Famous Japanese Men

A world power, Japan has long since been one of the leading nations in the world, be it scientifically, technologically, economically, educationally or militarily. And much of the credit for the same goes to famous Japanese men who worked hard to make the country a powerhouse that it is today. Be it Kenzo Tange and his architectural marvel of Hiroshima Peace Center or Emperor Akihito and his humanitarian approach, Momofuku Ando and his invention of instant noodles or Nobel Laureate Kenzaburo Oe and his work, ‘Nip the Buds, Shoot the Kids’, Japanese men have greatly contributed in the country’s growth and development.

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 1 
Hayao Miyazaki
(One of the Most Accomplished Filmmakers in the History of Animation)
Hayao Miyazaki
58
Birthdate: January 5, 1941
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Bunkyo City, Tokyo, Japan

Considered one of the most prominent filmmakers in the history of animated films, Hayao Miyazaki is a Japanese animator and manga artist. A co-founder of Studio Ghibli, Miyazaki has gained worldwide acclaim as a maker of animated films and a masterful storyteller. Miyazaki has served as an inspiration to several world-renowned animators and directors, including James Cameron and Wes Anderson.

 2 
Shinzō Abe
(Former Prime Minister of Japan)
Shinzō Abe
34
Birthdate: September 21, 1954
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Tokyo
Died: July 8, 2022

Shinzō Abe was a Japanese politician who became the longest-serving prime minister in the history of Japan after serving as prime minister of Japan from 2006 to 2007 and then from 2012 to 2020. Aged 52 at the time of assuming office as the prime minister, Abe was also the youngest Japanese post-war prime minister.

 3 
Akira Kurosawa
(Japanese Filmmaker Who is Regarded as One of the Most Important & Influential Filmmakers in Film History)
Akira Kurosawa
21
Birthdate: March 23, 1910
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Shinagawa City, Tokyo, Japan
Died: September 6, 1998

Akira Kurosawa was a Japanese filmmaker. Widely considered one of the most influential and important filmmakers of all time, Kurosawa's works opened up Western film markets to the products of the Japanese entertainment industry, enabling other Japanese filmmakers to achieve international recognition. Such is his impact as a filmmaker that he is credited with contributing to the development of Asia.

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 4 
Ichiro Suzuki
(The First Japanese-born Position Player to be Posted and Signed to an MLB Club)
Ichiro Suzuki
33
Birthdate: October 22, 1973
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Aichi, Japan

Ichiro Suzuki is a Japanese former baseball player who played as an outfielder in top-level professional leagues, including Major League Baseball (MLB). Also a popular player at the Nippon Professional Baseball in Japan, Suzuki became the first MLB player to be inducted into the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame

 5 
Yuzuru Hanyu
(One of the Greatest Figure Skaters in History)
Yuzuru Hanyu
71
Birthdate: December 7, 1994
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Sendai, Japan

Yuzuru Hanyu is a Japanese figure skater. Considered one of the greatest male figure skaters of all time, Hanyu became only the second figure skaters ever to receive two successive Olympic gold medals; he achieved this feat in 2014 and 2018. He also won the 2020 Four Continents Championships, becoming the only male singles skater to accomplish a Super Slam.

 6 
Isoroku Yamamoto
(Japanese Naval Officer Who Conceived The Pearl Harbor Attack in 1941)
Isoroku Yamamoto
41
Birthdate: April 4, 1884
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Nagaoka, Niigata, Japan
Died: April 18, 1943
Isoroku Yamamoto was a Marshal Admiral of the Imperial Japanese Navy. During World War II, he served as the commander-in-chief of the Combined Fleet and oversaw operations such as the Pearl Harbor attack. He died when his fighter plane was shot down by the U.S. Air Forces
 7 
Shinsuke Nakamura
(Professional Wrestler Known for His Time in New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW))
Shinsuke Nakamura
15
Birthdate: February 24, 1980
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Kyōtango, Kyoto, Japan

Shinsuke Nakamura is a Japanese wrestler best known for appearing in World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) where he has won several championships, such as the Intercontinental Championship, United States Championship, and SmackDown Tag Team Championship. In 2016, Pro Wrestling Illustrated magazine named him the Most Popular Wrestler of the Year. He is also known for his association with New Japan Pro-Wrestling

 8 
George Miller
(Singer, Songwriter, Rapper & Comedian)
George Miller
37
Birthdate: September 16, 1992
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Osaka, Japan

George Miller, also known as Joji and Filthy Frank,  is a Japanese singer-songwriter, record producer, author, and comedian. He began his career in the entertainment industry through his many now-defunct YouTube channels. After gaining fame as a social media personality, he retired his channels to focus on his mainstream musical career. He now produces R&B and Trip-Hop music. 

 9 
Pat Morita
(Actor and Comedian Known for His Role as ‘Miyagi’ in ‘The Karate Kid’ Film Series)
Pat Morita
19
Birthdate: June 28, 1932
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Isleton, California, United States
Died: November 24, 2005

American actor, voice actor, and comedian, Pat Morita first gained recognition with drama series Happy Days, though it was his inspiring performance as Mr. Miyagi in The Karate Kid film series that really skyrocketed his fame. The Asian-American actor was also known for his TV movie Amos and animated movie Mulan and Mulan II where he voiced the Chinese Emperor.

 10 
Hirohito
(Former Emperor of Japan)
Hirohito
48
Birthdate: April 29, 1901
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Aoyama, Tokyo, Japan
Died: January 7, 1989
Hirohito, or Emperor Showa, the longest-reigning Japanese emperor, reigned from 1926 to 1989 and supported the Axis Powers during World War II. He also served in the Japanese military. He was not prosecuted for war crimes by the U.S. and played a major role in the post-war reconstruction of Japan.
 11 
Shohei Ohtani
(Japanese Professional Baseball Pitcher, Designated Hitter and Outfielder)
Shohei Ohtani
34
Birthdate: July 5, 1994
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Oshu, Iwate, Japan

Affectionately called Sho Time and the Japanese Babe Ruth, Japanese baseball star Shohei Ohtani is known for his successful stint with the MLB team Los Angeles Angels. Earlier, while with the Hokkaido-Nippon Ham Fighters, he set the record for the fastest-ever pitch thrown by a Japanese player.

 12 
Akihito
(125th Emperor of Japan)
Akihito
15
Birthdate: December 23, 1933
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Tokyo, Japan

Akihito served as the 125th emperor of Japan after succeeding his father to the Chrysanthemum Throne. As emperor, he played a crucial role in inspiring people in 2011 when Japan was struck by two major disasters: Fukushima I nuclear crisis and Great East Japan Earthquake. Akihito abdicated the throne in 2019, becoming the first emperor to do so since 1817.

 13 
Oda Nobunaga
(16th Century Japanese Feudal Lord)
Oda Nobunaga
27
Birthdate: June 23, 1534
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Nagoya Castle, Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, Japan
Died: June 21, 1582
Oda Nobunaga was a 16th-century Japanese leader of the Sengoku period. Known as the “Great Unifier" of Japan, he overthrew Ashikaga Yoshiaki and dissolved the Ashikaga Shogunate. He also crushed the Ikkō-ikki rebels and conquered Honshu. He was later ambushed and forced to commit “seppuku,” a form of ritual suicide.
 14 
Hiroyuki Sanada
(Actor & Martial Artist Known for His Role as ‘Genbu’ in the Film ‘Ninja in the Dragon's Den’)
Hiroyuki Sanada
13
Birthdate: October 12, 1960
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Tokyo, Japan

Hiroyuki Sanada gained prominence when he starred alongside Tom Cruise, in The Last Samurai. It opened the gates of Hollywood for him which was followed by various television shows and films. He bagged in the Japanese Academy Award for Tasogare Seibei (The Twilight Samurai).

 15 
Shigeru Miyamoto
(Video Game Designer, Artist)
Shigeru Miyamoto
36
Birthdate: November 16, 1952
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Sonobe
Japanese game designer Shigeru Miyamoto is the man behind games such as Super Mario, The Legend of Zelda, and Donkey Kong. He has been the general manager and senior MD at Nintendo and now serves as its representative director and creative fellow. He avoids appearing on TV or giving autographs.
 16 
Tokugawa Ieyasu
(Military Leader)
Tokugawa Ieyasu
26
Birthdate: January 31, 1543
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Okazaki Castle, Mikawa (now Okazaki, Japan)
Died: June 1, 1616

Tokugawa Ieyasu was the founder and first shōgun of the Tokugawa shogunate of Japan. He is considered one of the three "Great Unifiers" of Japan. He was the son of Matsudaira Hirotada, a minor local warlord. He grew up to be an ambitious young man with exemplary leadership qualities and eventually founded the Tokugawa shogunate of Japan. 

 17 
Tasuku Honjo
(Nobel Prize-Winning Japanese Immunologist Who Is Known for His Research on Cancer Immunotherapy)
Tasuku Honjo
31
Birthdate: January 27, 1942
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan

Nobel Prize-winning Japanese immunologist Tasuku Honjo is known identifying the programmed cell death protein 1 and for revolutionizing cancer immunotherapy. Initially part of the University of Tokyo's faculty of medicine, he later taught genetics, immunology, and medical chemistry at several institutes. He was a foreign associate of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences.

 18 
Haruki Murakami
16
Birthdate: January 12, 1949
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan
Japanese writer Haruki Murakami has authored bestselling works such as Norwegian Wood and Kafka on the Shore, which explore the genres of surrealism and magic realism. He has also translated works by J. D. Salinger and Raymond Carver. He has been named to Time 100 and has won numerous awards.
 19 
Naruhito
(Emperor of Japan)
Naruhito
10
Birthdate: February 23, 1960
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Tokyo Imperial Palace, Tokyo

Naruhito, the 126th emperor of Japan and the only living monarch to use the title “Emperor,” ascended the throne after his father Akihito’s abdication in 2019. Devoted to efforts of water conservation, Naruhito has also been part of the International Olympic Committee. He plays both the violin and the viola.

 20 
Miyamoto Musashi
(Japanese Swordsman and Philosopher Who Became Popular Through His Unique Double-Bladed Swordsmanship)
Miyamoto Musashi
11
Birthdate: 1584 AD
Birthplace: Harima Province, Japan
Died: June 13, 1645

Miyamoto Musashi was a Japanese swordsman, writer, strategist, and philosopher. Widely regarded as a Kensei, Musashi became famous through his stories of bravery, which involves his undefeated streak of 61 duels. He is also credited with founding the Niten Ichi-ryū school of swordsmanship. His life has inspired several films, TV series, stage plays, and video games.

 21 
Ken Watanabe
7
Birthdate: October 21, 1959
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Koide, Japan

While tragic hero characters shot him to fame, the Japanese actor is recognized by global audience for his roles in The Last Samurai and Godzilla. Having started his career as a stage actor, Ken Watanabe is known for playing Samurai roles in Japanese films. He was also cast in the lead role in The King and I staged on Broadway.

 22 
Satoru Iwata
(Former President & CEO of Nintendo)
Satoru Iwata
9
Birthdate: December 6, 1959
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Sapporo
Died: July 11, 2015
Former Nintendo president and CEO Satoru Iwata had started developing games while in school. He was the first Nintendo president not related to the Yamauchi family and revolutionized the gaming industry by focusing on a blue ocean strategy and introducing products such as the DS dual-screen console and targeting non-gamers.
 23 
Akira Toriyama
(Japanese Manga Artist)
Akira Toriyama
12
Birthdate: April 5, 1955
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture
Died: March 1, 2024

Akira Toriyama is a Japanese character designer and manga artist. The creator of one of the most popular manga series of all time, Dragon Ball, Akira Toriyama is widely considered one of the most influential artists to have changed the history of manga; his creation Dragon Ball is often cited as a source of inspiration by several manga artists.

 24 
Junji Ito
(Japanese Horror Mangaka and Writer)
Junji Ito
13
Birthdate: July 31, 1963
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Gifu, Japan

Junji Ito is a Japanese manga artist known for his horror manga series, such as Tomie, Uzumaki, and Gyo. Tomie has been adapted into a series of Japanese films, while Uzumaki was adapted into a 2000 film of the same name. In 2019, Junji Ito was honored with an Eisner Award for his work. 

 25 
Emperor Meiji
(Emperor of Japan from 1867 to 1912)
Emperor Meiji
5
Birthdate: November 3, 1852
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan
Died: July 30, 1912

Emperor Meiji of Japan presided over the all-round revolutionary transformation of his empire which emerged as a strong force on the global scene during his reign. His policies and actions led to Japan’s rapid growth and ended its isolation from the rest of the world. One of the noted changes during rule was the abolition of special privileges of samurais.

 26 
Hiroo Onoda
(Imperial Japanese Army Intelligence Officer Who Fought in World War II)
Hiroo Onoda
18
Birthdate: March 19, 1922
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Kainan, Wakayama, Japan
Died: January 16, 2014
Hiroo Onoda was a Japanese intelligence officer who had served in World War II and was the penultimate Japanese soldier to surrender. He hid in the Philippines for 29 years, unable to figure out the war had ended, until he was officially relieved from duty. He later wrote an autobiography.
 27 
Masashi Kishimoto
(Manga Artist)
Masashi Kishimoto
22
Birthdate: November 8, 1974
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Nagi, Okayama Prefecture
Japanese manga artist Masashi Kishimoto is best known for creating the manga series Naruto for the Weekly Shōnen Jump magazine. The series eventually led to several anime, video games, and movies, such as Boruto: Naruto the Movie and The Last: Naruto the Movie, supervised by Kishimoto. 
 28 
Rui Hachimura
(Basketball player Power forwarder)
Rui Hachimura
6
Birthdate: February 8, 1998
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Toyama, Japan
Height: 6'8" (203 cm)
 29 
Toyotomi Hideyoshi
(Japanese Samurai)
Toyotomi Hideyoshi
11
Birthdate: March 17, 1537
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Nakamura-ku, Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, Japan
Died: September 18, 1598

Japanese samurai and daimyō Toyotomi Hideyoshi of the Sengoku period, also known as the second Great Unifier of Japan, became the Chancellor of the Realm (Daijō-daijin) and Imperial Regent (kampaku). He constructed the Osaka Castle, banned slavery, and established the Tokugawa class system and the Council of Five Elders.

 30 
Mako Iwamatsu
7
Birthdate: December 10, 1933
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
Died: July 21, 2006

Japanese-American actor Makoto Iwamatsu, or Mako, is remembered for his Academy Award- and Golden Globe-nominated role of Po-Han in The Sand Pebbles. He also appeared in Conan the Barbarian, Conan the Destroyer, and Seven Years in Tibet. He delivered a Tony-nominated performance in Pacific Overtures and co-founded East West Players.

 31 
Yu Darvish
(Japanese Professional Baseball Pitcher)
Yu Darvish
5
Birthdate: August 16, 1986
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Osaka, Japan

Born to a Japanese father and an Iranian mother, Sefat Farid Yu Darvish, better known as Yu Darvish, started playing baseball in second grade. Known for his baseball skills and his 6’5” frame, he is a 4-time All-Star and has played for teams such as the Chicago Cubs and the LA Dodgers.

 32 
Shinji Kagawa
(Japanese Professional Footballer Who Plays as a Midfielder)
Shinji Kagawa
20
Birthdate: March 17, 1989
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Kobe, Japan

Shinji Kagawa is a Japanese footballer who plays as a midfielder. He has the distinction of having played for top-notch European football clubs, such as Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund. Known for agility on the field, Shinji Kagawa is currently part of the Greek club, PAOK Thessaloniki, after his contract with Spanish team, Zaragoza, was terminated. 

 33 
Carlos Ghosn
(Former Chairman and CEO of the Renault–Nissan–Mitsubishi Alliance)
Carlos Ghosn
15
Birthdate: March 9, 1954
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Porto Velho, Rondônia, Brazil

Carlos Ghosn is a French–Lebanese–Brazilian businessman who served as the CEO of Michelin North America. He also served as the chairman and CEO of Nissan and Renault. In 1999, he saved Nissan from near bankruptcy and turned around its fortune. In 2018, he was arrested in Japan for misusing Nissan's assets. He dramatically escaped from the custody is currently an internationally wanted fugitive.

 34 
Antonio Inoki
(Japanese Retired Professional Wrestler and Founder of 'New Japan Pro-Wrestling')
Antonio Inoki
4
Birthdate: November 20, 1943
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Yokohama, Japan
Died: October 1, 2022

Once a reputed Japanese martial artist and wrestler, Antonio Inoki grew up in Brazil, where he won several contests of shot put, discus, and javelin. At 17, he went to the Japanese Wrestling Association and was mentored by Rikidōzan. He later established the New Japan Pro Wrestling.

 35 
Emperor Taishō
(Emperor of Japan from 1912 to 1926)
Emperor Taishō
6
Birthdate: August 31, 1879
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Tokyo, Japann
Died: December 25, 1926

Emperor Taishō was the 123rd Emperor of Japan. He was the son of  Emperor Meiji and Yanagihara Naruko, a concubine. As the eldest living son of the emperor, he was formally named the crown prince in 1888. Upon the death of his father in 1912, he ascended the throne. A sickly man with disabilities, he died at 47.

 36 
Eiichiro Oda
(Japanese manga artist)
Eiichiro Oda
14
Birthdate: January 1, 1975
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Kumamoto, Kumamoto Prefecture

Eiichiro Oda is a Japanese manga artist best known as the creator of the series One Piece. The series is both the best-selling manga and the best-selling comic series of all time. He decided to become a manga artist as a child and began working as an assistant manga artist as a teenager, quickly gaining fame and fortune. 

 37 
Katsushika Hokusai
10
Birthdate: October 31, 1760
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Edo, Tokyo, Japan
Died: May 10, 1849

Katsushika Hokusai was a Japanese printmaker, ukiyo-e painter, and artist of the Edo period. He is best known as the creator of the monumental Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji, a series of landscape prints, which includes the iconic print, The Great Wave off Kanagawa. He is credited with transforming the ukiyo-e art form to include a much broader style of art.

 38 
Kento Yamazaki
32
Birthdate: September 7, 1994
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Itabashi, Tokyo
Japanese actor/model Kento Yamazaki is best known for his performance as L in the series Death Note and as Minato Shindo in Good Doctor, with the latter winning him a Television Drama Academy Award. He also appeared in films such as Orange and previously modeled for Pichi Lemon magazine. 
 39 
Toshiro Mifune
(One of Japan's Greatest Actors Known Actors Who is Known for His Collaboration With Akira Kurosawa)
Toshiro Mifune
7
Birthdate: April 1, 1920
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Qingdao, China
Died: December 24, 1997

Toshiro Mifune was a Japanese actor best known for his collaboration with director Akira Kurosawa. The two worked together for 16 films, most of which are considered cinema classics. In 1986, Mifune was honored with the Medal of Honor with Purple Ribbon. In 2016, he was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

 40 
Brian Tee
(Best Known for His Role as ‘Dr. Ethan Choi’ in the TV Series ‘Chicago Med’)
Brian Tee
9
Birthdate: March 15, 1977
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Okinawa, Japan

Brian Tee is a Japanese American actor. He is best known for playing Dr. Ethan Choi in the popular medical drama TV series, Chicago Med. Tee has reprised his role as Ethan in spin-off series, such as Chicago Fire and Chicago P.D. He has also appeared in popular films like The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift and Jurassic World

 41 
Takumi Minamino
(Japanese Professional Footballer Who Plays as an Attacking Midfielder or Winger)
Takumi Minamino
11
Birthdate: January 16, 1995
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Izumisano, Japan

Inspired by Brazilian footballer Ronaldo, Takumi Minamino decided to make football his career and joined Cerezo Osaka at age 12. The Japanese football star now plays both for the Japanese national team and Liverpool. He has also had a successful stint at the Austrian club Salzburg.

 42 
Osamu Dazai
(Author)
Osamu Dazai
10
Birthdate: June 19, 1909
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Kanagi, Aomori, Goshogawara, Aomori Prefecture, Japan
Died: June 13, 1948

Osamu Dazai was a Japanese author widely regarded as one of the leading writers of fiction of 20th-century Japan. Most of his popular works, such as No Longer Human and The Setting Sun, are regarded as modern-day classics in Japan. Several years after his death, Osamu Dazai continues to be celebrated in Japan, although he is relatively unknown elsewhere.

 43 
Masi Oka
(Best Known for His Roles in the TV Series: ‘Heroes’ and ‘Hawaii Five-0’)
Masi Oka
8
Birthdate: December 27, 1974
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan
Masi Oka soared to fame with his Emmy-nominated and Saturn Award-winning role of Hiro Nakamura in the superhero series Heroes. The Hawaii Five-0 star is a black belt in Japanese fencing and an avid chess player. He is also multilingual and has been a translator at the 1992 Summer Olympics.
 44 
Kazuyoshi Miura
(Football Player Who Plays as a Forward)
Kazuyoshi Miura
15
Birthdate: February 26, 1967
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Shizuoka, Shizuoka, Japan

Kazuyoshi Miura is a professional Japanese footballer for who age is truly just a number. He is above 50 and continues to be an active player , He holds the global record as the oldest player to score a goal in a professional soccer league. Associated with Yokohama FC, he played for Japan’s national team for a decade, scoring 55 goals from 89 matches.

 45 
Masayoshi Son
(Founder, Chairman and CEO of Japanese Holding Company 'SoftBank')
Masayoshi Son
5
Birthdate: August 11, 1957
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Tosu, Saga, Japan

Masayoshi Son is a Japanese technology entrepreneur, philanthropist, and investor. He is credited with founding SoftBank, a popular Japanese holding company, for which he also serves as the chief executive officer. One of the richest men in Japan, Son has pledged to donate $120 million to support the victims affected by the 2011 earthquake off the Pacific coast of Tōhoku.

 46 
Chiune Sugihara
(Diplomat)
Chiune Sugihara
3
Birthdate: January 1, 1900
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Kozuchi Town (now Mino, Gifu Prefecture), Japan
Died: July 31, 1986

Chiune Sugihara was a Japanese diplomat best remembered for helping thousands of Jews flee Europe during the Second World War. He did so by issuing transit visas to the Jews, enabling them to travel through Japanese territory. Sugihara helped the Jews despite knowing that he was risking the lives of his family and his job. 

 47 
Hirohiko Araki
(Japanese Manga Artist Known for His Long-Running Series ‘JoJo's Bizarre Adventure’)
Hirohiko Araki
8
Birthdate: June 7, 1960
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Sendai, Miyagi, Japan

Hirohiko Araki is a Japanese manga artist best known for writing and illustrating the popular manga series JoJo's Bizarre Adventure, which has sold more than 100 million copies in Japan. Also a responsible citizen, Hirohiko Araki drew artwork depicting the Hiraizumi ruins in an attempt to raise awareness of the reconstruction efforts of the ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

 48 
Emperor Jimmu
(Emperor)
Emperor Jimmu
12
Birthdate: February 13, 0712
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Japan
Died: April 9, 0585
Legend has it that the founder of the Imperial dynasty in Japan, Jimmu Tennō, was a descendant of Japanese deity Ninigi, who was the grandson of sun goddess Amaterasu. Japan’s National Foundation Day, February 11, was earlier called Kigensetsu and  celebrated Jimmu's ascension to the throne.
 49 
Osamu Tezuka
(Film director, Film producer, Mangaka, Animator, Physician, Writer, Designer, Screenwriter)
Osamu Tezuka
4
Birthdate: November 3, 1928
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Toyonaka
Died: February 9, 1989

Osamu Tezuka was a Japanese manga artist, cartoonist, animator, and film director. He revolutionized the manga genre in Japan and was lovingly called  "the Godfather of Manga". A prolific artist, he created works for both children and adult-oriented projects. He was the recipient of several awards, including the Winsor McCay Award and the Japan Cartoonists Association Award. 

 50 
Takashi Murakami
(Contemporary Artist Who Is the Founder and President of Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd)
Takashi Murakami
3
Birthdate: February 1, 1962
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Tokyo, Japan

Takashi Murakami is a Japanese contemporary artist who works in both fine arts media and commercial arts media. He is known for blurring the line between “high” and “low” arts. He is the founder of the art production and artist management company Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. He has collaborated with the fashion brand Louis Vuitton as well. 

What’s more, Japanese men have made their presence felt in science as well, with a long list of Nobel Laureates in Physics, Chemistry, Medicine, Physiology and so on. Their technological contributions in the fields of electronics, automobiles, machinery, earthquake engineering, industrial robotics, optics, chemicals, semiconductors and metals are second to none. It is for their contribution that Japan has become a leading nation in scientific research, technology, machinery and biomedical research. To know in details about the life and works of famous Japanese men, read this section.