Keisaku Itokazu (糸数 敬作, born November 7, 1984) is a Japanese former professional baseball pitcher in Japan's Nippon…Keisaku Itokazu (糸数 敬作, born November 7, 1984) is a Japanese former professional baseball pitcher in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball. He played for the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters from 2009 to 2012.
Yuko Arihama (born 18 August 1984) is a Japanese handball player. She plays on the Japanese national team and…Yuko Arihama (born 18 August 1984) is a Japanese handball player. She plays on the Japanese national team and participated at the 2011 World Women's Handball Championship in Brazil.
Emi Tawata (多和田えみ, Tawata Emi), born on June 26, 1984, in Okinawa, is a Japanese singer. Her music is a mix of soul…Emi Tawata (多和田えみ, Tawata Emi), born on June 26, 1984, in Okinawa, is a Japanese singer. Her music is a mix of soul, R&B, jazz, blues and funk.
Kikuyo Ishikawa (石川 菊代, ishikawa kikuyo; born on (1984-05-02)May 2, 1984) is a retired Japanese mixed martial artist.…Kikuyo Ishikawa (石川 菊代, ishikawa kikuyo; born on (1984-05-02)May 2, 1984) is a retired Japanese mixed martial artist. She won the 2010 Jewels Rough Stone GP in the -48 kg category. Ishikawa was the first female mixed martial artist from Okinawa. She announced her retirement from MMA on December 15, 2013 (2013-12-15).
Genta Koja (Japanese: 古謝 玄太, Hepburn: Koja Genta; born 23 October 1983) is a Japanese politician serving as the 9th…Genta Koja (Japanese: 古謝 玄太, Hepburn: Koja Genta; born 23 October 1983) is a Japanese politician serving as the 9th Governor of Okinawa Prefecture since the 1972 reversion of Okinawa to Japan. He is the first governor born after the U.S. occupation of Ryukyu Islands.
Motoki Higa (比嘉 幹貴, Higa Motoki; born December 7, 1982) is a Japanese professional baseball pitcher for the Orix…Motoki Higa (比嘉 幹貴, Higa Motoki; born December 7, 1982) is a Japanese professional baseball pitcher for the Orix Buffaloes of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB).
Aisa Senda (千田 愛紗, Senda Aisa; born November 8, 1982) is a Japanese singer, actress, and television presenter. She made…Aisa Senda (千田 愛紗, Senda Aisa; born November 8, 1982) is a Japanese singer, actress, and television presenter. She made her debut in 2000 in Taiwan as part of the girls group Sunday Girls, and has concentrated her activities in Taiwan since then. She is capable of speaking both Japanese and Mandarin, and had appeared in a number of commercials, programs, and television dramas. She is also the vocalist of the Mandarin pop band Da Mouth, which was formed in November 2007.
Kurara Chibana (知花 くらら, Chibana Kurara) is a Japanese TV correspondent and beauty pageant titleholder who was crowned…Kurara Chibana (知花 くらら, Chibana Kurara) is a Japanese TV correspondent and beauty pageant titleholder who was crowned Miss Universe Japan 2006 and competed at Miss Universe 2006 where she finished as the first runner-up.
Yūsaku Miyazato (宮里 優作, Miyazato Yūsaku; born 19 June 1980) is a Japanese professional golfer. In 2006, he became the…Yūsaku Miyazato (宮里 優作, Miyazato Yūsaku; born 19 June 1980) is a Japanese professional golfer. In 2006, he became the first modern-era golfer to make two hole in one shots in the same round of a PGA Tour event, at the Reno-Tahoe Open in Nevada.
Nagisa Arakaki (新垣 渚, Arakaki Nagisa; born May 9, 1980 in Naha, Okinawa) is a former Japanese professional baseball…Nagisa Arakaki (新垣 渚, Arakaki Nagisa; born May 9, 1980 in Naha, Okinawa) is a former Japanese professional baseball player. He is currently with the Tokyo Yakult Swallows in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball. Despite having one of the best fastballs and sliders of anyone in the league, Arakaki has battled control problems and injuries throughout his career. In 2007, Arakaki set the NPB record for most wild pitches in a season with 21, breaking Kazuhisa Ishii's record. Arakaki was first seen at the 1998 Koshien summer tournament, and caught the eyes of many scouts with his fastball and sharp break on his slider. Despite his team not going far in the tournament, he was scouted by the Orix BlueWave and offered a contract. However, Arakaki turned it down stating that he did not intend to play for Orix. In both 2008 and 2009, Arakaki had been in and out of the lineup due to persistent shoulder problems. From the end of '07 to late '08, the righty did not win a start, a stretch that spanned from September 17, 2007, to August 28, 2008. In the 2008 campaign, Arakaki finished with a 4-6 record and a 4.18 ERA. The 2009 season was far less kind, as the embattled righty went 0-2 with a 7.91 ERA whilst battling shoulder injuries. He did not pitch at the Major League level in 2010 and 2011 due to injury. He finally cracked the Opening Day roster in 2012 for his first action in nearly three years.
Mitsuhisa Sunabe (砂辺 光久, Sunabe Mitsuhisa; born August 4, 1979) is a Japanese mixed martial artist. He is the former…Mitsuhisa Sunabe (砂辺 光久, Sunabe Mitsuhisa; born August 4, 1979) is a Japanese mixed martial artist. He is the former and inaugural Pancrase Strawweight champion, Pancrase Light Flyweight champion and Pancrase Flyweight champion. He is regarded by Fight Matrix as the third-best men's strawweight mixed martial artist of all time.
Rino Nakasone (仲宗根 梨乃, Nakasone Rino; born June 11, 1979) is a Japanese dancer, choreographer, artistic director and…Rino Nakasone (仲宗根 梨乃, Nakasone Rino; born June 11, 1979) is a Japanese dancer, choreographer, artistic director and actor. Nakasone and her dance crew, Beat Freaks, participated in the third season of America's Best Dance Crew, where they finished in second place. Nakasone has worked as a choreographer in South Korea and Japan, working with groups such as Shinee, Girls' Generation, TVXQ, f(x), Red Velvet, and SMAP.
Hirokazu Nema (根間洋一, Nema Hirokazu) is a Japanese basketball coach and former player. He is currently the U15 coach of…Hirokazu Nema (根間洋一, Nema Hirokazu) is a Japanese basketball coach and former player. He is currently the U15 coach of the Shiga Lakestars in the Japanese B.League.
Da Pump (ダパンプ, Da Panpu, stylized in all caps) is a Japanese boy band made up of lead vocalist, Issa Hentona and MCs…Da Pump (ダパンプ, Da Panpu, stylized in all caps) is a Japanese boy band made up of lead vocalist, Issa Hentona and MCs Ken Okumoto, Yukinari Tamaki and Shinobu Miyara. The band formed as students at Okinawa Actors School in 1996. They made their debut on the Avex Trax subsidiary avex tune under the guidance of producer Akio Togashi on June 11, 1997, with "Feelin' Good - It's Paradise". As one of the few male bands unassociated with Johnny's Entertainment, they were the first to gain major popularity reaching their peak in 2001 with the release of Da Best of Da Pump. On April 7, 2006, Shinobu formally left the band following a hiatus due to a drunk driving incident in 2005. The band went on an unofficial hiatus at the end of 2006. On December 18, 2008, it was announced that Yukinari was leaving the band and that Ken and Issa were actively looking for his replacement. Within hours, their management company announced a brand new Da Pump with seven new members and a new concept as a multimedia entertainment group. The band will start their official comeback on July 15, 2009, with the new single, "Summer Rider" and a tour in the fall. It was announced on December 5, 2009, that Ken Okumoto had left Da Pump to pursue a solo career, leaving Issa the only original member left. Da Pump now consists of Issa, Kenzo, Tomo, Kimi, Yori, and U-Yeah. Da Pump made their comeback in May 2018 with the hit single, "U.S.A.", a song originally written by Italian singer Joe Yellow.
Shogen Itokazu (尚玄; born 20 June 1978), known mononymously as Shogen, is a Japanese actor. He is best known for his…Shogen Itokazu (尚玄; born 20 June 1978), known mononymously as Shogen, is a Japanese actor. He is best known for his role as Nao Tsuchiyama in Gensan Punch (2021), which had a joint win for the Kim Jiseok award with The Rapist (2021) at the 26th Busan International Film Festival. Born in Okinawa, he formerly worked as a model before making his acting debut in Bloody Snake Under the Sun (2005).
Akihito Yagi (八木明人, Yagi Akihito, born April 5, 1977, in Naha, Okinawa) is a Karate master and teacher. Akihito…Akihito Yagi (八木明人, Yagi Akihito, born April 5, 1977, in Naha, Okinawa) is a Karate master and teacher. Akihito mastered the Meibukan Goju-Ryu style, and since 2016 serves as the Chairman of the IMGKA and head of the Hombu Dojo
Tetsuhiro Kina (喜名 哲裕, Kina Tetsuhiro; born 10 December 1976) is a Japanese professional manager and former player. He…Tetsuhiro Kina (喜名 哲裕, Kina Tetsuhiro; born 10 December 1976) is a Japanese professional manager and former player. He is currently the assistant manager of J3 League club Kagoshima United.
Passion Yara (パッション屋良, Passhon Yara; born Chōbyō Yara (屋良 朝苗, Yara Chōbyō), July 23, 1976 in the city of Nago, Okinawa)…Passion Yara (パッション屋良, Passhon Yara; born Chōbyō Yara (屋良 朝苗, Yara Chōbyō), July 23, 1976 in the city of Nago, Okinawa) is a Japanese comedian. He is perhaps best known for the angry, passionate chest-beating in his comedy routine. Passion Yara graduated from Kokushikan University's physical education department with the intention of becoming an educator. He is well-built, at 86 kg and 180 cm, and is capable of bench-pressing 160 kg. He enjoys bowling, darts, muscle training, touring, MTV, and canoeing. Yara has appeared on a variety of Japanese comedy-related TV shows and competitions in Japan, typically wearing a tight-fitting white gym outfit with an embroidered letter "P" on the collared shirt. His routine generally includes fits of maniacal, single-fisted chest-beating, for which he has gained some measure of notoriety. His act has been parodied by another Japanese comedian using the stage name "Dark Yara". Passion Yara performed his chest-beating act and other dance moves on the J-ska band Yum!Yum!ORANGE's music video for the song "Clover". Yara has also performed as a competitor on Sasuke (known in the United States as Ninja Warrior), having entered at least two competitions, the 16th and 21st. In the 16th competition, he entertained spectators with his chest-beating before succumbing to the Rolling Log obstacle early in Stage 1. Ninja Warrior later declared him to be the 5th craziest competitor in the history of the event, referring to him in an aired segment as "Screaming Wacko". In the 21st competition, he surpassed his previous performance by reaching the Jumping Spider in Stage 1, where he subsequently fell and was eliminated.
Satoko Ishimine (石嶺 聡子, Ishimine Satoko; born October 3, 1975) is a Japanese female singer-songwriter. She rose to fame…Satoko Ishimine (石嶺 聡子, Ishimine Satoko; born October 3, 1975) is a Japanese female singer-songwriter. She rose to fame in 1992 when she won the grand prix of the 16th annual Nagasaki Singing Festival at the age of 16, which resulted in her receiving a recording contract with Toshiba EMI. After she graduated from high school, Ishimine traveled to Los Angeles, California, to receive voice training and dancing lessons. In November 1994, she released her first single Doyōbi to Pen to Udedokei (Saturday, Pen and Wristwatch). In March 1995, Ishimine won first prize at the 5th NHK's Newcomer Singing Contest. In May, she released a cover version of the renowned song Hana, originally recorded by Shoukichi Kina, for the film Himeyuri no Tō (The Tower of Himeyuri). This, her third single, sold over 500,000 copies. She was selected to participate in the 46th annual NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen with the song at the end of the year.
Yoshie Hayasaka (早坂 好恵, Hayasaka Yoshie; born 25 September 1975 in Naha, Okinawa) is a Japanese actress and singer.…Yoshie Hayasaka (早坂 好恵, Hayasaka Yoshie; born 25 September 1975 in Naha, Okinawa) is a Japanese actress and singer. Along with the ranking in the top 100 in the Oricon Singles Chart for several of her songs, her single "Zettai! Part 2" reached number 42. In 2003, she married the Japanese pro wrestler known as Super Delfin.
Mitsutoshi Shimabukuro (島袋 光年, Shimabukuro Mitsutoshi; born May 19, 1975) is a Japanese manga artist. He first gained…Mitsutoshi Shimabukuro (島袋 光年, Shimabukuro Mitsutoshi; born May 19, 1975) is a Japanese manga artist. He first gained success with his comedy series Seikimatsu Leader den Takeshi! (1997–2002), but is better known for Toriko which was serialized from 2008 to 2016 and has over 25 million copies in circulation. He ranked 14th on Nikkei Entertainment's list of the most successful manga artists between 2010 and 2011.
Masahiro Sakumoto (佐久本 昌広, Sakumoto Masahiro; born July 15, 1974) is a Japanese former Nippon Professional Baseball…Masahiro Sakumoto (佐久本 昌広, Sakumoto Masahiro; born July 15, 1974) is a Japanese former Nippon Professional Baseball pitcher, and current the third squad pitching coach for the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). He previously played for the Fukuoka Daiei Hawks, the Hanshin Tigers, and the Yokohama BayStars.
Rimi Natsukawa (Japanese: 夏川 りみ, Hepburn: Natsukawa Rimi; born 9 October 1973) is a Japanese singer. She is best known…Rimi Natsukawa (Japanese: 夏川 りみ, Hepburn: Natsukawa Rimi; born 9 October 1973) is a Japanese singer. She is best known for her 2001 single "Nada Sōsō."
Gakuto Oshiro (大城 ガクト, Ōshiro Gakuto; born July 4, 1973), better known as Gackt (stylized in all caps), is a Japanese…Gakuto Oshiro (大城 ガクト, Ōshiro Gakuto; born July 4, 1973), better known as Gackt (stylized in all caps), is a Japanese singer-songwriter, musician, record producer and actor. Born in Okinawa to a Ryukyuan family, Gackt learned the piano at a young age and was raised on classical music and enka before becoming interested in rock music while attending high school. He has been active since 1993, first as the frontman of the short-lived independent band Cains:Feel, and then from 1995 the now-defunct visual kei rock band Malice Mizer. Gackt started his solo career in 1999 with debut mini-album Mizérable and first full-length album Mars (2000). He has released nine studio albums and, with forty-eight singles released, holds the male soloist record for most top ten consecutive singles in Japanese music history. They are mostly conceived around two conceptual stories "Moon Saga" (Moon, Crescent, Diabolos, Last Moon) and "Requiem et Reminiscence" (Rebirth, Re:Born) which are performed live in uniquely elaborate concerts. His single "Returner (Yami no Shūen)" (2007), is his first and only single to reach the number one spot on the Oricon charts. As a solo artist, Gackt has sold over 10 million records. In 2007 became a founding member of S.K.I.N., a Japanese visual kei rock supergroup, and in 2010 formed his own band project Yellow Fried Chickenz. Besides being established in the modern entertainment industry and considered a pop icon, Gackt's music has been used as theme songs for video games (Dirge of Cerberus: Final Fantasy VII), video game films (Dragon Age: Dawn of the Seeker), anime series/films (New Fist of the North Star, Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam, Texhnolyze and Trickster) and television series (Kamen Rider Decade). In addition to his music career, Gackt has voice acted (including characters inspired by him in video games like in Bujingai and Genesis Rhapsodos in Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII), and live acted in a few films, including a film he wrote, Moon Child, his international debut Bunraku, Japan Academy award nomination performance for Best Actor in Fly Me to the Saitama, and TV series most notably as Uesugi Kenshin in the NHK drama Fūrin Kazan. He also performed live in theatre stage plays, Nemuri Kyoshiro Buraihikae and a duology he has written, composed, and directed Moon Saga: Mysteries of Yoshitsune I & II. He also provided the voice samples for Internet Co., Ltd.'s first Vocaloid, Gackpoid.
Wakanojō Munehiko (born 13 April 1973 as Munehiko Aka) is a former sumo wrestler from Naha, Okinawa, Japan. He made his…Wakanojō Munehiko (born 13 April 1973 as Munehiko Aka) is a former sumo wrestler from Naha, Okinawa, Japan. He made his professional debut in January 1992, and reached the top division in September 1997. His highest rank was maegashira 6. He retired in May 2004 due to diabetes, which he had been dealing with since the age of 18 and had seen him fall from the top division all the way down to the second lowest jonidan division. After retirement he became an office worker. He needed a kidney transplant in 2006 and his mother was the donor, which was featured in Tokyo Broadcasting System Television's The Friday in January 2018. He appeared in another edition of the program in June 2018, working alongside fellow ex-sumo wrestlers Wakatoba and Wakatenro, in care for the elderly (including making chankonabe).
Kayo Hoshino (星野 賀代, Hoshino Kayo) (born 12 September 1972) is a Japanese former volleyball player who competed in the…Kayo Hoshino (星野 賀代, Hoshino Kayo) (born 12 September 1972) is a Japanese former volleyball player who competed in the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta. She played as an outside hitter. In 1996, Hoshino was eliminated with the Japanese team in the preliminary round of the Olympic tournament. Hoshino was brought on as a substitute in four games during the team's matches against Ukraine (three games) and the United States (one game), scoring no points.
Atsuko Hiyajo (Japanese: 比屋定 篤子, Hepburn: Hiyajō Atsuko; born 24 December 1971) is a Japanese singer and radio…Atsuko Hiyajo (Japanese: 比屋定 篤子, Hepburn: Hiyajō Atsuko; born 24 December 1971) is a Japanese singer and radio personality. Born in Naha, she performed for a band while at Musashino Art University, as well as her own concerts in Tokyo. Making her major label debut in 1997, she released several albums and singles with Epic Records Japan and Sony Music Entertainment Japan in the 1990s and 2000s. Following her return to Okinawa, she began working as an independent musician, collaborating with Ryusenkei and other musicians, and served as the Wednesday host for RBC iRadio's At BBS . One of her songs, "Maware Maware", received renewed popularity from the city pop boom of the 2010s.
Hirokazu Ueyonabaru (上与那原 寛和, Ueyonabaru Hirokazu; March 22, 1971 – September 26, 2026) was a Japanese Paralympic…Hirokazu Ueyonabaru (上与那原 寛和, Ueyonabaru Hirokazu; March 22, 1971 – September 26, 2026) was a Japanese Paralympic athlete competing mainly in category T52 long-distance events.
Tsutomu Isa (伊佐勉, Isa Tsutomu), nicknamed Mu-san, is a Japanese basketball coach who is the head coach of the Kyoto…Tsutomu Isa (伊佐勉, Isa Tsutomu), nicknamed Mu-san, is a Japanese basketball coach who is the head coach of the Kyoto Hannaryz of the B.League.
Mitsuru Takada (高田充, Takada Mitsuru) born 26 September 1969 is a former Japanese tennis player. Takada has a career…Mitsuru Takada (高田充, Takada Mitsuru) born 26 September 1969 is a former Japanese tennis player. Takada has a career high ATP singles ranking of 706 achieved on 7 June 1999. He also has a career high ATP doubles ranking of 245 achieved on 27 July 1998. Takada made his ATP main draw debut at the 1994 Tokyo Indoor in the doubles main draw. He later became the coach of Japanese tennis player Yoshihito Nishioka.
Hideki Irabu (伊良部 秀輝, Irabu Hideki; 5 May 1969 – 27 July 2011) was a Japanese professional baseball player. He played…Hideki Irabu (伊良部 秀輝, Irabu Hideki; 5 May 1969 – 27 July 2011) was a Japanese professional baseball player. He played professionally in both Japan and North America. Irabu played for the Lotte Orions / Chiba Lotte Marines and Hanshin Tigers of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) and for the New York Yankees, Montreal Expos, and Texas Rangers of Major League Baseball (MLB). Irabu debuted in NPB in 1988 and played for the Marines through the 1996 season. Desiring to play in MLB, the Marines sold Irabu's contract to the San Diego Padres, with whom they had a working arrangement, despite Irabu's desire to play for the Yankees. When Irabu refused to play for San Diego, they traded him to the Yankees, and the aftermath of the deal led to the development of the posting system. Irabu was a member of the Yankees' World Series-winning teams in 1998 and 1999, becoming the first Japanese-born player to win a World Series. Irabu pitched in the major leagues through 2002 and returned to Japan with the Tigers in 2003 and retired after the 2004 season. Irabu died by suicide in 2011.
Norihiro Yagi (八木 教広, Yagi Norihiro; born 1968) is a Japanese manga writer and artist from Okinawa Prefecture. He…Norihiro Yagi (八木 教広, Yagi Norihiro; born 1968) is a Japanese manga writer and artist from Okinawa Prefecture. He started making manga in 1990.
Yukito Ara (新良 幸人, Ara Yukito; born 1967) is a Japanese sanshin player and Okinawa min'yō (traditional folk songs)…Yukito Ara (新良 幸人, Ara Yukito; born 1967) is a Japanese sanshin player and Okinawa min'yō (traditional folk songs) singer.
Yui Tomori (友利 結, Tomori Yui; born September 21, 1967 in Urasoe, Okinawa, Japan) also known as Denney Tomori (デニー 友利)…Yui Tomori (友利 結, Tomori Yui; born September 21, 1967 in Urasoe, Okinawa, Japan) also known as Denney Tomori (デニー 友利) or Denney (デニー) is a former Nippon Professional Baseball pitcher.
Yoshitaka Nakayama (中山義隆, Nakayama Yoshitaka) is a Japanese politician and the current mayor of Ishigaki. Nakayama was…Yoshitaka Nakayama (中山義隆, Nakayama Yoshitaka) is a Japanese politician and the current mayor of Ishigaki. Nakayama was re-elected in 2022, with endorsements by the Liberal Democratic Party and Komeito. In 2020, Nakayama passed a bill changing the name of Tonoshiro (a locale in Ishigaki) to “Tonoshiro Senkaku”, as the Senkaku Islands are a de facto part of Tonoshiro in an administrative sense. This was immediately condemned by both China and Taiwan, who also claim sovereignty over the Senkaku Islands (also known as Diaoyu Islands). In June 2025, the Ishigaki Council found that some health insurance budget was not discussed via the council, and Nakayama declared false statements to the council. Public distrust of Nakayama started to arise. On June 18, the Ishigaki Council passed a motion of no confidence against the Nakayama cabinet. On 29 June, Nakayama agreed to resign, stating that dissoluting the parliament didn't make sense.
Takashi Chinen (知念孝, Chinen Takashi; born March 25, 1967) is a Japanese former artistic gymnast who competed in the…Takashi Chinen (知念孝, Chinen Takashi; born March 25, 1967) is a Japanese former artistic gymnast who competed in the 1992 Summer Olympics and won a bronze medal in the men's team event. He also won a team bronze medal at the 1994 Asian Games.
Masahisa Miyazaki (宮﨑政久, Miyazaki Masahisa; born 8 August 1965) is a Japanese politician. He has been a member of the…Masahisa Miyazaki (宮﨑政久, Miyazaki Masahisa; born 8 August 1965) is a Japanese politician. He has been a member of the House of Representatives since 2018, having previously served from 2012 to 2017. He served as chairman of the economy, trade and industry committee from 2024 to 2025.
Reimi Horikawa (堀川 麗美, Horikawa Reimi; born January 6, 1965, in Ginowan, Okinawa), better known by her stage name REIMY…Reimi Horikawa (堀川 麗美, Horikawa Reimi; born January 6, 1965, in Ginowan, Okinawa), better known by her stage name REIMY (stylized in all caps), is a Japanese singer-songwriter and composer. She has released 11 solo albums, and through the musical project Remedios, has produced and composed multiple anime and film scores.
Satoshi Shingaki (新垣諭, Shingaki Satoshi; born February 21, 1964) is a Japanese former professional boxer. He held the…Satoshi Shingaki (新垣諭, Shingaki Satoshi; born February 21, 1964) is a Japanese former professional boxer. He held the IBF bantamweight title from 1984 to 1985 as the inaugural champion.
