Takuma Miyaji (宮路拓馬, Miyaji Takuma; born 6 December 1979) is a Japanese politician serving as a member of the House of…Takuma Miyaji (宮路拓馬, Miyaji Takuma; born 6 December 1979) is a Japanese politician serving as a member of the House of Representatives since 2014. He is the son of Kazuaki Miyaji.
Takashi Uto (born 10 November 1974) is a Japanese politician who served as a member of the House of Councillors from…Takashi Uto (born 10 November 1974) is a Japanese politician who served as a member of the House of Councillors from 2010 to 2022. He represented the National proportional representation block and was a member of the Liberal Democratic Party. He was a member of the following committees as of 2021: Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee on Fundamental National Policies He left the LDP in December 2025 and joined Sanseitō.
Hirotake Yasuoka (保岡宏武, Yasuoka Hirotake; born 6 May 1973) is a Japanese politician. He has been a member of the House…Hirotake Yasuoka (保岡宏武, Yasuoka Hirotake; born 6 May 1973) is a Japanese politician. He has been a member of the House of Representatives since 2026, having previously served from 2021 to 2024. He is the son of Okiharu Yasuoka.
Takeshi Tokuda (徳田 毅, Tokuda Takeshi; born 30 May 1971) is a former Japanese politician who served in the House of…Takeshi Tokuda (徳田 毅, Tokuda Takeshi; born 30 May 1971) is a former Japanese politician who served in the House of Representatives in the Diet (national legislature) as an independent.
Kōichi Shiota (塩田 康一, Shiota Kōichi; born 15 October 1965) is a Japanese politician currently serving as the governor…Kōichi Shiota (塩田 康一, Shiota Kōichi; born 15 October 1965) is a Japanese politician currently serving as the governor of Kagoshima Prefecture.
Kyokudōzan Kazuyasu (旭道山 和泰) (born 14 October 1964 as Kazuyasu Hato) is a former sumo wrestler and politician from…Kyokudōzan Kazuyasu (旭道山 和泰) (born 14 October 1964 as Kazuyasu Hato) is a former sumo wrestler and politician from Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan. He began his sumo career in 1980, reaching the top division in 1989. He was one of the lightest men in makuuchi, but he nevertheless reached the fourth highest rank of komusubi and won four special prizes. After retiring in 1996 he was elected to the Japanese Diet, serving until 2000. He is now a businessman.
Hiroshi Kawauchi (川内 博史, Kawauchi Hiroshi; born 2 November 1961) is a Japanese politician of the Constitutional…Hiroshi Kawauchi (川内 博史, Kawauchi Hiroshi; born 2 November 1961) is a Japanese politician of the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan who served as a member of the House of Representatives in the Diet (national legislature). He studied at Waseda University.
Yoshiro Yokomine (横峯 良郎, Yokomine Yoshirō; born March 15, 1960) is a Japanese politician of the Democratic Party of…Yoshiro Yokomine (横峯 良郎, Yokomine Yoshirō; born March 15, 1960) 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 Kagoshima Prefecture and high school graduate, he was elected for the first time in 2007. He is the father of professional golfer Sakura Yokomine.
Yasuhiro Ozato (小里 泰弘, Ozato Yasuhiro; born 29 September 1958) is a Japanese politician of the Liberal Democratic Party…Yasuhiro Ozato (小里 泰弘, Ozato Yasuhiro; born 29 September 1958) is a Japanese politician of the Liberal Democratic Party and a former member of the House of Representatives in the Diet. A native of the former town of Kirishima, Kagoshima and graduate of Keio University, he was elected for the first time in 2005. He is affiliated to the revisionist lobby Nippon Kaigi.
Satoshi Mitazono (三反園 訓, Mitazono Satoshi; born 13 February 1958) is a Japanese politician and journalist who is the…Satoshi Mitazono (三反園 訓, Mitazono Satoshi; born 13 February 1958) is a Japanese politician and journalist who is the former governor of Kagoshima Prefecture. He defeated the incumbent Yūichirō Itō at an election held on 10 July 2016.
Minoru Yanagida (柳田 稔, Yanagida Minoru; born 6 November 1954) is a former Japanese politician of the Democratic Party…Minoru Yanagida (柳田 稔, Yanagida Minoru; born 6 November 1954) is a former Japanese politician of the Democratic Party For the People who served as member of the House of Councillors in the Diet (national legislature). A native of Kagoshima, Kagoshima and graduate of the University of Tokyo, he was elected to the House of Councillors for the first time in 1998 after serving in the House of Representatives for two terms since 1990.
Kazuyuki Yukawa (Japanese: 湯川一行 Yukawa Kazuyuki; 15 August 1949 – 4 April 2025) was a Japanese politician. A member of…Kazuyuki Yukawa (Japanese: 湯川一行 Yukawa Kazuyuki; 15 August 1949 – 4 April 2025) was a Japanese politician. A member of the Liberal Democratic Party, he served in the House of Representatives from 2012 to 2014. Yukawa died of aspiration pneumonia in Izumi, on 4 April 2025, at the age of 75.
Yūichirō Itō (伊藤 祐一郎, Itō Yūichirō; born 17 November 1947) is a Japanese politician and former governor of Kagoshima…Yūichirō Itō (伊藤 祐一郎, Itō Yūichirō; born 17 November 1947) is a Japanese politician and former governor of Kagoshima Prefecture in Japan. A native of Izumi, Kagoshima and graduate of the University of Tokyo with the Bachelor of Laws in June 1971, he had worked at the Ministry of Home Affairs since 1972 before elected governor. He served three terms as governor from 2004 until 2016. In July 2016 he sought a fourth term but was defeated by Satoshi Mitazono.
Hiroshi Moriyama (森山 裕, Moriyama Hiroshi; born 8 April 1945) is a Japanese politician who served as Secretary-General…Hiroshi Moriyama (森山 裕, Moriyama Hiroshi; born 8 April 1945) is a Japanese politician who served as Secretary-General of the Liberal Democratic Party from 2024 to 2025. He previously served as Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries from 2015 to 2016. He was a member of the House of Councillors from 1998 to 2004 and has been a member of the House of Representatives since 2004. A native of Kagoshima Prefecture, Moriyama served for many years on the Kagoshima City Council before entering national politics.
Tetsuro Nomura (野村 哲郎, Nomura Tetsuro; born November 20, 1943) is a Japanese politician of the Liberal Democratic…Tetsuro Nomura (野村 哲郎, Nomura Tetsuro; born November 20, 1943) is a Japanese politician of the Liberal Democratic Party, a member of the House of Councillors in the Diet (national legislature). A native of Hayato, Kagoshima and high school graduate, he was elected for the first time in 2004.
Kazuaki Miyaji (宮路 和明, Miyaji Kazuaki; born 29 November 1940) is a former Japanese politician of the Liberal Democratic…Kazuaki Miyaji (宮路 和明, Miyaji Kazuaki; born 29 November 1940) is a former Japanese politician of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), who served as a member of the House of Representatives in the Diet (national legislature). A native of Kawanabe District, Kagoshima and graduate of the University of Tokyo, he joined the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. He was elected to the House of Representatives for the first time in 1990.
Hidehisa Otsuji (尾辻 秀久, Otsuji Hidehisa; born 2 October 1940) is a Japanese politician who served as the President of…Hidehisa Otsuji (尾辻 秀久, Otsuji Hidehisa; born 2 October 1940) is a Japanese politician who served as the President of the House of Councillors from 2022 to 2024. A member of the Liberal Democratic Party, he has been a member of the House of Councillors since 1989, serving as Vice President of the House of Councillors from 2010 to 2012 and as Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare from 2004 to 2005.
Okiharu Yasuoka (保岡 興治, Yasuoka Okiharu; 11 May 1939 – 19 April 2019) was a Japanese politician of the Liberal…Okiharu Yasuoka (保岡 興治, Yasuoka Okiharu; 11 May 1939 – 19 April 2019) was a Japanese politician of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), a member of the House of Representatives in the Diet (national legislature). A native of Kagoshima Prefecture and graduate of Chuo University, he was elected to the House of Representatives for the first time in 1972 as an independent. He later joined the LDP and served as the Minister of Justice from 2000 to 2001. He was later returned to the post of Minister of Justice under Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda on 1 August 2008. Yasuoka was a licensed attorney. He left the LDP in 1994 to join the now-defunct Shinshinto party, but returned to the LDP in 1995. Yasuoka is known to have worked himself and his staff very long hours. He was one of the key participants in the launch of Fukuda's administration in 2007. Yasuoka also chaired the LDP's Constitution Research Commission. An avid jogger and swimmer, Yasuoka repeatedly swam the 2.1 km-wide Kinko Bay in Kagoshima Prefecture. In October 2017, Yasuoka retired after doctors discovered his cancer. Yasuoka's son ran, but lost to Hiroshi Kawauchi of the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan. Yasuoka died of cancer on 19 April 2019 at a Tokyo hospital, at the age of 79.
Tadahiro Matsushita (松下 忠洋, Matsushita Tadahiro; 9 February 1939 – 10 September 2012) was a Japanese politician and…Tadahiro Matsushita (松下 忠洋, Matsushita Tadahiro; 9 February 1939 – 10 September 2012) was a Japanese politician and five-time member of the House of Representatives of Japan. He served in government from 1962 when he joined the Ministry of Construction to 2012. At the time of his death, he was the Minister of State for Financial Services. He was first elected to the House of Representatives in 1993, and was re-elected to four consecutive terms. However, when he failed to support postal privatization, the leaders of his party, the Liberal Democratic Party, refused to support his 2005 campaign. As a result, he dropped out of the race. He returned to run again in 2009, this time as a member of a smaller group, the recently founded People's New Party. He won his election, and for the rest of his life was one of only three members of his party to hold a seat in the House.
Yoshito Kajiya (加治屋 義人, Kajiya Yoshito; April 22, 1938 – November 12, 2018) was a Japanese politician of the Liberal…Yoshito Kajiya (加治屋 義人, Kajiya Yoshito; April 22, 1938 – November 12, 2018) was a Japanese politician of the Liberal Democratic Party, a member of the House of Councillors in the Diet (national legislature). A native of Kagoshima, Kagoshima and high school graduate, he had served in the city assembly of Kagoshima for four terms since 1976. He was elected to the House of Councillors for the first time in 2001.
Seiji Arikawa (有川 清次, Arikawa Seiji; 17 December 1929 – 13 May 2016) was a Japanese politician of the Socialist Party.…Seiji Arikawa (有川 清次, Arikawa Seiji; 17 December 1929 – 13 May 2016) was a Japanese politician of the Socialist Party. He served as a member of the House of Representatives in the Diet (national legislature) from 1990 until 1993. He had previously served on the city council of Kanoya, Kagoshima.
Kazutoshi Sasayama (笹山 幸俊, Sasayama Kazutoshi) is a Japanese politician who served as mayor of Kobe, the capital city…Kazutoshi Sasayama (笹山 幸俊, Sasayama Kazutoshi) is a Japanese politician who served as mayor of Kobe, the capital city of Hyōgo Prefecture, Japan. He served as the mayor of the city from 1989 until 2001. He was also the mayor when the Great Hanshin earthquake struck Kobe in 1995.
Moichi Miyazaki (宮崎 茂一, Miyazaki Moichi; 15 February 1917 – 16 February 2004) was a Japanese politician, a member of…Moichi Miyazaki (宮崎 茂一, Miyazaki Moichi; 15 February 1917 – 16 February 2004) was a Japanese politician, a member of the National Diet and a Cabinet member. He was a bureaucrat of Home Ministry, Economic Planning Agency, and Ministry of Transport before he became a politician.
Kunio Nakagaki (中垣 國男, Nakagaki Kunio; 24 June 1911 – 2 April 1987) was a Japanese Minister of Justice. He was a…Kunio Nakagaki (中垣 國男, Nakagaki Kunio; 24 June 1911 – 2 April 1987) was a Japanese Minister of Justice. He was a pro-death penalty activist and approved the executions of 33 people, including Matsuo Fujimoto and Ri Chin'u, who became the basis for the film Death by Hanging. On 11 September 1962, he commanded Fujimoto's execution and he was executed three days after. He also attempted to execute Sadamichi Hirasawa, but failed. Hirasawa was not executed, and died on 10 May 1987.
Susumu Nikaido (二階堂 進, Nikaidō Susumu; October 16, 1909 – February 3, 2000) was a Japanese politician who served in the…Susumu Nikaido (二階堂 進, Nikaidō Susumu; October 16, 1909 – February 3, 2000) was a Japanese politician who served in the House of Representatives and as Chief Cabinet Secretary from 1972 to 1974. He was a member of the Liberal Democratic Party and headed one of its most powerful factions in the 1980s.
Osanori Koyama (小山 長規, Koyama Osanori; 10 June 1905 – 31 January 1988) was a Japanese politician, a member of the…Osanori Koyama (小山 長規, Koyama Osanori; 10 June 1905 – 31 January 1988) was a Japanese politician, a member of the National Diet and a Cabinet member.
Junya Koizumi (小泉 純也, Koizumi Jun'ya; né Samejima (鮫島), January 24, 1904 – August 10, 1969) was a Japanese politician…Junya Koizumi (小泉 純也, Koizumi Jun'ya; né Samejima (鮫島), January 24, 1904 – August 10, 1969) was a Japanese politician who served as Director General of the Japan Defense Agency during the 1960s. He is the father of Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi and the grandfather of Japan Defense Minister incumbent Shinjirou Koizumi.
Hisatsune Sakomizu (迫水 久常, Sakomizu Hisatsune; 5 August 1902 – 25 July 1977) was a Japanese government official and…Hisatsune Sakomizu (迫水 久常, Sakomizu Hisatsune; 5 August 1902 – 25 July 1977) was a Japanese government official and politician before, during and after World War II.
Tadahiko Shimazu (島津 忠彦, Shimazu Tadahiko; 30 August 1899 – 12 May 1980) or Tadahiko Shimadzu (Shimadzu Tadahiko) was a…Tadahiko Shimazu (島津 忠彦, Shimazu Tadahiko; 30 August 1899 – 12 May 1980) or Tadahiko Shimadzu (Shimadzu Tadahiko) was a Japanese politician who served as a member of the National Diet.
Masao Kanai (金井 正夫, Kanai Masao; 14 February 1892 - 4 October 1979) was a Japanese judge, attorney and politician. He…Masao Kanai (金井 正夫, Kanai Masao; 14 February 1892 - 4 October 1979) was a Japanese judge, attorney and politician. He was a member of the House of Representatives for four consecutive terms from 1932 to 1945 and served as the 35th governor of Wakayama Prefecture in 1946. He is known for his strategic leadership role in the Amami reversion movement.
Kōtarō Tanaka (田中耕太郎; 25 October 1890 – 1 March 1974) was a Japanese jurist, professor of law and politician who served…Kōtarō Tanaka (田中耕太郎; 25 October 1890 – 1 March 1974) was a Japanese jurist, professor of law and politician who served as the last Minister of Education of the Empire of Japan and the second postwar Chief Justice of Japan.
Prince Shimazu Tadashige (島津 忠重; 20 October 1886 – 4 April 1968), was the son of Shimazu Tadayoshi and 30th head of the…Prince Shimazu Tadashige (島津 忠重; 20 October 1886 – 4 April 1968), was the son of Shimazu Tadayoshi and 30th head of the Shimazu clan. He was a naval officer, and rear admiral in the Imperial Japanese Navy. His wife was the daughter of Tokudaiji Sanetsune.
Shigenori Tōgō (東郷 茂徳, Tōgō Shigenori; 10 December 1882 – 23 July 1950) was Minister of Foreign Affairs for the Empire…Shigenori Tōgō (東郷 茂徳, Tōgō Shigenori; 10 December 1882 – 23 July 1950) was Minister of Foreign Affairs for the Empire of Japan at both the start and the end of the Pacific War. He also served as Minister of Colonial Affairs in 1941, and assumed the same position, renamed the Minister for Greater East Asia, in 1945.
Sukehide Kabayama (樺山 資英, Kabayama Sukehide; 1 January 1868 – 19 March 1941) was a Japanese government official and…Sukehide Kabayama (樺山 資英, Kabayama Sukehide; 1 January 1868 – 19 March 1941) was a Japanese government official and businessman.
Kōjirō Matsukata (松方 幸次郎, Matsukata Kōjirō; January 17, 1865 – June 24, 1950) was a Japanese businessman who, in…Kōjirō Matsukata (松方 幸次郎, Matsukata Kōjirō; January 17, 1865 – June 24, 1950) was a Japanese businessman who, in parallel to his professional activities, devoted his life and fortune to amassing a collection of Western art which, he hoped, would become the nucleus of a Japanese national museum focused particularly on masterworks of the Western art tradition. Although his plans were not realized in his lifetime, his vision is partly realized in Japan's National Museum of Western Art (NMWA) in Ueno Park, central Tokyo. where part of his collection is exhibited.
Norikichi Oshikawa (押川 則吉, Oshikawa Norikichi; 7 February 1863 – 18 February 1918) was a Japanese politician. He was…Norikichi Oshikawa (押川 則吉, Oshikawa Norikichi; 7 February 1863 – 18 February 1918) was a Japanese politician. He was born in Kagoshima Prefecture. He was governor of Yamagata Prefecture (1897–1898), Ōita Prefecture (1898–1899), Nagano Prefecture (1899–1902), Iwate Prefecture (1904–1907) and Kumamoto Prefecture (1907–1908). He was a member of the Government-General of Taiwan. He was a recipient of the Order of the Rising Sun and the Order of the Sacred Treasure.
Tsunamasa Ōyama (大山 綱昌, Ōyama Tsunamasa; 24 December 1853 – 18 October 1934) was a Japanese politician. He was governor…Tsunamasa Ōyama (大山 綱昌, Ōyama Tsunamasa; 24 December 1853 – 18 October 1934) was a Japanese politician. He was governor of Saga Prefecture (1898–1901), Gunma Prefecture (1901–1902) and Nagano Prefecture (1902–1905).
Chikaaki Takasaki (高崎 親章, Takasaki Chikaaki; 7 June 1853 – 27 December 1920) was a Japanese politician. He fought in…Chikaaki Takasaki (高崎 親章, Takasaki Chikaaki; 7 June 1853 – 27 December 1920) was a Japanese politician. He fought in the Satsuma Rebellion of 1877. He was governor of Ibaraki Prefecture (1893–1896), Nagano Prefecture (1896–1897), Okayama Prefecture (1897–1900), Miyagi Prefecture (1900), Kyoto Prefecture (1900–1902) and Osaka (1902–1911).
Viscount Ōura Kanetake (大浦 兼武; 15 June 1850 – 30 September 1918) was a politician and bureaucrat in late Meiji and…Viscount Ōura Kanetake (大浦 兼武; 15 June 1850 – 30 September 1918) was a politician and bureaucrat in late Meiji and early Taishō period Empire of Japan.
Viscount Saneyoshi Yasuzumi (実吉 安純; 20 March 1848 – 1 March 1932) was a pioneer of naval medicine in Meiji Era Japan…Viscount Saneyoshi Yasuzumi (実吉 安純; 20 March 1848 – 1 March 1932) was a pioneer of naval medicine in Meiji Era Japan and an admiral in the Imperial Japanese Navy.
Orita Heinai (23 January 1847 – 6 May 1905) was a Japanese politician who served as governor of Hiroshima Prefecture…Orita Heinai (23 January 1847 – 6 May 1905) was a Japanese politician who served as governor of Hiroshima Prefecture from April 1896 to April 1897. He was also governor of Yamagata Prefecture (1882–1883), Fukushima Prefecture (1883–1888), Tochigi Prefecture (1889–1894) and Shiga Prefecture (1897–1899).
Prince Ōyama Iwao (大山 巌; 12 November 1842 – 10 December 1916) was a Japanese field marshal, and one of the founders of…Prince Ōyama Iwao (大山 巌; 12 November 1842 – 10 December 1916) was a Japanese field marshal, and one of the founders of the Imperial Japanese Army. He was representative of the outstanding military commanders of the late modern period.
Count Kabayama Sukenori (樺山 資紀; 9 December 1837 – 8 February 1922) was a Japanese samurai military leader and…Count Kabayama Sukenori (樺山 資紀; 9 December 1837 – 8 February 1922) was a Japanese samurai military leader and statesman. He was a general in the Imperial Japanese Army and an admiral in the Imperial Japanese Navy. He later became the first Governor-General of Taiwan during the island's period as a Japanese colony. He is also sometimes referred to as Kabayama Motonori.
Shōzō Kawasaki (川崎 正蔵; 2 December 1837 – 2 December 1912) was a Japanese industrialist and shipbuilder. He was the…Shōzō Kawasaki (川崎 正蔵; 2 December 1837 – 2 December 1912) was a Japanese industrialist and shipbuilder. He was the founder of Kawasaki Heavy Industries.
Count Terashima Munenori (寺島 宗則; 21 June 1832 – 6 June 1893) was a Japanese politician and diplomat during the Meiji…Count Terashima Munenori (寺島 宗則; 21 June 1832 – 6 June 1893) was a Japanese politician and diplomat during the Meiji period. He served as President of the Chamber of Elders and Minister for Foreign Affairs.
Ōkubo Toshimichi (Japanese: 大久保 利通; 26 September 1830 – 14 May 1878) was a Japanese statesman and samurai of the…Ōkubo Toshimichi (Japanese: 大久保 利通; 26 September 1830 – 14 May 1878) was a Japanese statesman and samurai of the Satsuma Domain. Regarded as one of the main founders of modern Japan, he was one of the "Three Great Nobles" who led the Meiji Restoration in 1868, alongside Kido Takayoshi and Saigō Takamori. His policies, often characterized by realism and a focus on national strength (fukoku kyōhei), has led some historians to compare his role in Japan to that of Otto von Bismarck in Prussia. Beginning his career as a low-ranking retainer in Satsuma, Ōkubo became a central figure in the movement to overthrow the Tokugawa shogunate, and following the restoration of imperial rule became a prominent leader in the new Meiji government. As a junior councilor and later in key ministerial posts, he was a principal architect of the new state, driving reforms that dismantled the old feudal structure. His most significant achievement in this period was the abolition of the han system in 1871, which centralized the country under the Tokyo government. Ōkubo served as a vice-ambassador on the Iwakura Mission (1871–1873), touring the United States and Europe. The experience reinforced his belief that Japan must prioritize internal modernization before engaging in foreign ventures. Following his return, he successfully opposed a proposed invasion of Korea (Seikanron) in October 1873, thereby leading to a political split with his former ally Takamori. Upon being named Home Minister in November 1873, Ōkubo consolidated power to become the dominant figure within the Meiji oligarchy. Ōkubo then focused on a state-led industrialization drive and suppressed several samurai uprisings that challenged the central government, including the Saga and Satsuma Rebellions. In 1878, Ōkubo was assassinated by a group of disaffected samurai who accused him of tyranny. While controversial for his authoritarian methods, Ōkubo is remembered for his political shrewdness and unwavering vision. His leadership during the turbulent early Meiji period was instrumental in transforming Japan from a feudal country into a modern, industrialised nation-state.
Hideshi Futori (Japanese: 太 栄志, romanized: Futori Hideshi; born 27 April 1977) is a Japanese politician who currently…Hideshi Futori (Japanese: 太 栄志, romanized: Futori Hideshi; born 27 April 1977) is a Japanese politician who currently serves as a member of the Constitutional Democratic Party (CDP) in the House of Representatives, representing Kanagawa 13th district.
Ijichi Ryū'emon Masaharu (Japanese: 伊地知 龍右衛門 正治; August 7, 1828 – May 23, 1886) was a Japanese samurai retainer of the…Ijichi Ryū'emon Masaharu (Japanese: 伊地知 龍右衛門 正治; August 7, 1828 – May 23, 1886) was a Japanese samurai retainer of the Shimazu clan, military strategist, and aristocrat. His imina was Sueyasu (季靖).
