Advanced search

Kaho Minami was born in Hyogo, Japan and is of third-generation Korean descent. She graduated from Toho Gakuen College of Drama & Music in Tokyo, Japan.

While attending college, Minami auditioned for the first time and got the main role in her debut film, Kohei Oguri's "For Kanako" (1984). Soon after, Minami played the main role on TBS television's drama series in 1985. Her stage play debut was as Juliet in "Romeo & Juliet" directed by Tamasaburo Bando, the legendary Kabuki actor. In the many decades following, she has appeared in numerous projects that span across the theater, movies, television dramas, in both main and supporting roles. She starred in many films by various filmmakers including Gakuryu Ishii's "Angel Dust" (1994), Masayuki Ochiai's Horror film "Infection" (2004), Tian Zhuangzhuang's "The Go Master" (2006), and Kazuyoshi Kumakiri's "Sketches of Kaitan City" (2010) .

In private, Minami had married actor Ken Watanabe from 2005 until 2018. She focuses on various volunteer projects including the enlightenment activities of sharing her own experience as a breast cancer survivor. She is regarded as one of the most powerful players who influence many Japanese females.

Other notable appearances internationally are "Oh, Lucy!" (2018) with actor Josh Hartnett, "Gensan Punch" (2022) by Philippines' master, Brillante Mendoza and "Pachinko" (2022, Apple TV+drama) based on Min Jin Lee's original book.

Hitoshi Matsumoto and his childhood friend Masatoshi Hamada teamed up as comedy duo Downtown. When they had their own TV shows in late 80s, they became phenomenal pop culture among young Japanese people. Unlike other comedy duos in Japan, they are still together, and they dominate prime time TV shows in Japan. They are most notably famous for their yearly "batsu" TV special aired on New Years Eve from 18:30 - 00:00 that has been running for 10 consecutive years which gained a large following internationally via YouTube.

Satoru Matsuo was born on 7 December 1975 in Amagasaki, Japan. He is an actor, known for Shin Godzilla (2016), Attack on Titan Part 1 (2015) and Anime Fan Tom (2010).

Hideo Nishimaki was born on 25 July 1940 in Amagasaki, Hyogo, Japan. Hideo is a director, known for Jetter Mars (1977), Gatchaman (1972) and Astro Boy (1963).

Masatoshi Hamada and his childhood friend Hitoshi Matsumoto teamed up as comedy duo Downtown. When they had their own TV shows in late 80s, they became phenomenal pop culture among young Japanese people. Unlike other comedy duos in Japan, they are still together, and they dominate prime time TV shows in Japan.

Asami Tano was born on 12 February 1987 in Amagasaki, Hyogo, Japan. She is an actress, known for One Piece (1999), Dream 9 Toriko x One Piece x Dragon Ball Z Super Collaboration Special!! (2013) and Kumiko, The Treasure Hunter (2014).

Ryô Matsuda was born on 13 September 1991 in Amagasaki, Hyogo, Japan. He is an actor, known for Kamen Rider Gaim (2013), Kamen Rider Movie War Full Throttle: Kamen Rider vs. Kamen Rider Drive & Gaim (2014) and Kamen Rider Movie War the Fateful Sengoku Battle: Kamen Rider vs. Kamen Rider Gaim & Wizard (2013).

Tatsuo Inoue was born on 8 November 1941 in Amagasaki, Hyogo, Japan. He was an actor, known for 0.5 mm (2014), Nichiyô owarai gekijô (1962) and Welcome! (2009). He died on 5 October 2016 in Nishinomiya, Hyôgo, Japan.

Shôta Matsushima was born on 26 December 1990 in Amagasaki, Hyogo, Japan. He is an actor, known for Kamen Rider Drive (2014), Kamen Rider Movie War Full Throttle: Kamen Rider vs. Kamen Rider Drive & Gaim (2014) and Kamen Rider Drive: Surprise Future (2015).

Yoshiko Ôta was born on 25 April 1932 in Amagasaki, Hyogo, Japan. She was an actress, known for Super Electronic Bioman (1984), Doraemon (1979) and Doraemon (1973). She was married to Osamu Saka. She died on 29 October 2021 in Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan.

Yuma Nakakita was born on 7 February 2004 in Amagasaki, Hyogo, Japan. He is an actor, known for Dr. Chocolate (2023), &TEAM: Scent of you (2022) and &TEAM: Maybe (2024).

Hachirô Oka was born in Amagasaki in the Hyogo Prefecture, Japan. He is a comedy entertainer turned actor. He is notable for his comic roles and varied character performances. In 1960 he formed a comedy duo with Shiro Amakusa. He performed stand-up comedy and short sketches. He became a character actor for Toei Studios in the 60s often playing minor villains or farcical comedic characters. He appeared in the emerging 'pinky violence' and exploitation style of films popular in the 60s and 70s such as: 'Confessions of Lady Mantis ', 'Sex and Fury' and the 'Lady Boss (Sukeban)' films. One of his last big roles was in the Takashi Miike film 'Osaka Tough Guys'. He suffered from many health problems. In 1993 he contracted gastric cancer which he managed to overcome after medication and a recovery process. He was also an alcoholic for many years - this was overcome with help from his family. In 1995 he developed acute pancreatitis. He suffered a brain concussion in 1996, which made it difficult for him to remember his lines - this was a factor in his decision to retire from both comedy and acting. In 2005 he died in an Amagasaki hospital from pneumonia and respiratory problems. He has a big fan base in Japan and his comedy routines are regarded as classic by many followers.

Jôji Shimaki was born on 13 September 1946 in Amagasaki, Hyogo, Japan. He is an actor, known for Black Rain (1989), Mind Game (2004) and Koko ni irukoto (2001).

Kamui Kobayashi was born on 13 September 1986 in Amagasaki, Hyogo, Japan.

Seijin Noborikawa was born on 12 November 1930 in Amagasaki, Hyogo, Japan. He was an actor, known for Hotel Hibiscus (2002) and Nabbie's Love (1999). He died on 19 March 2013 in Okinawa-ken, Okinawa, Japan.

Kôjin Karatani was born on 16 August 1941 in Amagasaki, Hyogo, Japan.

Ayuki Hashimoto was born on 21 January 1978 in Amagasaki, Japan.

Lucas Tsuyoshi Honda was born on 15 September 2002 in Amagasaki, Japan.

Hiroshi Morie was born on 22 January 1968 in Amagasaki, Hyogo, Japan. He was an actor, known for X Japan: Longing - Togireta Melody (1995), We Are X (2016) and Hey! Hey! Hey! Music Champ (1994). He died in October 2023 in Japan.

Ryôhei Nakao was born on 24 July 1980 in Amagasaki, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan. He is an actor, known for Dynasty Warriors 8 (2013), Dynasty Warriors 5 (2005) and Dynasty Warriors 5: Xtreme Legends (2005).

Ritsu Doan was born on 16 June 1998 in Amagasaki, Hyogo, Japan.

Ai Ohkawa was born on 17 July 1993 in Amagasaki, Hyogo, Japan. She is an actress, known for Ouran High School Host Club (2011), The Flying Publicist (2013) and Otona joshikai (2016).

Ramo Nakajima was born on 3 April 1952 in Amagasaki, Hyogo, Japan. He was a writer and actor, known for Lie lie Lie (1997), Nezu no ban (2005) and Ramo Trip (2012). He died on 26 July 2004 in Kobe, Japan.

Ayumi Karino was born on 6 November 1984 in Amagasaki, Hyogo, Japan.