List of Famous people born in Japan

Kenichi Takahashi is a male long-distance runner from Japan. Born in Kazuno, Akita, he set his personal best (2:10:51) in the men's marathon event on February 18, 2001, winning the Tokyo International Marathon.

Noboru Iguchi is a Japanese film director, screenwriter and actor. He has worked as a director in adult video (AV) as well as in the horror and gore genres.

Hirofumi Mukai is a Japanese professional boxer in the Super Flyweight division, having started his career in the Flyweight division. He was a 2 times world title challenger.

Yurika Sema is a former Japanese female tennis player. She is the older sister of professional tennis player Erika Sema.

Yutaka Yano is the mayor of Komae, Tokyo in Japan. A member of the Japanese Communist Party, he was first elected in 1996.

Daigo Kobayashi is a Japanese professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for USL Championship club Birmingham Legion FC.

Mutsuki Kato is a Japanese footballer currently playing as a forward for Zweigen Kanazawa.

Shinya Makabe is a Japanese rugby union player. He was named in Japan's squad for the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

Rui Kitada is a Japanese professional golfer on the LPGA of Japan Tour.

Misako Odani (小谷美紗子), is a Japanese singer, songwriter, and pianist. Misako, whose songs make heavy use of the piano, began playing the instrument at age seven, and studied abroad in Australia in 1994. Since entering the music industry in 1996, she has released eight albums, and many singles. Her most recent album, Koto no Ha, was released in May 2010.