Kyuichi Tokuda (徳田 球一, Tokuda Kyūichi; September 12, 1894 – October 14, 1953) was a Japanese politician and first…Kyuichi Tokuda (徳田 球一, Tokuda Kyūichi; September 12, 1894 – October 14, 1953) was a Japanese politician and first chairman of the Japanese Communist Party from 1945 until his death in 1953.
Kanken Tōyama (遠山寛賢 Tōyama Kanken, 24 September 1888 – 24 November 1966) was a Japanese schoolteacher and karate…Kanken Tōyama (遠山寛賢 Tōyama Kanken, 24 September 1888 – 24 November 1966) was a Japanese schoolteacher and karate master, who developed the foundation for the Shūdōkan karate style.
Chōshin Chibana (知花 朝信, Chibana Chōshin; 5 June 1885 – 26 February 1969) was an Okinawan martial artist who developed…Chōshin Chibana (知花 朝信, Chibana Chōshin; 5 June 1885 – 26 February 1969) was an Okinawan martial artist who developed Kobayashi Shōrin-ryū karate based on what he had learned from Ankō Itosu. He was the last of the pre-World War karate masters, also called the "Last Warrior of Shuri" He was the first to establish a Japanese ryu name for an Okinawan karate style, calling Itosu's karate "Shorin-Ryu" (小林流 or "the small forest school") in 1929.
Higashionna Kanjun (東恩納 寛惇) also Higaonna Kanjun (14 October 1882–24 January 1963) was an Okinawan scholar who…Higashionna Kanjun (東恩納 寛惇) also Higaonna Kanjun (14 October 1882–24 January 1963) was an Okinawan scholar who specialized in the history of Okinawa. Alongside Iha Fuyū and Majikina Ankō, he is considered one of the pioneers of modern Okinawan studies. After reading Japanese history at Tokyo Imperial University, where he wrote his dissertation on the approach of the Shimazu clan towards the Ryūkyū Kingdom, his subsequent career included posts at Hosei University and Takushoku University and travels in Southeast Asia and India. His extensive body of writings, collected as Higashionna Kanjun zenshū (東恩納寬惇全集) in ten volumes, centre around Ryukyuan history and culture, personal and place names, and classics such as the Omoro Sōshi. His private collection of documents and historical materials, numbering some 3,384 items, is preserved as the Higashionna Kanjun Collection at Okinawa Prefectural Library.
Iha Fuyū (伊波 普猷; March 15, 1876 – August 13, 1947) is considered the father of Okinawaology and was a Japanese scholar…Iha Fuyū (伊波 普猷; March 15, 1876 – August 13, 1947) is considered the father of Okinawaology and was a Japanese scholar who studied various aspects of Japanese and Okinawan culture, customs, linguistics, and folklore. He signed his name as Ifa Fuyu in English, because of the Okinawan pronunciation. Iha studied linguistics at the University of Tokyo and was devoted to the study of Okinawan linguistics, folklore, and history. His most well-known work, Ko Ryūkyū (Ancient Ryūkyū), was published in 1911 and remains one of the best works on Okinawan studies. He devoted much time to uncovering the origins of the Okinawan people to establish their history. He had considerable influence not only on the study of Okinawan folklore but also on Japanese folklore.
Majikina Ankō (真境名 安興; 20 May 1875 - 28 December 1933) was a Japanese scholar who specialized in the history of…Majikina Ankō (真境名 安興; 20 May 1875 - 28 December 1933) was a Japanese scholar who specialized in the history of Okinawa. Alongside Iha Fuyū and Higashionna Kanjun, he was considered one of the pioneers of modern Okinawan studies.
Chotoku Kyan (喜屋武 朝徳; December 1870 – 20 September 1945) (also spelled Chotoku Kiyan) was an Okinawan karate master who…Chotoku Kyan (喜屋武 朝徳; December 1870 – 20 September 1945) (also spelled Chotoku Kiyan) was an Okinawan karate master who was famous for both his karate skills and his colorful personal life. He had a large influence on the styles of karate that would become Shorin-Ryu and its related styles.
Kentsū Yabu (屋部 憲通, Yabu Kentsū; September 23, 1866 - August 27, 1937) was a karate master in Okinawa, and was among…Kentsū Yabu (屋部 憲通, Yabu Kentsū; September 23, 1866 - August 27, 1937) was a karate master in Okinawa, and was among the first people to demonstrate karate in Hawaii. Yabu learned Shuri-te from Matsumura Sōkon and Ankō Itosu and Tomari-te from Kōsaku Matsumora. He is often considered Itosu's top student.
Ōta Chōfu (太田 朝敷; 8 April 1865 – 25 November 1938) was a prominent Ryukyuan journalist of the late 19th and early 20th…Ōta Chōfu (太田 朝敷; 8 April 1865 – 25 November 1938) was a prominent Ryukyuan journalist of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, famous for his involvement in the Kōdō-kai Movement, advocating the maintenance of hereditary rule of Okinawa under the heirs to the royal family of Ryūkyū.
Arakaki Seishō (新垣 世璋; 1840–1918) was a prominent Okinawan martial artist and master of Tōde who influenced the…Arakaki Seishō (新垣 世璋; 1840–1918) was a prominent Okinawan martial artist and master of Tōde who influenced the development of several major karate styles. He was known by many other names, including Aragaki Tsuji Pechin Seisho.
Ankō Itosu (糸洲 安恒, Okinawan: Ichiji Ankō; Japanese: Itosu Ankō, 1831 – 11 March 1915) is considered by many the father…Ankō Itosu (糸洲 安恒, Okinawan: Ichiji Ankō; Japanese: Itosu Ankō, 1831 – 11 March 1915) is considered by many the father of modern karate. This title is also often given to Gichin Funakoshi because of the latter spreading karate throughout Japan.
Ankō Asato (安里 安恒, Asato Ankō; Azato Yasutsune in Japanese, 1827 – 1906) was a Ryūkyūan master of karate. He and Ankō…Ankō Asato (安里 安恒, Asato Ankō; Azato Yasutsune in Japanese, 1827 – 1906) was a Ryūkyūan master of karate. He and Ankō Itosu were the two main karate masters who taught Gichin Funakoshi, the founder of Shotokan karate. Not much is known about him, and most information on him comes from Funakoshi. Many articles contain information about Asato, but the relevant parts are clearly based on Funakoshi's descriptions of him. Funakoshi first met Asato when he was a schoolmate of Asato's son; he called Asato "one of Okinawa's greatest experts in the art of karate." According to Funakoshi, Asato's family belonged to the Tunchi (殿内) class (hereditary town and village chiefs), and held authority in the village of Asato, halfway between Shuri and Naha, and he was not only a master of karate, but also skilled at riding horses, Jigen-ryū kendō (swordsmanship), archery, and an exceptional scholar. In a 1934 article, Funakoshi noted that Asato and Itosu had studied karate together under Sōkon Matsumura. He also related how Asato and Itosu once overcame a group of 20–30 attackers, and how Asato set a trap for troublemakers in his home village. In his 1956 autobiography, Funakoshi recounted several stories about Asato, including Asato's political astuteness in following the government order to cut off the traditional men's topknot; Asato's defeat of Yōrin Kanna, in which the unarmed Asato prevailed despite Kanna being armed with an unblunted blade; his demonstration of a single-point punch (ippon-ken); and Asato and Itosu's friendly arm-wrestling matches.
Manami Higa (比嘉 愛未, Higa Manami; born June 14, 1986) is a Japanese actress. Her mother was a model. She graduated from…Manami Higa (比嘉 愛未, Higa Manami; born June 14, 1986) is a Japanese actress. Her mother was a model. She graduated from Okinawa Prefectural Central High School. She gained recognition as an actress when she was selected in an audition of 2,156 people to star in the NHK Asadora Dondo Hare in 2006.
A musical ensemble, also known as a music group, musical group, or band, is a group of people who perform instrumental…A musical ensemble, also known as a music group, musical group, or band, is a group of people who perform instrumental and/or vocal music, with the ensemble typically known by a distinct name. Some music ensembles consist solely of instrumentalists, such as the jazz quartet or the orchestra. Other music ensembles consist solely of singers, such as choirs and doo-wop groups. In both popular music and classical music, there are ensembles in which both instrumentalists and singers perform, such as the rock band or the Baroque chamber group for basso continuo (harpsichord and cello) and one or more singers. In classical music, trios or quartets either blend the sounds of musical instrument families (such as piano, strings, and wind instruments) or group instruments from the same instrument family, such as string ensembles (e.g., string quartet) or wind ensembles (e.g., wind quintet). Some ensembles blend the sounds of a variety of instrument families, such as the orchestra, which uses a string section, brass instruments, woodwinds, and percussion instruments, or the concert band, which uses brass, woodwinds, and percussion. In jazz ensembles or combos, the instruments typically include wind instruments (one or more saxophones, trumpets, etc.), one or two chordal "comping" instruments (electric guitar, acoustic guitar, piano, or Hammond organ), a bass instrument (bass guitar or double bass), and a drummer or percussionist. Jazz ensembles may be solely instrumental, or they may consist of a group of instruments accompanying one or more singers. In rock and pop ensembles, usually called rock bands or pop bands, there are usually guitars and keyboards (piano, electric piano, Hammond organ, synthesizer, etc.), one or more singers, and a rhythm section made up of a bass guitar and drum kit. Music ensembles typically have a leader. In jazz bands, rock and pop groups, and similar ensembles, this is the band leader. In classical music, orchestras, concert bands, and choirs are led by a conductor. In orchestra, the concertmaster (principal first violin player) is the instrumentalist leader of the orchestra. In orchestras, the individual sections also have leaders, typically called the "principal" of the section (e.g., the leader of the viola section is called the "principal viola"). Conductors are also used in jazz big bands and in some very large rock or pop ensembles (e.g., a rock concert that includes a string section, a horn section, and a choir that accompanies a rock band's performance).
Shun Nishime (西銘 駿, Nishime Shun; born February 20, 1998, in Gushikawa, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan) is a Japanese actor…Shun Nishime (西銘 駿, Nishime Shun; born February 20, 1998, in Gushikawa, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan) is a Japanese actor and model. His nickname is "Shun-Shun" (しゅんしゅん). He won the Grand Prix at the 27th Junon Super Boy Contest.
Miyuri Shimabukuro (Japanese: 島袋 美由利, Hepburn: Shimabukuro Miyuri; born December 6, 1994) is a Japanese voice actress…Miyuri Shimabukuro (Japanese: 島袋 美由利, Hepburn: Shimabukuro Miyuri; born December 6, 1994) is a Japanese voice actress from Okinawa Prefecture who is affiliated with Office Osawa. After debuting as a voice actress in 2017, she played her first main roles in 2018 as Yuuna Yunohana in the anime series Yuuna and the Haunted Hot Springs, Nagisa Aragaki in the anime series Hanebado! and Inca Kasugatani in Fire Force.
Shugo Nakamura (仲村 宗悟, Nakamura Shūgo; born 28 July 1988) is a Japanese voice actor and singer affiliated with Across…Shugo Nakamura (仲村 宗悟, Nakamura Shūgo; born 28 July 1988) is a Japanese voice actor and singer affiliated with Across Entertainment and Lantis. He is best known for voicing Teru Tendo in The Idolmaster SideM, Issei Kuga in TsukiPro, and Tomoki Takashima in Young Disease Outburst Boy.
Satsuki Shimabukuro (Japanese: 島袋 さつき, Shimabukuro Satsuki, Born on May 28, 1988 in Okinawa Prefecture, Japan), better…Satsuki Shimabukuro (Japanese: 島袋 さつき, Shimabukuro Satsuki, Born on May 28, 1988 in Okinawa Prefecture, Japan), better known by her stage name Meisa Kuroki (Japanese: 黒木 メイサ, Kuroki Meisa), is a Japanese actress, model and singer. She is represented by the agency Sweet Power and is signed to Sony Music Japan. She made her acting debut in 2004. She has modeled for the popular Japanese fashion magazine JJ, among others, and is the current Japanese representative for Epson and Giorgio Armani. She has appeared in numerous television dramas, commercials, films, and stage productions. Kuroki released her debut single "Like This" in 2008, followed by the extended play Hellcat (2009). Her debut studio album, Magazine (2011) peaked at number six on the Oricon and featured her first top fifteen single, "LOL!". Kuroki is best known for the song "Wired Life", which served as an ending theme for the anime series Blue Exorcist. It was included on her second studio album, Unlocked (2012). Since its release, Kuroki has focused solely on her acting career.
Namie Amuro ( NAH-mee-AY; Japanese: 安室 奈美恵, romanized: Amuro Namie; born September 20, 1977) is a retired Japanese…Namie Amuro ( NAH-mee-AY; Japanese: 安室 奈美恵, romanized: Amuro Namie; born September 20, 1977) is a retired Japanese singer. She rose to prominence as a teen idol, and transitioned into a leading pop artist due to her versatility across music styles and visual presentation. Due to her career reinventions and longevity, she is known as an icon across Japan and Asia. She has been referred to as the "Queen of Japanese Pop", and her influence domestically has drawn comparisons to artists such as Janet Jackson and Madonna in Western pop culture. Born in Naha, Okinawa, Amuro debuted as the lead singer of the idol group Super Monkey's in 1992 when she was 14 years old. Despite early sales disappointments, Amuro's rising popularity helped to score a major hit with the 1995 Eurobeat single "Try Me (Watashi o Shinjite)". Signing to Avex Trax for her solo career, Amuro catapulted to fame with a string of number one singles including "Chase the Chance" and "Don't Wanna Cry". A close partnership with renowned producer Tetsuya Komuro resulted in a dance-pop sound with Western influences. Her first four releases, including Sweet 19 Blues (1996) and Concentration 20 (1997), each received multi-million certifications. Her 1997 single "Can You Celebrate?" remains as the best selling single by a solo female artist in Japanese music history. In the early 2000s, "Never End" became Amuro's last successful single before a decline in sales, and her music began evolving from pop to R&B as she reined in creative control of her career. This transition was marked by the Suite Chic project in 2002 and her sixth studio album Style (2003). Amuro's eighth studio album, Play (2007), with the hit single "Baby Don't Cry", began a period of commercial resurgence. Her comeback was solidified with the 2008 single "60s 70s 80s" and its parent release Best Fiction. She continued to experiment musically in the 2010s, dabbling in EDM and recording in English, beginning with her tenth studio album Uncontrolled (2012). It featured the million-certified single "Love Story". She later founded her own management company, Stella88, and record label, Dimension Point. Amuro finished her career with the 2017 greatest hits album Finally, which became the best selling album of the decade and made her the only artist to achieve a million-seller in each of their teens, 20s, 30s and 40s. She officially retired from the music industry on September 16, 2018. As it coincided with the closure of the Heisei era (1989–2019), she became labelled as the representative "Heisei diva" with many calling it the "end of an era", in both senses. Having sold more than 40 million records, Amuro is recognized as one of the best-selling artists in Japan by Oricon. She has received accolades from the Japan Record Awards, Japan Gold Disc Awards, MTV Video Music Awards Japan and the World Music Awards.
Yamato Kinjo (金城 大和, Kinjō Yamato; born September 9, 1983, in Naha, Okinawa Prefecture) is a Japanese actor who is…Yamato Kinjo (金城 大和, Kinjō Yamato; born September 9, 1983, in Naha, Okinawa Prefecture) is a Japanese actor who is affiliated with Stay Luck. He played the role of Nobuharu Udo (Kyoryu Blue) in the 2013 Super Sentai TV series Zyuden Sentai Kyoryuger and Takeshi Goutokuji (Kamen Rider Shirowe) in the 2022 Kamen Rider TV series Kamen Rider Geats.
Rina Chinen (知念 里奈, Chinen Rina; born 9 February 1981), is a Japanese entertainer, former singer, and musical theater…Rina Chinen (知念 里奈, Chinen Rina; born 9 February 1981), is a Japanese entertainer, former singer, and musical theater actress. She is affiliated with Rising Production.
Yukiya Arashiro (新城幸也, Arashiro Yukiya; born 22 September 1984) is a Japanese road bicycle racer, who currently rides…Yukiya Arashiro (新城幸也, Arashiro Yukiya; born 22 September 1984) is a Japanese road bicycle racer, who currently rides for UCI ProTeam Solution Tech NIPPO Rali.
Hitomi Tohyama (当山 ひとみ, Tōyama Hitomi; born 28 December 1957), also known as Hitomi "Penny" Tohyama, is a Japanese…Hitomi Tohyama (当山 ひとみ, Tōyama Hitomi; born 28 December 1957), also known as Hitomi "Penny" Tohyama, is a Japanese singer from Okinawa City. Raised in California, where she attended Oakland High School, she released several albums and singers with Nippon Columbia in the 1980s. Her music regained popularity as part of the 21st-century city pop wave.
Eriko Imai (今井 絵理子, Imai Eriko) is a Japanese pop singer, actress and politician. She made her debut in the early 1990s…Eriko Imai (今井 絵理子, Imai Eriko) is a Japanese pop singer, actress and politician. She made her debut in the early 1990s as part of the group Speed, which disbanded in March 2000. Eriko began her work away from Speed during 1998, performing "Tsumetaku Shinai de", under the stage name "Eriko with Crunch", on the Speed single "All My True Love". After the group disbanded, Imai continued her career as a solo artist until Speed's reformation in 2008.
Hikari Mitsushima (満島 ひかり, Mitsushima Hikari; born 30 November 1985) is a Japanese actress, model and former singer. In…Hikari Mitsushima (満島 ひかり, Mitsushima Hikari; born 30 November 1985) is a Japanese actress, model and former singer. In 2017 she was the vocalist and dancer in Mondo Grosso's videos for "Labyrinth", which has garnered over 42 million views on YouTube as of December 2025, and "In this World".
Shino Shimoji (下地 紫野, Shimoji Shino; born June 4, 1993) is a Japanese voice actress and singer from Okinawa Prefecture…Shino Shimoji (下地 紫野, Shimoji Shino; born June 4, 1993) is a Japanese voice actress and singer from Okinawa Prefecture, affiliated with Aoni Production. She debuted as a singer in 2016 by performing the opening theme song for Magic of Stella.
Shintaro Yamada (山田 親太朗, Yamada Shintarō; born July 10, 1986) is a former Japanese fashion model, actor, and singer.…Shintaro Yamada (山田 親太朗, Yamada Shintarō; born July 10, 1986) is a former Japanese fashion model, actor, and singer. His modeling credits include appearing in Men's Non-No and Popeye. He is the leader of the Quiz! Hexagon II singing group Sata Andagi. On July 4, 2021, he announced his retirement from the entertainment industry in 2020.
Ryōko Kuninaka (国仲 涼子, Kuninaka Ryōko; born June 9, 1979) is a Japanese actress and singer. She hails from Naha City in…Ryōko Kuninaka (国仲 涼子, Kuninaka Ryōko; born June 9, 1979) is a Japanese actress and singer. She hails from Naha City in Okinawa, Japan and currently works for Vision Factory. In 2014, she married actor Osamu Mukai.
Masane Tsukayama (津嘉山 正種, Tsukayama Masane; born February 6, 1944) is a Japanese actor, voice actor, and narrator from…Masane Tsukayama (津嘉山 正種, Tsukayama Masane; born February 6, 1944) is a Japanese actor, voice actor, and narrator from Naha, Okinawa. His wife is opera singer Echiko Narita (成田 絵智子, Narita Echiko). He is best known for dubbing over Kevin Costner, Robert De Niro, Richard Gere, Liam Neeson and Gabriel Byrne. In 2021, Tsukayama won the Merit Award at the 15th Seiyu Awards.
Kotoki Zayasu (座安 琴希, Zayasu Kotoki; born January 11, 1990) is a Japanese volleyball player who plays for RC Cannes.…Kotoki Zayasu (座安 琴希, Zayasu Kotoki; born January 11, 1990) is a Japanese volleyball player who plays for RC Cannes. She played for the Japan national team during the 2016 Summer Olympics.
Hotaka Yamakawa (山川 穂高, Yamakawa Hotaka; born November 23, 1991) is a Japanese professional baseball infielder for the…Hotaka Yamakawa (山川 穂高, Yamakawa Hotaka; born November 23, 1991) is a Japanese professional baseball infielder for the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). He has previously played in NPB for the Saitama Seibu Lions. Yamakawa led the Pacific League in home runs in 2018, 2019, 2022, and 2024.
Konosuke Kokuba (國場幸之助, Kokuba Konosuke; born 10 January 1973) is a Japanese politician serving as a member of the…Konosuke Kokuba (國場幸之助, Kokuba Konosuke; born 10 January 1973) is a Japanese politician serving as a member of the House of Representatives since 2012. He was a member of the Okinawa Prefectural Assembly from 2000 to 2003 and from 2004 to 2008.
Yoko Gushiken (具志堅 用高, Gushiken Yōkō; born 26 June 1955) is a Japanese former professional boxer who competed from 1974…Yoko Gushiken (具志堅 用高, Gushiken Yōkō; born 26 June 1955) is a Japanese former professional boxer who competed from 1974 to 1981. He held the WBA light-flyweight title from 1976 to 1981, making a total of 13 successful defences. Following his retirement from boxing, he remains popular in Japan as a tarento having signed a contract with Ohta Production. He is well known in Japan for his trademark hair style. Gushiken was inducted in 2015 to the International Boxing Hall of Fame.
