Sakura Komoriya (籠谷 さくら, Komoriya Sakura; born August 22, 1999) is a Japanese singer who was a member of the idol group…Sakura Komoriya (籠谷 さくら, Komoriya Sakura; born August 22, 1999) is a Japanese singer who was a member of the idol group X21. She has also appeared in television programmes and magazines. She is represented with the agency Aoi Corporation.
Jun Amaki (天木 じゅん, Amaki Jun; born October 16, 1995, in Itami, Hyōgo) is a former Japanese gravure idol. Amaki is…Jun Amaki (天木 じゅん, Amaki Jun; born October 16, 1995, in Itami, Hyōgo) is a former Japanese gravure idol. Amaki is represented by Watanabe Entertainment. She was formerly affiliated with Alice Project as a member of the Japanese J-pop idol groups Kamen Joshi and Armor Girls. Amaki's sister is Kamen Rider Girls' Ayako Kuroda. In 2018, Amaki starred in two live action film adaptations of Kazuto Okada's Hop Step Jump! manga series.
Seiya Suezawa (Japanese: 末澤 誠也, Suezawa Seiya, born August 24, 1994) is a Japanese idol and actor. He is a member of…Seiya Suezawa (Japanese: 末澤 誠也, Suezawa Seiya, born August 24, 1994) is a Japanese idol and actor. He is a member of the male idol group Ae! Group. His nickname is Sue (スエ) and his group-members call him Seiya-kun. He was born in Hyogo Prefecture. Suezawa is affiliated with Starto Entertainment.
Ai Okawa (大川藍, Ōkawa Ai), born July 17, 1993) is a Japanese idol, fashion model, actress and a former member of female…Ai Okawa (大川藍, Ōkawa Ai), born July 17, 1993) is a Japanese idol, fashion model, actress and a former member of female idol group Idoling!!!.
Tomohiro Kamiyama (神山 智洋, Kamiyama Tomohiro; born 1 July 1993, in Hyōgo Prefecture) is a Japanese actor, tarento and…Tomohiro Kamiyama (神山 智洋, Kamiyama Tomohiro; born 1 July 1993, in Hyōgo Prefecture) is a Japanese actor, tarento and idol. He is a member of West, which is under the management of Starto Entertainment formerly known as Johnny & Associates.
Vlas Kobara (born April 20, 1992) is a male TV personality, columnist, and pundit from Russia who works in Japan. He…Vlas Kobara (born April 20, 1992) is a male TV personality, columnist, and pundit from Russia who works in Japan. He founded and represents the talent agent "Almost Japanese." In January 2022, he became a director of "Supporting Foreign Children to Attend School." He is also active as a YouTuber called "Pirozhkis," a group of two Kansai people of Russian descent. In the past, he was also active as a Niconico Live broadcaster "Buira." He was born in Khabarovsk, Russia and grew up in Himeji, Hyogo, Japan from the age of five. He calls himself "a gay Russian with a troublesome personality who speaks Kansai dialect.
Misato Ugaki (宇垣 美里, Ugaki Misato; born 16 April 1991) is a Japanese freelance announcer, model, actress, and…Misato Ugaki (宇垣 美里, Ugaki Misato; born 16 April 1991) is a Japanese freelance announcer, model, actress, and television personality. Previously she was a Tokyo Broadcasting System Television announcer.
Asami Tano (田野 アサミ, Tano Asami; born 12 February 1987) is a Japanese actress from Amagasaki. She is affiliated with…Asami Tano (田野 アサミ, Tano Asami; born 12 February 1987) is a Japanese actress from Amagasaki. She is affiliated with Amuse Inc. Tano was part of the girl group Boystyle from 2001 to 2007. Her voice acting career began with Toriko in 2011, and she has starred in several anime such as Smile PreCure!, Francesca, Love Live! Sunshine!!, and Zombie Land Saga. She has also appeared in the theatrical productions of Persona 3: The Weird Masquerade, Persona 4 Arena, Blue Exorcist, Kuroko's Basketball, and The Seven Deadly Sins.
Machiko Tezuka (手束真知子, Tezuka Machiko) (born 25 February 1986) is a Japanese idol, and member of SDN48. She has…Machiko Tezuka (手束真知子, Tezuka Machiko) (born 25 February 1986) is a Japanese idol, and member of SDN48. She has previously had careers as a gravure idol/bikini model under the stage name Ourei Harada (原田 桜怜, Harada Ōrei), and Eiko Maeda (前田 栄子, Maeda Eiko), as a member of idol group SKE48.
Galigali Galixon (ガリガリガリクソン, Garigari Garikuson; born 19 February 1986, in Itami, Hyōgo, Japan) is a Japanese comedian.…Galigali Galixon (ガリガリガリクソン, Garigari Garikuson; born 19 February 1986, in Itami, Hyōgo, Japan) is a Japanese comedian. His real name is Yusuke Sakamoto (坂本 祐介, Sakamoto Yūsuke). Galigali Galixon is represented with Yoshimoto Creative Agency in Osaka. He graduated from Kansai University First Junior High School and Kansai University First High School. Galigali Galixon won a degree from the Broadcasting Art College.
Hirofumi Araki (荒木 宏文, Araki Hirofumi; born June 14, 1983) is a Japanese actor and singer associated with Watanabe…Hirofumi Araki (荒木 宏文, Araki Hirofumi; born June 14, 1983) is a Japanese actor and singer associated with Watanabe Entertainment. He is a member of the acting troupe D-Boys and the leader of its pop unit D-Date. As an actor, Araki has been involved in many theater and television projects, notably starring in Musical: The Prince of Tennis, Juken Sentai Gekiranger, and Musical: Touken Ranbu. In 2015, Araki made his solo debut with his single Next Stage. On June 14, 2023, Araki changed his name to 新木 宏典, but it is still read the same way.
Miracle Hikaru (ミラクルひかる, Mirakuru Hikaru) (born 9 April 1980), is a Japanese impressionist of the comedic performing…Miracle Hikaru (ミラクルひかる, Mirakuru Hikaru) (born 9 April 1980), is a Japanese impressionist of the comedic performing arts from Toyooka, Hyōgo. She is best known for her impersonation of Hikaru Utada. Her professional activities are currently managed by Jinsei Pro. Prior to her career as an Impressionist, she was a hairstylist. She initially came to Tokyo to gain a position as a stylist at a renowned hair salon. Miracle has been noted to have a sheep phobia. On January 23, 2008, Miracle Hikaru released "Miracle (1)," a hip-hop album in the mimicry style of Hikaru Utada. It has 8 tracks, distributed by King Records.
Toshiki Kashu (賀集 利樹, Kashū Toshiki; born January 16, 1979) is a Japanese actor, best known for his role as Shouichi…Toshiki Kashu (賀集 利樹, Kashū Toshiki; born January 16, 1979) is a Japanese actor, best known for his role as Shouichi Tsugami, the main character of the Kamen Rider series Kamen Rider Agito.
Koichi Domoto (堂本 光一, Dōmoto Kōichi; born January 1, 1979) is a Japanese idol, singer, actor, singer-songwriter…Koichi Domoto (堂本 光一, Dōmoto Kōichi; born January 1, 1979) is a Japanese idol, singer, actor, singer-songwriter, composer, lyricist, television personality, voice actor. Along with Tsuyoshi Domoto (with whom he has no blood-relation), he is a member of the duo Domoto, who holds the Guinness World Records for having the most consecutive No.1 singles since debut and the most consecutive years with a Japanese No.1 single, and with whom is one of the top 25 best-selling artists of all time in Japan. Although Domoto also actively works as a television actor and host, he is most famous for his musical SHOCK series, which he participates as the lead actor and director at the same time. SHOCK series started at the Tokyo Imperial Theatre in 2000, making him the youngest Zachō (chairman and lead role) and the first idol to perform at Imperial Theatre. With over 2000 performances, SHOCK series is now the most-performed musical and the second most-performed theatre with a single-lead in Japan. In 2018, he starred in the musical Knights' Tale directed by John Caird as well. Domoto will be under agent contract in Starto starting in July 2026.
Naoko Kawakami (川上 直子, Kawakami Naoko; born November 16, 1977) is a former Japanese football player. She played for…Naoko Kawakami (川上 直子, Kawakami Naoko; born November 16, 1977) is a former Japanese football player. She played for Japan national team.
Masaki Sumitani (住谷 正樹, Sumitani Masaki; born December 18, 1975) a Japanese comedian, television personality, and…Masaki Sumitani (住谷 正樹, Sumitani Masaki; born December 18, 1975) a Japanese comedian, television personality, and retired professional wrestler. He is best known for creating and portraying Razor Ramon HG (レイザーラモンHG, Reizā Ramon Eichi Jī; also known as Hard Gay), a satirical fictional character who became known through appearances on the Japanese variety show Bakusho Mondai no Bakuten!
Satoru Matsuo (松尾 諭, Matsuo Satoru; born December 7, 1975) is a Japanese actor and voice actor, known for starring in…Satoru Matsuo (松尾 諭, Matsuo Satoru; born December 7, 1975) is a Japanese actor and voice actor, known for starring in Shin Godzilla, Attack on Titan, and Attack on Titan: End of the World. A television series based on Matsuo's life titled Lost Man Found was released in 2022.
Tarō Yamamoto (山本 太郎, Yamamoto Tarō; born 24 November 1974) is a Japanese politician and former actor, who is the…Tarō Yamamoto (山本 太郎, Yamamoto Tarō; born 24 November 1974) is a Japanese politician and former actor, who is the founder and former leader of the anti-establishment political party Reiwa Shinsengumi. Yamamoto served in the House of Councillors representing Tokyo until his resignation in 2026, and previously served in the House of Representatives from 2021 to 2022. He unsuccessfully ran in the 2020 Tokyo gubernatorial election as a candidate under Reiwa.
Tomonori Jinnai (陣内 智則, Jinnai Tomonori; born 22 February 1974, in Kakogawa, Hyōgo, Japan) is a Japanese actor, tarento…Tomonori Jinnai (陣内 智則, Jinnai Tomonori; born 22 February 1974, in Kakogawa, Hyōgo, Japan) is a Japanese actor, tarento and presenter.
Shinichi Shinohara (篠原 信一, Shinohara Shin'ichi; born 23 January 1973 in Kobe, Japan) is a Japanese television…Shinichi Shinohara (篠原 信一, Shinohara Shin'ichi; born 23 January 1973 in Kobe, Japan) is a Japanese television personality, judoka and winner of two gold medals at the 1999 World Championships in Birmingham.
Norika Fujiwara (藤原 紀香, Fujiwara Norika; born June 28, 1971) is a Japanese actress, model and beauty pageant…Norika Fujiwara (藤原 紀香, Fujiwara Norika; born June 28, 1971) is a Japanese actress, model and beauty pageant titleholder. She became Miss Nippon in 1992 and was an exclusive model for fashion magazine CanCam. She has appeared in various commercials and TV series and a number of films in Japan.
Jun Nagura (名倉 潤, Nagura Jun; born 4 November 1968, in Himeji, Hyōgo, Japan) is a Japanese comedian, actor and…Jun Nagura (名倉 潤, Nagura Jun; born 4 November 1968, in Himeji, Hyōgo, Japan) is a Japanese comedian, actor and businessman who is the leader of the comedy trio Neptune and in charge of tsukkomi. He is nicknamed Jun-chan (潤ちゃん) and Leader (リーダー, Rīdā). Nagura is represented by Watanabe Entertainment. He is married to Marina Watanabe and is left-handed. The couple has two children, a son and a daughter. Nagura is the youngest of four brothers
Hōsei Tsukitei (月亭 方正, Tsukitei Hōsei; born 15 February 1968) formerly known as Hōsei Yamasaki (山崎 邦正, Yamasaki Hōsei)…Hōsei Tsukitei (月亭 方正, Tsukitei Hōsei; born 15 February 1968) formerly known as Hōsei Yamasaki (山崎 邦正, Yamasaki Hōsei) is a Japanese solo comedian and rakugo performer, signed with Yoshimoto Kogyo. He is best known for being one of the five members (and the only solo comedian) of Downtown Gaki no Tsukai's regular cast. His role on the show is usually divided up between the suberi-kyara and the ijime-kyara. Outside of Gaki no Tsukai, he has released three books, a CD single of his signature "Yamazaki Ichi-ban!" song, and has appeared in several Yoshimoto Kogyo compilations and DVD releases.
Koji Higashino (東野 幸治, Higashino Kōji; born 8 August 1967, in Takarazuka, Hyōgo) is a Japanese comedian and television…Koji Higashino (東野 幸治, Higashino Kōji; born 8 August 1967, in Takarazuka, Hyōgo) is a Japanese comedian and television presenter. He is represented with Yoshimoto Creative Agency (Yoshimoto Kogyo). He graduated from Hyōgo Prefectural Takarazuka High School. He is nicknamed Higashinori (ひがしのり; as his hair gets wet it looks like seaweed).
Hitoshi Matsumoto (松本 人志, Matsumoto Hitoshi; born September 8, 1963) is a Japanese comedian and filmmaker. He was born…Hitoshi Matsumoto (松本 人志, Matsumoto Hitoshi; born September 8, 1963) is a Japanese comedian and filmmaker. He was born in Amagasaki, Hyōgo Prefecture. He is one half of the comedy duo Downtown, alongside Masatoshi Hamada, and is one of the most popular comedians in Japan. Matsumoto has directed several movies beginning in 2007 with Big Man Japan, in several of which he also starred as the main character. He currently hosts Documental on Amazon Prime. His Amazon Prime Video series Documental which he created and hosted has been adapted internationally as LOL: Last One Laughing, with versions distributed in more than 25 countries and regions. In late 2023, the Japanese weekly magazine Shūkan Bunshun published allegations concerning Matsumoto’s conduct at private gatherings, including claims of non-consensual sexual activity. In early 2024, Matsumoto suspended his public entertainment activities while pursuing a defamation lawsuit against the magazine’s publisher. He later withdrew the lawsuit in 2024. In November 2025, he resumed his entertaiment activities through DOWNTOWN+,a paid streaming service launched that month.
Masatoshi Hamada (浜田 雅功), nicknamed Hama-chan (浜ちゃん), is a Japanese comedian best known as the tsukkomi half of the…Masatoshi Hamada (浜田 雅功), nicknamed Hama-chan (浜ちゃん), is a Japanese comedian best known as the tsukkomi half of the owarai duo Downtown alongside Hitoshi Matsumoto. Hamada is married to Natsumi Ogawa, with whom he has two children.
Yoshito Terakado (寺門 義人, Terakado Yoshito; born 25 November 1962, in Kawanishi, Hyōgo, Japan), better known as Jimon…Yoshito Terakado (寺門 義人, Terakado Yoshito; born 25 November 1962, in Kawanishi, Hyōgo, Japan), better known as Jimon Terakado (寺門 ジモン, Terakado Jimon), is a Japanese comedian who is represented by the talent agency Ohta Production. He is part of the comedy trio Dachou Club. He is known for his love of food, in particular beef, and appears often on gourmet programs on television.
Takashi Matsuo (松尾貴史, Matsuo Takashi) (May 11, 1960 - ) is a Japanese tarento, narrator, disc jockey, actor, and…Takashi Matsuo (松尾貴史, Matsuo Takashi) (May 11, 1960 - ) is a Japanese tarento, narrator, disc jockey, actor, and columnist from Kobe, Hyōgo Prefecture. His pet name, as well as his former stage name, is Kitsch (キッチュ, Kicchu). He is currently attached to Furutachi-Project. He is a graduate of the Osaka University of Arts's graphic design course, and is the chairman of the theatrical unit AGAPE store. He is also an associate professor in the Kyoto University of Art & Design.
Emiko Kaminuma (上沼 恵美子, Kaminuma Emiko; born 13 April 1955, in Fukura (now Minamiawaji), Mihara District, Hyōgo) is a…Emiko Kaminuma (上沼 恵美子, Kaminuma Emiko; born 13 April 1955, in Fukura (now Minamiawaji), Mihara District, Hyōgo) is a Japanese comedian, singer, television presenter, YouTuber, and radio personality. Her maiden name is Hashimoto (橋本). Kaminuma is one of the leading broadcast personalities in the Kansai region. She has often appeared in Kansai local programs, and has garnered high ratings since the late 1990s. She is married with two children. Kaminuma's husband is Shinpei Kaminuma, a Kansai Telecasting Corporation (KTV) television director, producer, executive director, and production director, as well as Media Pulpo (KTV's subsidiary) representative director and chairman. Kaminuma is represented by her agency, Kaminuma Jimusho. She dropped out of Empire Girls High School Owada School (now Osaka International Waseda High School).
Yutaka Enatsu (江夏 豊, Enatsu Yutaka; born May 15, 1948) is a Japanese former pitcher regarded as one of the best…Yutaka Enatsu (江夏 豊, Enatsu Yutaka; born May 15, 1948) is a Japanese former pitcher regarded as one of the best Japanese strikeout pitchers of all-time. In 1968, he recorded 401 strikeouts, which is still the world record. Enatsu was a big player in the Black Mist Scandal which embroiled Japanese baseball from 1969 to 1971. In November 1970 he received a stern warning from the Central League president due to "involvement with persons in baseball gambling." He recorded nine consecutive strikeouts in one of the 1971 All-Star games, and 15 consecutive strikeouts in three of the All-Star games between 1970 and 1971. His consecutive strikeouts were broken up by Katsuya Nomura. The two records are still unbroken. A starting pitcher for the first part of his career, in 1977 he became a relief specialist, altogether accumulating 193 saves. While playing with the Hiroshima Toyo Carp in 1979, Enatsu was the Central League MVP, as he compiled a 9–5 record with a 2.67 ERA and 117 strikeouts in 104-2/3 innings. That year the Carp won the Central League pennant and the Japan Series. In 1981, with the Nippon-Ham Fighters, Enatsu was the Pacific League MVP, garnering 25 saves and a 2.82 ERA, as the Fighters won the Pacific League pennant. He is one of just two players to win the MVP in both leagues of NPB and the only one to do so until Michihiro Ogasawara. Enatsu joined the Milwaukee Brewers for spring training in 1985 at age 36 in an attempt to play Major League Baseball. Enatsu finished spring training with a 4.91 ERA in 11 innings and was among the team's final cuts before the season. He ranks fifth all-time in NPB history for strikeouts with 2,987. He has the most strikeouts of any player not in the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame.
Kazuya Maruyama (丸山 和也, Maruyama Kazuya; born January 23, 1946) is a Japanese politician of the Liberal Democratic…Kazuya Maruyama (丸山 和也, Maruyama Kazuya; born January 23, 1946) is a Japanese politician of the Liberal Democratic Party, a member of the House of Councillors in the Diet (national legislature).
Tadao Takashima (高島忠夫, Takashima Tadao) (27 July 1930 – 26 June 2019) was a Japanese actor and jazz musician. He…Tadao Takashima (高島忠夫, Takashima Tadao) (27 July 1930 – 26 June 2019) was a Japanese actor and jazz musician. He appeared in more than 100 films, including the Toho productions King Kong vs. Godzilla, Atragon, and Frankenstein vs. Baragon. He also performed in stage musicals such as My Fair Lady and appeared in several television shows.
Airi Nagatomo (長友 愛梨, Nagatomo Airi; born December 12, 1984), known by her birth and stage name Airi Taira (平 愛梨, Taira…Airi Nagatomo (長友 愛梨, Nagatomo Airi; born December 12, 1984), known by her birth and stage name Airi Taira (平 愛梨, Taira Airi), is a Japanese actress who graduated from the Horikoshi High School. She debuted in 1999 by winning the Da Pump's, ISSA's Sister Role Grand Prix for the movie Dream Maker. She played a lead role in the live action movie of 20th Century Boys as the character Kanna. Taira's parents are from the Amami Islands.
