Japanese movie stars born in 1980
Here are 28 famous actresses from Japan were born in 1980:
Maaya Sakamoto
Maaya Sakamoto (March 31, 1980 Itabashi-) also known as Sakamoto Maaya, Maya Sakamoto or Sakamoto Maya is a Japanese lyricist, actor, voice actor, singer-songwriter, singer, radio personality and essayist.
Maaya Sakamoto began her career as a voice actress in 1992, when she was just 12 years old. Her breakthrough role came in 1998, when she played the lead character in the anime series "Escaflowne." In addition to her voice acting work, she has released over 15 albums as a singer and has performed theme songs for numerous anime and video games, including "Evangelion," "Tsubasa Chronicle," and "Final Fantasy." She has also acted in live-action films and television dramas. In 2013, she wrote her first novel, "The Birth of a Prodigal Son," which became a bestseller in Japan. She continues to be a prominent figure in the Japanese entertainment industry, admired for her versatile talents and contribution to popular culture.
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Ryoko Hirosue
Ryoko Hirosue (July 18, 1980 Totsuka-ku, Yokohama-) a.k.a. Hirosue Ryoko, Hirosue Ryouko, Ryoko, Ryoko Okazawa, Hirosue, Ryoko, Ryouko Hirosue, Ryōko Hirosue, Hirosue Ryōko or Ryôko Hirosue is a Japanese singer and actor.
She started her career as a model in the late 1990s, and made her acting debut in the TV drama "Heart ni S" in 1995. Her breakthrough role came in 1998 with the lead part in the hit movie "Shall We Dance?", which became a cultural phenomenon in Japan and helped establish Hirosue as one of the country's leading actresses. In addition to her acting career, she has released several music albums and singles, and has won multiple awards for her work in both acting and music. Outside of Japan, she is also known for her role in the international movie "Wasabi" (2001), directed by Luc Besson and starring Jean Reno. In recent years, Hirosue has taken a break from acting to focus on her family, but has made occasional appearances in films and TV dramas.
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Yūko Takeuchi
Yūko Takeuchi (April 1, 1980 Urawa-) otherwise known as Yuko Takeuchi or Takeuchi Yuko is a Japanese actor.
She began her career as a model before making her acting debut in 1996. She first gained recognition for her role in the TV drama "Asuka" in 1999. Since then, she has starred in numerous television dramas and movies, including "Pride", "Flashforward", and "The Ring". Takeuchi has been nominated for and won several awards for her performances, including the Best Actress award at the 31st Japanese Academy Awards for her role in the film "Yomigaeri". She was also known for her advocacy for mental health awareness, and her death in 2020 was a shock to her fans as well as the Japanese entertainment industry.
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Mamiko Noto
Mamiko Noto (February 6, 1980 Kanazawa-) also known as Noto Mamiko is a Japanese voice actor, singer and actor.
She is best known for her roles in anime series such as “Elfen Lied” as Yuka, “Hell Girl” as Ai Enma, and “K-On!” as Sawako Yamanaka. Noto started her career as a voice actor in 2001 and has since voiced numerous characters in various genres. In addition to voice acting, she has also released multiple singles and albums as a singer. Noto has also appeared in live-action television dramas and films such as “Detective Conan” and “Gintama.” She is represented by the talent agency Aoni Production.
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Yūko Kaida
Yūko Kaida (January 14, 1980 Kawasaki-) a.k.a. Yûko Kaida, Kaida Yūko, Yuko kaida or Yuuko Kaida is a Japanese voice actor, actor and model.
She is affiliated with Ken Production. Some of her most notable voice roles in anime include Riza Hawkeye in Fullmetal Alchemist, Shimei Ryomou in Ikki Tousen, Tataru in Final Fantasy XIV, and Kiriko Nananan in Nana. In addition to her voice acting career, Kaida has also acted in live-action dramas, including the TV series Hospital Ship and the film Shinzanmono. She has also done modeling work, such as appearing in the fashion magazine JILLE.
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Reika Hashimoto
Reika Hashimoto (December 25, 1980 Tokyo-) is a Japanese model and actor.
She started her modeling career in the early 2000s, working for various prestigious clothing brands and appearing in several magazines. Her breakthrough in acting came with her role in the drama series "Kinpachi-sensei" in 2011. Since then, she has appeared in numerous TV dramas, movies, and theater performances in Japan. In 2018, she won the Best Supporting Actress award for her role in the movie "River's Edge" at the 41st Japan Academy Prize. In addition to her career on screen, Hashimoto is actively involved in a variety of charitable causes, including animal welfare and environmental conservation. She has also written several books, including an essay collection and a cookbook.
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Kei Yasuda
Kei Yasuda (December 6, 1980 Futtsu-) a.k.a. Yasuda, Kei, Yasuda Kei, Kei-chan or Kemeko is a Japanese singer, actor and musician.
She first rose to fame as a member of the girl group Morning Musume, which she joined in 1998 as a third generation member. During her time in the group, Yasuda was known for her bright and energetic personality, as well as her powerful vocals.
After leaving Morning Musume in 2003, Yasuda pursued a solo singing career, releasing several albums and singles. She also appeared in numerous television dramas and variety shows, showcasing her talents as both an actress and a personality.
In addition to her music and acting careers, Yasuda is also an accomplished musician and has demonstrated her skills as a pianist and guitarist. She continues to be a popular figure in Japanese entertainment, with a dedicated fanbase that appreciates her many talents and contributions to the industry.
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Ayumi Ito
Ayumi Ito (April 14, 1980 Tokyo-) otherwise known as Itō Ayumi, 伊藤歩 or いとう あゆみ is a Japanese actor and singer.
She first gained attention as a member of the Japanese idol group Speed, which disbanded in 2000. After pursuing solo music for some time, Ito turned her focus to acting and has appeared in numerous films, television dramas, and stage productions. Some of her notable roles include the lead in the TV drama "The Queen's Classroom" and a supporting role in the film "Shin Godzilla". Ito has also been recognized for her voice acting work in anime, most notably as the voice of Kusanagi Motoko in the Japanese dub of "Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex". In addition to her entertainment career, Ito is also an accomplished author, having published several books including a collection of essays and a novel.
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Tomoko Tabata
Tomoko Tabata (December 26, 1980 Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-) also known as Tabata Tomoko is a Japanese actor and voice actor.
Tabata started her career as a child actor in 1987, and made her first voice acting role as Jessica in the Japanese dub of the American animated series "Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends" in 1988. She has since appeared in various Japanese TV dramas, films, and stage productions, as well as lending her voice to numerous anime series and video games. Some of her notable roles include Yuri in "Dirty Pair: Project Eden", Haruka Shitow in "RahXephon", Yoriko Yasuzumi in "The Promised Neverland", and Lyria in "Granblue Fantasy: The Animation". Tabata is affiliated with Amuleto talent agency and is also a founding member of the theater company "Tenten".
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Hiromi Oshima
Hiromi Oshima (January 6, 1980 Tokyo-) is a Japanese model and actor.
She is best known for being the Playboy Playmate of the Month for June 2004 and also for being the first Japanese Playmate of the Year in 2005. Hiromi has modeled for various magazines over the years, including Maxim, FHM, and Seventeen. She has also appeared in several TV shows and movies, including "The Girls Next Door," "Deal or No Deal," and "Hooters 2012 International Swimsuit Pageant". Hiromi has also done charitable work, participating in events for breast cancer and disaster relief. In her personal life, she enjoys cooking, yoga, and traveling.
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Chisato Amate
Chisato Amate (December 16, 1980 Fukuoka Prefecture-) is a Japanese singer and actor.
She began her career as a member of the Japanese group PHY, which debuted in 2001. Amate became known for her powerful vocals and her skills as a dancer. In 2003, she left PHY to pursue a solo career.
As a solo artist, Amate has released several successful albums and singles, and has also acted in a number of television dramas and films. Her most famous role was in the 2007 drama "Life," which earned her critical acclaim for her performance.
Amate is also known for her philanthropic work, particularly her support of children's charities. She has donated her time and money to several organizations, and has even founded her own charity to help children in need.
In addition to her music and acting career, Amate is also a talented writer. She has published several books, including a collection of short stories and a novel. Her writing is known for its humor, insight, and keen observation of human behavior.
Overall, Chisato Amate is a multi-talented artist who has achieved success in several different fields. Her creativity, hard work, and dedication have made her one of Japan's most beloved entertainers.
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Waka Inoue
Waka Inoue (May 13, 1980 Shibuya-) is a Japanese gravure idol, model and actor.
She began her career as a gravure model in the late 1990s and quickly gained popularity with her cute and charming looks. In addition to her modeling career, she has appeared in several TV dramas and films in Japan. Inoue has also released several photobooks and DVDs, which have been popular among her fans. She is known for her bubbly personality and infectious smile, and has been an ambassador for various brands and charities. In her personal life, Inoue is known to be a cat lover and enjoys playing video games in her free time.
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Rena Tanaka
Rena Tanaka (May 22, 1980 Kurume-) also known as Lena Tanaka or Tanaka Rena is a Japanese actor and tv personality.
She began her career as a model in the late 1990s before transitioning into acting in the early 2000s. Tanaka gained widespread recognition for her role in the 2002 film "Vibrator," which received critical acclaim and numerous awards. Since then, she has appeared in various films and television dramas, including "Survive Style 5+" and "71: Into the Fire." In addition to her acting career, Tanaka has also hosted several television shows and worked as a voice actress. She has been nominated for multiple awards for her performances, including the Japanese Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. Outside of her professional life, Tanaka is actively involved in animal welfare and has served as a spokesperson for several campaigns promoting animal rights.
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Maho Nonami
Maho Nonami (May 13, 1980 Tokyo-) otherwise known as Nonami Maho is a Japanese actor.
She began her acting career at the age of 12 and has since appeared in numerous TV dramas, films, and stage productions. Nonami is best known for her role as Ayumi Hamasaki in the biographical film "Ayu no Sora" (2006), for which she received critical acclaim.
Aside from acting, Nonami is also a published author, with her debut novel "The Virgin Blue" released in 2008. She has since released several more novels, including "Yogisha no Koe" (2011) and "The Hidden Child" (2016). In 2017, she won the prestigious Naoki Prize for her novel "Tsubakiyama Kacho no Nanokakan."
Nonami is also known for her philanthropic work, particularly her advocacy for children with disabilities. She has worked with several organizations to raise awareness and funds for children with special needs and has also served as an ambassador for the Make-a-Wish Foundation.
In 2020, Nonami was appointed as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Development Programme, where she has focused on promoting gender equality and empowering women and girls.
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Friedia Niimura
Friedia Niimura (February 19, 1980 Munich-) a.k.a. フリーディア, Friedia, 新村 フリーディア, にいむら ふりーでぃあ, Niimura Friedia, こずえ 鈴, こずえ りん, Rin Kozue or Kozue Rin is a Japanese singer, model, fashion model and actor.
She was born in Munich, Germany to a Japanese father and German mother. Friedia grew up bilingual, speaking both Japanese and German. She began her career as a model in Tokyo and gained popularity as a fashion model in Japan. She later ventured into singing and acting, releasing her first single "Neko" in 2006.
Friedia has since released several albums and singles, and has also acted in various TV dramas and films in Japan. She is known for her unique blend of pop, electronic, and rock music, and her songs often feature lyrics in both Japanese and English.
In addition to her entertainment career, Friedia is also a passionate animal rights activist and has been involved in promoting animal welfare and conservation efforts in Japan.
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Kanako Enomoto
Kanako Enomoto (September 29, 1980 Tokyo-) is a Japanese actor, model and radio personality.
She began her career as a gravure model, appearing in magazines such as Young Magazine and FLASH. Enomoto later expanded her career to acting, with roles in television dramas such as "Gokusen 2" and "Koizora." She has also worked as a voice actress for video games and anime series, including the popular game "Dead or Alive" and the anime "Godannar." In addition to her entertainment career, Enomoto is a trained classical pianist and has released several albums showcasing her musical abilities. She also hosts her own radio show called "Kanako Enomoto's Music Letter." Enomoto is known for her energetic personality and positive attitude, and has gained a loyal following of fans throughout her career.
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Rika Morinaga
Rika Morinaga (April 25, 1980 Tokyo-) a.k.a. Morinaga Rika or Morinaga, Rika is a Japanese singer, voice actor and actor.
She began her music career in 1999 as a member of the J-Pop girl group Folder 5, and later went on to pursue a solo career. In addition to her music career, Morinaga has also lent her voice to various anime and video game characters, including Tsugumi Harudori in "Soul Eater Not!", Asagi Aiba in "Strike the Blood", and Aigis in "Persona 3".
Morinaga has also made appearances in live-action TV dramas and stage productions, notably playing the lead role in the stage adaptation of the manga "Hot Gimmick". Outside of her entertainment work, she has also worked as a radio personality and served as a goodwill ambassador for the city of Yokohama.
Morinaga is known for her powerful vocals and upbeat musical style, and has gained a dedicated fan following both in Japan and internationally.
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Aya Endo
Aya Endo (February 17, 1980 Yamagata Prefecture-) otherwise known as Endo Aya, Aya Endoh, Endou Aya, Endoh Aya, Aya Endou, Aya Endô, 遠藤 綾 or Endō Aya is a Japanese voice actor and actor.
She is affiliated with the agency, Pro-Fit. Endo is known for voicing various characters in anime and video games, including Miyuki Takara in Lucky Star, Sheryl Nome in Macross Frontier, and Kurisu Makise in Steins;Gate. She has also provided voices for characters in popular video game franchises such as Tales of Symphonia, Final Fantasy, and Fire Emblem. In addition to her voice acting work, Endo has also made appearances in several live-action TV dramas and stage productions. She has won several awards for her voice acting performances, including the Best Supporting Actress Award at the 15th Seiyu Awards in 2021.
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Samaire Armstrong
Samaire Armstrong (October 31, 1980 Tokyo-) also known as Samaire Rhys Armstrong or Sasa is a Japanese actor, fashion designer and fashion model. She has one child, Calin Armstrong.
Samaire Armstrong is best known for her role as Anna Stern on the popular TV series "The O.C." She got her start in acting with a small role in the film "Not Another Teen Movie" before landing her breakout role in "The O.C." Following the success of the show, Armstrong went on to appear in other popular TV series such as "Entourage," "Dirty Sexy Money," and "Resurrection." She also pursued a career in fashion, launching her own fashion line in 2010. Despite her success in both acting and fashion, Armstrong has faced personal struggles over the years, including battles with addiction and mental health issues. She has been open about her struggles and has used her platform to raise awareness on these important issues.
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Arisa Ogasawara
Arisa Ogasawara (September 30, 1980 Tokyo-) also known as Ogasawara Arisa is a Japanese actor and voice actor.
She started her career in entertainment as a child actor, appearing in television dramas and commercials. Ogasawara then transitioned into voice acting, lending her voice to various anime series and video games. Some of her notable roles include the character of Hestia in the anime series "Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?" and the character of Yuki Kusakabe in the anime film "A Silent Voice". In addition to her voice acting work, Ogasawara has also acted in live-action films and stage productions.
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Kayoko Shibata
Kayoko Shibata (February 21, 1980 Kanagawa Prefecture-) is a Japanese actor.
She began her acting career in the late 1990s, appearing in television dramas and films in Japan. She gained recognition for her roles in the films "Harmful Insect" (2001) and "A Gentle Breeze in the Village" (2007), both of which received critical acclaim. Shibata has also acted in numerous stage productions, including the Japanese version of the play "Closer" by Patrick Marber. In addition to her acting career, she is also known for her work as a radio personality and writer. Shibata has won several awards for her performances, including the Best Supporting Actress award at the Yokohama Film Festival in 2001.
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Mariya Yamada
Mariya Yamada (March 5, 1980 Aichi Prefecture-) also known as 山田 まりや or Yamada Mariya is a Japanese actor.
She started her career as a child actor, appearing in various commercials and TV dramas. In 2001, she made her film debut in the horror-comedy "Scarecrow". She has since appeared in a number of popular Japanese films and TV dramas, including "The Queen's Classroom" and "Gokusen 2". In addition to acting, Yamada also works as a radio personality, and has hosted several radio shows. Outside of her career, she is known for her love of animals, and has worked with animal welfare organizations to promote the adoption of rescue animals.
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Noriko Eguchi
Noriko Eguchi (April 28, 1980 Hyōgo Prefecture-) a.k.a. Tokuko Eguchi is a Japanese actor.
She began her acting career in 2005 when she made her debut appearance in the film "Black Kiss". Since then, she has appeared in numerous Japanese films, television dramas, and stage productions. Eguchi gained critical acclaim for her lead role in the film "Sakuran," for which she was nominated for Best Actress at the 2007 Asian Film Awards. She is known for her versatility and range as an actress, having played a variety of roles in genres ranging from comedy to horror. In addition to acting, Eguchi is also a popular model and has worked with several brands in Japan. She continues to be one of Japan's most admired and sought-after actresses.
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Fujiko
Fujiko (March 5, 1980 Imari-) also known as Reiko Matsuo or Reo Matsuo is a Japanese model and actor.
Fujiko began her career as a model, appearing in various magazines and advertisements. She then transitioned to acting, starting off with small roles in television dramas and movies. Her breakthrough role came in the hit film "Battle Royale" (2000), where she played the character of Mayumi Tendo.
Since then, Fujiko has gone on to act in numerous films and TV shows, becoming a popular and sought-after talent in the Japanese entertainment industry. She has received critical acclaim for her performances in films such as "Helter Skelter" (2012) and "The Light Shines Only There" (2014).
Aside from her acting career, Fujiko is also known for her philanthropic efforts. She has been actively involved in various charitable causes, particularly those that focus on improving the lives of women and children in Japan.
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Eiko Koike
Eiko Koike (November 20, 1980 Setagaya-) is a Japanese gravure idol, model and actor.
She began her gravure career in 1998 at the age of 18 and became one of the most popular gravure idols in the late 90s and early 2000s. In addition to her gravure work, Koike has also appeared in various TV dramas and films, such as "Battle Royale II: Requiem" and "Upstart."
In 2005, Koike was named one of the "Top Ten Most Beautiful Women in Japan" by Japanese magazine Young Sunday. She has also been featured in various magazines and photo books, as well as on TV variety shows and commercials.
Outside of her career as an entertainer, Koike is known for her love of animals and has been actively involved in animal rights activism. She has also participated in charity events and volunteer work.
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Candace Kita
Candace Kita (December 27, 1980 Los Angeles-) also known as Candace Camille Bender, Candace Bender or Candi Kita is a Japanese model, actor, radio personality, author, writer and flautist.
She is best known for her role as the character "Miko Tan" in the hit video game "Dead or Alive Xtreme Beach Volleyball." Kita has also modeled for various magazines and companies, including Maxim and Budweiser. In addition to her modeling and acting career, Kita is also a talented musician and has played the flute for over 20 years. She has released her own music album titled "Fluteus Maximus" which showcases her skills as a flautist. In 2013, Kita authored the book "The Hottie Handbook: A Girl's Guide to Safety," which provides tips and advice for women on how to stay safe in various situations. She has also worked as a radio personality for KTLK and KLSX radio stations in Los Angeles.
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Nahoko Kinoshita
Nahoko Kinoshita (November 13, 1980 Osaka Prefecture-) is a Japanese voice actor and actor.
She began her career in voice acting in 2007 when she landed her first role as Tamao Suzumi in the anime series "Strawberry Panic!". Since then, she has voiced several characters in various anime series such as Isumi Saginomiya in "Hayate the Combat Butler", Aiko Kudou in "Baka and Test", and Kaori Miyazono in "Your Lie in April".
In addition to her work in voice acting, Kinoshita has also appeared in TV dramas and stage plays. She has acted in dramas such as "Gachi Baka!", "Piece Vote", and "Doctor-X". Her stage work includes roles in "Fujinbutsu" and "Sono Omokage o Shitteru".
Kinoshita is affiliated with the talent agency I'm Enterprise and has been nominated for a few awards for her voice acting work, including the Best Supporting Actress Award at the 14th Seiyu Awards.
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Hitomi Katayama
Hitomi Katayama (September 22, 1980 Fukuoka-) is a Japanese actor.
Born and raised in Fukuoka, Japan, Hitomi Katayama began her acting career in the late 1990s. She has appeared in numerous Japanese films and TV dramas, including "Waterboys," "Pika**nchi Life Is Hard Dakedo Happy," and "The Last Cop." Katayama is also known for her voice acting work in popular anime series such as "Dragon Ball Super" and "One Piece." In addition to acting, she is also a singer and has released several albums and singles. She is admired for her versatile acting skills, and has won several awards for her performances.
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