Pathetic Facts

Japanese movie stars born in 1981

Here are 29 famous actresses from Japan were born in 1981:

Eri Sendai

Eri Sendai (October 30, 1981 Tokyo-) also known as Sendai Eri or Sendai, Eri is a Japanese voice actor and actor.

She started her career in entertainment as a child actor, appearing in various commercials and TV dramas. However, it wasn't until her role as Koyori in the anime series "Burn-Up Excess" that she gained recognition as a voice actor. Since then, she has lent her voice to numerous anime series, video games, and drama CDs, including popular titles such as "The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya," "Puella Magi Madoka Magica," and "Persona 5."

In addition to her voice acting work, Sendai has also acted in live-action TV dramas and films. Her filmography includes "The Raid 2" and "Tokyo Tribe."

Outside of her entertainment career, Sendai is known for her passion for cooking and has even written a cookbook titled "Eri Sendai's Home Cooking - Easy Recipes to Bring Smiles."

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Kou Shibasaki

Kou Shibasaki (August 5, 1981 Toshima-) also known as Shibasaki Kou , Yukie Yamamura, Kô Shibasaki, KOH+, Yamamura Yukie, Rui, Kō Shibasaki or Ko Shibasaki is a Japanese singer and actor.

Kou Shibasaki began her career as a singer in 2002 with her debut single "Trust My Feelings". She went on to release several successful albums and singles, including the theme song "Glory Days" for the anime "Black Butler". In addition to her music career, she has also appeared in numerous films and television dramas. Some of her notable acting roles include the lead role in the film "Go" (2001) and a supporting role in the Japanese remake of "The Ring" (1998). She has won several awards for her acting, including Best Supporting Actress at the Japanese Academy Awards in 2006 for her role in "Chakushin Ari". Shibasaki is known for her versatile talent and has gained a large following in both the music and acting industries.

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Kaori Iida

Kaori Iida (August 8, 1981 Muroran-) also known as Iida Kaori, Kaorin, Johnson, Kao-tan, Johnson Kaorin, Kaoru Iida, いいだかおる, 飯田芳, Iida Kaoru or Kaori Iida is a Japanese singer and actor.

She was one of the first generation members of the popular Japanese girl group, Morning Musume. Iida joined the group in 1997 and was its leader from 2001 to 2005. After leaving Morning Musume in 2005, she pursued a solo music career and released several singles and albums. Iida has also acted in television dramas and musicals, including the popular Japanese musical, "The Prince of Tennis". In addition to her entertainment career, she has written several books and columns, and has been a radio personality and television host. Iida is known for her powerful and versatile singing voice, and her friendly and down-to-earth personality.

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Chieko Higuchi

Chieko Higuchi (January 30, 1981 Mitaka-) also known as Higuchi Chieko or Higuchi, Chieko is a Japanese singer, voice actor and actor.

She began her career in entertainment as a voice actor in 2000, voicing characters in popular anime series such as "Naruto" and "Bleach". In addition to her voice acting work, Higuchi has also released several solo singles and albums as a singer, showcasing her versatile vocal ability. She has also appeared in various television dramas and films, winning critical acclaim for her acting skills. Higuchi is widely regarded as one of the most talented and influential figures in the Japanese entertainment industry, and continues to be active as a performer to this day.

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Mari Hoshino

Mari Hoshino (July 27, 1981 Kamifukuoka-) also known as Hoshino Mari, Mari Takano, Takano Mari or 高野真里 is a Japanese actor.

She began her acting career in 2003, appearing in various TV dramas, films, and stage productions. Some of her notable works include the TV drama series "Water Boys 2," the film "Survive Style 5+", and the stage production "The Cherry Orchard."

Hoshino has also been active in the music industry, releasing her first single "Kaze wo Atsumete" in 2005. She has since released several albums and singles, and has performed live concerts both in Japan and overseas.

Aside from her acting and music career, Hoshino is also known for her philanthropy work. She has been actively involved in charities and fundraising events for various causes, including disaster relief efforts and environmental conservation.

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Yumi Adachi

Yumi Adachi (September 14, 1981 Taitō-) also known as Yumi Hasegawa, 安達祐実, あだちゆみ, Adachi Yumi or Hasegawa Yumi is a Japanese singer, actor, voice actor, model and tarento.

She first rose to fame as a model in the early 2000s and later started her acting career in 2003. Adachi gained popularity with her roles in several popular TV dramas, including "Water Boys", "Bambino!", and "One Million Stars Falling from the Sky". She has also lent her voice to various anime characters, such as Tokine Yukimura in "Kekkaishi" and Yumi Komagata in "Rurouni Kenshin". In addition to her acting and voice acting work, Adachi has released several singles and albums as a singer, and has collaborated with various musicians throughout her career. She continues to be active in the entertainment industry, maintaining a strong following in Japan and overseas.

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Chizuru Ikewaki

Chizuru Ikewaki (November 21, 1981 Higashi-osaka-) a.k.a. Chi-chan or Chiduru Ikewaki is a Japanese actor and voice actor.

She began her career as a child actor and is best known for her role in the 2001 film, "Spirited Away," where she voiced the character, Chihiro Ogino. Ikewaki has also appeared in numerous television dramas, movies, and stage productions throughout her career. She has won several awards for her acting, including the Best Supporting Actress award at the 48th Blue Ribbon Awards for her role in the 2005 film, "The Summer of Ubume." In addition to her acting career, Ikewaki has also lent her voice to various anime series and has worked as a narrator for television programs. She is recognized as one of the most talented and versatile actresses in Japan today.

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Natsumi Abe

Natsumi Abe (August 10, 1981 Muroran-) also known as Abe Natsumi, 千, Sen, プリンちゃん, PURIN-chan, あべなつみ, Nacci, なっち or 安倍なつみ is a Japanese singer and actor.

Abe Natsumi first entered the entertainment industry in 1997 as a member of the all-girl Idol group Morning Musume. She was a member of the group for nearly 10 years, during which she also pursued a solo career. In 2004, she officially graduated from Morning Musume and focused entirely on her solo career.

As a solo artist, Abe Natsumi released several successful albums and singles, and became known for her strong vocals and catchy pop songs. She has also appeared in several television dramas and movies, including the popular drama "Hitotsu Yane no Shita" in 2005.

In addition to her music and acting career, Abe Natsumi is also a well-known television personality and has hosted several shows and variety programs. She is particularly known for her bright and cheerful personality, and her ability to connect with fans.

Throughout her career, Abe Natsumi has remained a beloved figure in the Japanese entertainment industry and has inspired a generation of young fans.

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Mayumi Hidaka

Mayumi Hidaka (May 23, 1981-) is a Japanese actor.

She was born and raised in Tokyo and began her acting career in 1999. Hidaka has appeared in numerous Japanese TV dramas, films, and stage productions. Her breakout role came in the 2002 TV drama "Gokusen", which became a huge hit and garnered her widespread recognition. Hidaka is known for her versatility and has played a wide range of characters throughout her career. In addition to acting, she is also an accomplished singer and has released several albums. Hidaka has won several awards for her performances, including Best Supporting Actress at the 29th Japan Academy Prize for her role in the 2015 film "Strayer's Chronicle".

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Sachiko Katsumata

Sachiko Katsumata (June 24, 1981 Kanagawa Prefecture-) a.k.a. 勝俣幸子 or Katsumata Sachiko is a Japanese actor.

She graduated from Toho Gakuen College of Drama and Music in 2003, and made her acting debut the same year in the stage play "Ikebukuro West Gate Park - the stage -". Sachiko is best known for her roles in Japanese TV dramas such as "Last Friends" (2008), "Doctor X" (2012), and "Bitter Blood" (2014). She has also appeared in numerous stage productions and movies, including "Tokyo Tower" (2005) and "Honey and Clover" (2006). In addition to her acting career, Sachiko is also a skilled dancer and has performed in musicals such as "West Side Story" and "Chicago". She is affiliated with the talent agency Ken-On.

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Rina Uchiyama

Rina Uchiyama (November 7, 1981 Minamiashigara-) otherwise known as Anna Tamai is a Japanese actor.

She began her acting career in 1999 in the TV drama 'Aoi Tokugawa Sandai.' She gained recognition for her role as a high school student in the drama 'Asunaro Hakusho' in 2000. Her breakthrough came in 2001 when she starred in the NHK drama 'Kokoro.' She has since appeared in numerous movies and TV dramas, and has won several awards for her performances. In addition to acting, Uchiyama is also a voice actress and has lent her voice to various anime characters. She has also worked as a model and a singer.

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Maria Yamamoto

Maria Yamamoto (September 11, 1981 Meguro-) also known as Yamamoto Maria or Yamamoto, Maria is a Japanese voice actor, singer, actor and screenwriter.

She is best known for her voice acting roles in popular anime series such as "Sword Art Online", "Fairy Tail", and "Naruto Shippuden". Yamamoto also has an extensive list of acting credits in Japanese television dramas and films, and has released several singles and albums as a singer. In addition, she has written screenplays for both live-action and animated works, showcasing her versatility in the entertainment industry. Outside of her career, Yamamoto is known for her charitable work and has been an advocate for various causes, such as disaster relief and animal rights.

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Rinko Kikuchi

Rinko Kikuchi (January 6, 1981 Hadano-) a.k.a. Yuriko Kikuchi, Kikuchi Rinko, Yukiko Kikuchi or Kikuchi Yuriko is a Japanese actor.

She was born in Hadano, Kanagawa, Japan, and began her acting career at the age of 15 with the Kanagawa-based theater troupe. She rose to international prominence with her role in the 2006 film "Babel", for which she was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, making her the first Japanese actress to be nominated in 50 years. Kikuchi has since appeared in a number of Hollywood and Japanese movies and TV shows, including "Pacific Rim", "47 Ronin", and "The Brothers Bloom". She has won numerous awards for her acting, including Best Supporting Actress awards at the Japan Academy Prize and the National Board of Review. Kikuchi is also a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Development Programme.

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Fumina Hara

Fumina Hara (May 22, 1981 Tokyo-) otherwise known as Hara Fumina, 原史奈, 原史奈 or Hara, Fumina is a Japanese actor and voice actor.

She started her career in 2000, when she was cast as Sayaka Kamizono in the anime "GoGo Sentai Boukenger". She then went on to voice various characters in popular anime series such as "Fairy Tail", "Bleach", and "One Piece". In 2010, she made her acting debut in the TV drama "Jidankoshonin Gota Keshi". She has since appeared in numerous TV dramas and movies, including "GTO", "Tokyo Dogs", and "Unnatural". In addition to her acting career, Hara is also a singer and has released several singles and albums. She is known for her powerful and emotional performances both on screen and on stage.

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Eriko Sato

Eriko Sato (December 19, 1981 Sapporo-) is a Japanese actor.

She began her acting career in 2001 with a small role in the film "Oboreru Sakana" and has since appeared in numerous films and television dramas. Sato gained widespread recognition for her leading role in the 2004 film "Twilight Samurai," which won several awards including Best Actress at the Japan Academy Prize. She has also worked as a voice actress, providing the voice of Disney's Tinker Bell in Japanese dubs of the "Peter Pan" and "Tinker Bell" film series. In addition to acting, Sato is also a trained classical pianist and has performed in concerts across Japan.

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Yumiko Hosono

Yumiko Hosono (June 3, 1981 Saitama Prefecture-) also known as Hosono Yumiko is a Japanese actor, voice acting in japan, voice actor and singer.

She began her career in 2004 as a member of the music group Aice^5. She gained popularity through her role as Kanzaki Urumi in the live-action adaptation of the anime GTO: Great Teacher Onizuka.

Hosono has also lent her voice to various anime series and video games, including as Suzuha Amane in Steins;Gate and Princess Hibana in Fire Force. She has also acted in various TV dramas and films, including the live-action adaptation of the manga Kurosagi and the horror film Tales of Terror: Haunted Apartment.

In addition to her acting career, Hosono has released several solo albums and singles, showcasing her skills as a singer. She has been praised for her powerful and emotional performances on stage.

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Ayaka Kimura

Ayaka Kimura (October 30, 1981 Kobe-) also known as Kimura Ayaka, Ayaka, 木村絢香, Nagate Ayaka, Ayaka Nagate, Ayaka Tanihara or Tanihara Ayaka is a Japanese actor.

She began her career as a member of the Japanese idol group Coconuts Musume in 1999. After the group disbanded in 2008, Ayaka transitioned to acting and has since appeared in numerous films and TV dramas. Some of her notable works include "Hotaru no Hikari", "Isharyou Bengoshi", and "Sumika Sumire". Ayaka is also a trained dancer and has performed in musicals such as "Chicago" and "The Producers." In addition to her entertainment career, Ayaka is a mother of two and actively participates in charity work for children with disabilities.

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Azusa Yamamoto

Azusa Yamamoto (April 24, 1981 Funabashi-) is a Japanese gravure idol, model and actor.

She started her career in 2002 after winning the Miss Magazine gravure idol contest, which catapulted her to fame in Japan. Azusa appeared in numerous magazines and television shows as a gravure idol, gaining popularity for her beauty and charm. In addition to her modeling career, she has also appeared in several Japanese films and TV dramas. Azusa is known for her fitness and healthy lifestyle, and has released several books on health and beauty. She is still active in the entertainment industry and continues to inspire her fans with her positive energy and enthusiasm.

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Nana Katase

Nana Katase (November 7, 1981 Tokyo-) also known as Katase Nana is a Japanese model and actor.

She began her career as a model, making her debut at the age of 17. She then transitioned into the entertainment industry, landing her first acting role in the film "Ju-on: The Grudge 2" in 2003. She has since appeared in numerous films, TV dramas and stage productions, earning critical acclaim for her performances. In addition to her acting work, Katase is also an accomplished singer, having released several albums and singles throughout her career. She has won several awards for her work in the entertainment industry, including the Japan Academy Prize for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the film "Memories of Matsuko" in 2007. Katase is known for her charming personality and her ability to seamlessly transition between different genres and mediums.

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Chisato Morishita

Chisato Morishita (September 1, 1981 Nagoya-) a.k.a. Morishita Chisato or Morichī is a Japanese gravure idol, model, actor, voice actor and japanese idol.

She began her career as a gravure model and gained popularity for her photobooks and DVDs. She has appeared in several magazines, TV shows, and commercials in Japan. Morishita has also acted in movies and TV dramas, including "Kamen Rider Blade" and "Darling wa Gaikokujin". In addition to her acting career, she has also provided voice acting for anime series, such as "Dennou Coil" and "Road to Ninja: Naruto the Movie". She is known for her energetic personality and adorable looks which have made her a beloved figure in Japan's entertainment industry.

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Nao Oikawa

Nao Oikawa (April 21, 1981 Hiroshima-) also known as Oikawa Nao, Oinao, Oichan, Naochi, 及川奈央 or おいかわなお is a Japanese actor, tv personality and pornographic film actor.

Nao Oikawa began her entertainment career in the late 1990s as a gravure idol, appearing in magazines and videos. She then transitioned into mainstream acting, starring in TV dramas and films. However, in 2001 she also started to perform in adult films under the stage name Nao Oikawa, and quickly became one of the most popular actresses in the industry. Despite her success in pornography, Oikawa continued to work in mainstream entertainment, hosting TV programs and appearing in movies. In 2009, she retired from the adult film industry and started her own AV company, Oika Productions. In recent years, Oikawa has become a target of internet memes due to her striking looks and unique fashion sense.

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Ai Shimizu

Ai Shimizu (March 26, 1981 Tokyo-) also known as Shimizu, Ai or Shimizu Ai is a Japanese singer, voice actor and actor.

She is affiliated with the talent agency Sony Music Artists. Shimizu debuted as a voice actor in 2000, and some of her notable roles include Rena Ryugu in "Higurashi no Naku Koro ni", Miko Saegusa in "K-On!", and Connie Springer in "Attack on Titan". In addition to her voice acting work, Shimizu has also released several music albums and has performed theme songs for anime series. She made her acting debut in 2010 with the drama series "Naka nai to Kimeta Hi" and has since appeared in a number of TV dramas and films. Shimizu is also known for her passion for motorsport and has competed in various racing events.

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Hitomi Kurihara

Hitomi Kurihara (September 2, 1981 Ibaraki Prefecture-) a.k.a. Kurihara Hitomi is a Japanese actor.

She began her career in 2001 in the television drama "Psychometrer Eiji" and has since appeared in numerous TV dramas, movies, and stage productions. Kurihara is best known for her role as Yukiho Kosuge in the horror movie "The Ring 2." She has also starred in several popular Japanese TV dramas such as "Jiku Keisatsu" and "Yonimo Kimyona Monogatari." In addition to her acting career, Kurihara has lent her voice to various anime series and video games.

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Erika Okuda

Erika Okuda (February 24, 1981 Tokyo-) is a Japanese actor.

She started her acting career in 2001 with a role in the popular Japanese drama series "Long Love Letter". Since then, she has appeared in several other TV dramas, films and stage productions, gaining critical acclaim for her performances. In 2009, she won the Best Supporting Actress award at the 32nd Japan Academy Prize for her role in the film "Sunao ni Narenakute". Okuda is also known for her voice acting work in popular anime series such as "Naruto" and "One Piece". Outside of her acting career, Okuda is actively involved in various charitable organizations, and supports causes related to animal welfare and environmental conservation.

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Yurin

Yurin (June 18, 1981 Kure-) also known as Naito Chiaki or Chiaki Naito is a Japanese singer, actor and voice actor.

He is best known as the lead vocalist of the Japanese pop rock band, T.M.Revolution. Yurin started his career as a solo artist in the late 1990s, but gained immense popularity after the release of T.M.Revolution’s debut single “Dokusai -monopolize-” in 1996. He has released numerous solo albums, as well as collaborated with other artists in the Japanese music industry.

Aside from his music career, Yurin has also ventured into acting and voice acting. He has appeared in various Japanese dramas and films, and has voiced characters in popular anime shows, including Mobile Suit Gundam Seed and Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion.

Yurin is known for his powerful vocals, high-energy performances, and unique fashion sense. He has won numerous awards for his contributions to the Japanese music industry, and continues to be a beloved figure in both the music and entertainment world.

Machiko Ono

Machiko Ono (November 4, 1981 Nishiyoshino, Nara-) a.k.a. Ono Machiko is a Japanese actor.

Ono Machiko graduated from the Literature Department at Waseda University. After graduating, she pursued a career in acting and made her acting debut in the NHK drama series "Churasan" in 2001. She has appeared in numerous films and television dramas, and has won several awards for her performances, including the Best Actress award at the 30th Japan Academy Prize for her role in the film "Bakuman". She is also known for her voice acting work, and has voiced character roles in anime such as "Detective Conan" and "Black Butler". In addition to her acting career, Ono Machiko is also actively involved in supporting various charitable causes, particularly those related to education and children's welfare.

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Chiharu Niiyama

Chiharu Niiyama (January 14, 1981 Aomori-) otherwise known as Chiharu Nîyama or Chiharu Niyama is a Japanese model and actor. She has one child, Koharu Niiyama.

Chiharu Niiyama started her career as a gravure idol and gained popularity in Japan during the early 2000s with her appearances in magazines and television shows. She then ventured into acting and made her debut in the movie "Gun Crazy: Episode 2" in 2002. She later appeared in several popular TV dramas such as "Water Boys 2" and "Good Luck!!".

In addition to her acting career, Chiharu Niiyama has also worked as a singer and released a few singles in Japan. She has also appeared in several stage productions and has been active in theater since 2006.

Unfortunately, Chiharu Niiyama passed away on February 22, 2021 at the age of 40 due to pneumonia. Her sudden death shocked and saddened many of her fans and colleagues in the entertainment industry.

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Megumi

Megumi (September 25, 1981 Kurashiki-) also known as Megumi Furuya, Megumi Yamano, Jin or Yamano Megumi is a Japanese actor, singer and model.

She began her career as a model, appearing in several fashion magazines and commercials. Megumi made her acting debut in 2001 in the drama series "Kabachitare!" and has since appeared in numerous TV dramas and films. Her notable works include "Crows Zero" (2007) and "GTO: Great Teacher Onizuka" (2012). In addition to acting, Megumi has released several singles and albums as a singer, often performing theme songs for the projects she stars in. She is also known for her charity work, having supported various causes such as disaster relief and the fight against leukemia. With a career spanning over two decades, Megumi has become a beloved figure in Japanese entertainment industry.

Chie Tanaka

Chie Tanaka (August 17, 1981 Tokyo-) also known as 田中千絵, Tanaka Chie or C. Tanaka is a Japanese model, actor and voice actor.

She started her career as a model before branching out into acting and voice acting. She has appeared in a number of Japanese television dramas and movies, as well as lending her voice to various anime and video game projects. Some of her notable roles include voicing Megumi Yamamoto in the anime series "Special A" and Yuzuki Eba in the anime series "A Town Where You Live". In addition to her work in the entertainment industry, Tanaka is also involved in various charitable activities and has worked with organizations such as UNICEF and the Japanese Red Cross.

Read more about Chie Tanaka on Wikipedia »