model, gravure idol, and actress born on 1982-04-03 in…Kasumi Nakane (仲根かすみ, Nakane Kasumi) () is a Japanese model, gravure idol, and actress born on 1982-04-03 in Higashiōsaka, Osaka and raised in Tokyo, Japan. Her birth name was Kasumi Nakasone (仲宗根かすみ, Nakasone Kasumi), and she formerly worked under the name Kasumi Ue (植可澄美, Ue Kasumi). She graduated from the private Horikoshi High School, the same school attended by talent such as Yoko Minamino, Yōko Oginome, Ai Katō, and Masumi Miyazaki.
Yuri Nakamura (中村 ゆり, 中村 友理, Nakamura Yuri; 15 March 1982 – 1 September 2026) was a Japanese and Korean actress and…Yuri Nakamura (中村 ゆり, 中村 友理, Nakamura Yuri; 15 March 1982 – 1 September 2026) was a Japanese and Korean actress and singer. Her real name was Yuri Sei (成 友理, Sei Yūri) or Woori Song (Korean: 성우리; RR: Seong Uri).
Mitsuomi Takahashi (高橋 光臣, Takahashi Mitsuomi; March 10, 1982) is a Japanese actor best known for playing Satoru…Mitsuomi Takahashi (高橋 光臣, Takahashi Mitsuomi; March 10, 1982) is a Japanese actor best known for playing Satoru Akashi/Bouken Red in the tokusatsu show GoGo Sentai Boukenger. He took part in the 20th and 21st SASUKE competition. He failed both times in the first stage.
Sachiko Konishi (小西 祥子, Konishi Sachiko; born 4 February 1982 in Osaka) is a female Japanese race walker. Konishi…Sachiko Konishi (小西 祥子, Konishi Sachiko; born 4 February 1982 in Osaka) is a female Japanese race walker. Konishi represented Japan at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, where she competed for the women's 20 km race walk, along with her compatriot Mayumi Kawasaki. She finished the race in twenty-sixth place with a time of 1:32:21, two seconds behind Greece's Evaggelia Xinou.
Shingo Murakami (村上 信五, Murakami Shingo; born January 26, 1982) is a Japanese singer, presenter, variety…Shingo Murakami (村上 信五, Murakami Shingo; born January 26, 1982) is a Japanese singer, presenter, variety tarento,tarento and actor. He is the keyboardist of the Japanese male idol group Super Eight (previously known as Kanjani Eight).
Ryang Yong-gi (Korean: 량용기; Hancha: 梁勇基; born 7 January 1982) is a former professional footballer who played as a…Ryang Yong-gi (Korean: 량용기; Hancha: 梁勇基; born 7 January 1982) is a former professional footballer who played as a midfielder. Born in Japan, he represented North Korea internationally. Ryang served as the captain of his club where he played as a creative midfielder. Ryang has made one appearance for the Korea DPR national football team in the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifying rounds and was named as one of the North Korean squad for the 2010 AFC Challenge Cup. Ryang won the Golden Boot and Most Valuable Player awards at the competition that guided Korea DPR to win the title and qualify for 2011 AFC Asian Cup.
Kazuya Takamiya (高宮 和也, born December 4, 1981) is a Japanese professional former baseball pitcher in Japan's Nippon…Kazuya Takamiya (高宮 和也, born December 4, 1981) is a Japanese professional former baseball pitcher in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball. He played for the Yokohama BayStars from 2006 to 2010, the Orix Buffaloes in 2011 and 2012, and for the Hanshin Tigers from 2013 to 2017.
Ayako Shoda (正田 絢子 Shōda Ayako, born November 3, 1981) is a Japanese freestyle wrestler and four-time World Wrestling…Ayako Shoda (正田 絢子 Shōda Ayako, born November 3, 1981) is a Japanese freestyle wrestler and four-time World Wrestling Champion.
Satoshi Nakatani (仲谷聖史, Nakatani Satoshi; born 27 October 1981) is a Japanese international rugby union player who…Satoshi Nakatani (仲谷聖史, Nakatani Satoshi; born 27 October 1981) is a Japanese international rugby union player who plays as a prop. He currently plays for Yamaha Júbilo in Japan's domestic Top League.
Toshiaki Hirose (廣瀬俊朗, Hirose Toshiaki; born October 17, 1981 in Osaka) is Japanese former rugby union player who…Toshiaki Hirose (廣瀬俊朗, Hirose Toshiaki; born October 17, 1981 in Osaka) is Japanese former rugby union player who played as a wing or fly half, and captained the national team between 2012 and 2013. After becoming a regular starter for Toshiba Brave Lupus in the Top League, Hirose made his debut for Japan in 2007 against Hong Kong at fly-half scoring two tries, but never featured again under coach John Kirwan. He continued to be a key player at domestic level though, captaining Toshiba Brave Lupus to back to back Top League victories in 2009 and 2010. In 2012, five years after his debut, he was recalled and named captain of the Japan national rugby union team by new coach, Eddie Jones. He had by now converted from fly-half to wing, and later that year led them to their first ever away wins in Europe against Romania and Georgia. He was also on the receiving end of a rant by Jones after a loss to the French Barbarians in June. Hirose continued as captain in 2013, leading Japan to their first ever victory over Wales, but was dropped in 2014 with his place coming under increasing pressure from new caps Akihito Yamada and Kotaro Matsushima, and Jones citing a lack of pace. From there onwards he became a bit part player at international level with his remaining caps all coming off the bench as a utility player who could cover both fly-half and wing. He was retained for the 2015 Rugby World Cup, with his leadership skills praised by Jones, but was the only player in the 31 man squad not to make the field in the tournament, and following a final season with Toshiba Brave Lupus decided to retire.
Kanako Urai (浦井 佳奈子, Urai Kanako; born September 26, 1981) is a Japanese professional wrestler. She has been signed to…Kanako Urai (浦井 佳奈子, Urai Kanako; born September 26, 1981) is a Japanese professional wrestler. She has been signed to WWE since August 2015, where she performs on the Raw brand under the ring name Asuka (アスカ or 明日華; ). Previously known as Kana (華名), she started her professional wrestling career in 2004. Urai started her professional wrestling career in 2004 in the AtoZ promotion, where she remained until retiring in 2006. She returned to the ring in 2007, starting to work as a freelancer for promotions such as JWP Joshi Puroresu, NEO Japan Ladies Pro-Wrestling, Pro Wrestling Wave, Reina Joshi Puroresu, Smash, and Wrestling New Classic. Her achievements during this time include winning the JWP Openweight Championship, Smash Diva Championship, and Wave Tag Team Championship. In 2015, Urai signed a developmental deal with WWE, being assigned to NXT under the ring name Asuka, making her the first Japanese female wrestler signed with the company in over 20 years. She won the NXT Women's Championship in 2016 (with her reign of 510 days being the longest in that title's history), and was moved to WWE's main roster in 2017. In 2018, she was the inaugural winner of the Women's Royal Rumble match. She is also a former one-time SmackDown Women's Champion, five-time WWE Women's Tag Team Champion (with Kairi Sane thrice and Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss once each; the first woman to win this title with three different partners), and the 2020 Women's Money in the Bank ladder match winner. Following her first Raw Women's Championship win, Asuka became the third Women's Triple Crown Champion and the second Women's Grand Slam Champion. She would go on to become a three-time Raw Women's Champion, with the title renamed as WWE Women's Championship during her third reign. After her Elimination Chamber match win in 2023, she became the first woman in WWE to win the Royal Rumble, Money in the Bank, and Elimination Chamber matches. Urai has also worked as a freelance graphic designer and video game journalist, and through her work with Microsoft, she has been sponsored by the company, wearing an Xbox 360 logo on her gear. Since 2019, she has her own YouTube channel, KanaChanTV, which focuses on gaming and lifestyle content.
Subaru Shibutani (渋谷 すばる, Shibutani Subaru; born September 22, 1981) is a Japanese singer, actor, and lyricist. He…Subaru Shibutani (渋谷 すばる, Shibutani Subaru; born September 22, 1981) is a Japanese singer, actor, and lyricist. He began his career as a member of Kansai Johnny's Jr. and later served as the main vocalist of the Japanese boy band Kanjani Eight (now known as Super Eight), which originally debuted as an enka group. He left the group in 2018. His first solo album, Nisai, was released in October 2019.
Daisuke Arakawa (荒川 大輔, Arakawa Daisuke; born 19 September 1981) is a Japanese athlete specialising in the long jump.…Daisuke Arakawa (荒川 大輔, Arakawa Daisuke; born 19 September 1981) is a Japanese athlete specialising in the long jump. He twice represented his country at World Championships, in 2007 and 2009, failing to reach the final. His personal bests are 8.09 metres outdoors (2008) and 7.77 metres indoors (2003). He also holds the Japanese masters record (M35) with 7.33 metres outdoors (2017).
Mariko Mori (森 万里子 Mori Mariko, born June 17, 1981) is a Japanese volleyball player who plays for Toray Arrows. She…Mariko Mori (森 万里子 Mori Mariko, born June 17, 1981) is a Japanese volleyball player who plays for Toray Arrows. She served as sub captain of the team between 2008 and 2010. Her maiden name was Mariko Nishiwaki.
Daiji Yamada (山田 大治、born June 8, 1981) is a Japanese former professional basketball player. Yamada also was a long-time…Daiji Yamada (山田 大治、born June 8, 1981) is a Japanese former professional basketball player. Yamada also was a long-time member of the Japan national basketball team, playing for the team in the 2006 FIBA World Championship and both the FIBA Asia Championship 2007 and FIBA Asia Championship 2009. He made his debut for the national team in 1999 at the FIBA World Championship for Junior Men Yamada averaged 7 points and 2.3 rebounds per game for the host Japanese at the 2006 FIBA World Championship. In his most recent national team appearance, Yamada averaged 10 points and 4.6 rebounds per game for the Japanese at the FIBA Asia Championship 2009 tournament. Despite his performance, Japan stumbled to a disappointing tenth place finish, its worst ever performance in 24 FIBA Asia Championship appearances. Yamada played professionally with Hokkaido in the JBL Super League. In the 2009-10 season, Yamada entered the month-long winter break averaging 14 points and 4.9 rebounds per game for the Alvark.
Shōbun Nitta (新田 章文, Nitta Shōbun; born 20 May 1981) is a Japanese politician of the Liberal Democratic Party, who…Shōbun Nitta (新田 章文, Nitta Shōbun; born 20 May 1981) is a Japanese politician of the Liberal Democratic Party, who serves as a member of the House of Representatives.
Mamoru Kishida (岸田 護, Kishida Mamoru; born May 10, 1981) is a Japanese former professional baseball starting pitcher…Mamoru Kishida (岸田 護, Kishida Mamoru; born May 10, 1981) is a Japanese former professional baseball starting pitcher who currently serves as the manager for the Orix Buffaloes of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). He played in NPB for Orix from 2006 to 2019.
Hoshiko Yamane (山根星子, Yamane Hoshiko; born 4 April 1981) is a Japanese violinist, composer and performer based in…Hoshiko Yamane (山根星子, Yamane Hoshiko; born 4 April 1981) is a Japanese violinist, composer and performer based in Berlin. She has been a member of Tangerine Dream since 2011.
