Miho Shimizu is a Japanese freelance writer settled in Shizuoka with her husband and two rabbits. Fascinated with traveling at the age of 18, she has spent most of her long holidays exploring incredible spots around Japan. She also loves to listen to music, draw, and read novels over a cup of green tea.
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Japan boasts a great number of world-famous athletes who fascinate and captivate sports fans around the globe with their outstanding skills and talent. Some rank among the best players in the world and have consecutively won international competitions and championships, and some have been chosen for Japan’s national team and competed with top athletes from other countries at the Olympics. Who are the most well known Japanese athletes and what sports do they play? Read on for a list of some of Japan’s most famous athletes!
- 1. Ohtani Shohei (大谷翔平)
- 2. Hachimura Rui (八村塁)
- 3. Osaka Naomi (大阪なおみ)
- 4. Nishikori Kei (錦織圭)
- 5. Hanyu Yuzuru (羽生結弦)
- 6. Matsuyama Hideki (松山英樹)
- 7. Matsuzaka Daisuke (松坂大輔)
- 8. Suzuki Ichiro (鈴木 一朗)
- 9. Hakuhou Shou (白鵬 翔)
- 10. Kaoru Mitoma (三笘 薫)
- 11. Ayumu Hirano (平野 歩夢)
- 12. Kasumi Ishikawa
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1. Ohtani Shohei (大谷翔平)
Ohtani Shohei, nicknamed “Shotime,” is a Japanese baseball superstar renowned for his exceptional talent as a two-way player, excelling as both a pitcher and a hitter. After starting his professional career with the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters in Japan, Ohtani joined MLB in 2018, quickly earning Rookie of the Year honors with the Los Angeles Angels. His historic performances include two unanimous MVP awards, breaking records as a dominant force in both pitching and hitting, and achieving unprecedented feats like leading the league in home runs while excelling on the mound. In 2023, he signed a record-breaking $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he continued to make history, including becoming the first player with 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a season. Ohtani’s global appeal and groundbreaking achievements have solidified him as one of baseball’s all-time greats.
2. Hachimura Rui (八村塁)
Hachimura Rui is a trailblazing Japanese professional basketball player who currently stars for the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA. Born in Toyama prefecture, he made a name for himself by leading Meisei High School to three consecutive All-Japan High School Tournament titles and representing Japan in FIBA youth competitions. Drafted ninth overall by the Washington Wizards in 2019, he became the first Japanese player ever selected in the first round and was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team in 2020! Since joining the Lakers in 2023, Hachimura has been a key contributor, excelling in the NBA Playoffs and helping the team win the inaugural NBA Cup in 2023. A proud representative of Japan on the international stage, Hachimura continues to inspire fans as one of the country’s most celebrated basketball talents.
3. Osaka Naomi (大阪なおみ)
Naomi Osaka is a Japanese professional tennis player and a global icon in sports and activism. The first Asian player to achieve the world No. 1 ranking in singles, Osaka is a four-time Grand Slam champion, winning titles at the Australian Open and US Open. Known for her powerful serve and aggressive baseline play, she made history as the first Japanese player to win a major singles title in 2018. Off the court, Osaka is a prominent advocate for mental health and social justice, using her platform to spotlight issues such as racial inequality and anti-Asian hate. One of the most marketable athletes in the world, she continues to inspire with her accomplishments and advocacy.
4. Nishikori Kei (錦織圭)
Another world-famous Japanese tennis player is Nishikori Kei, born in Matsue, the capital of Shimane prefecture. His exceptional talent in tennis began to shine during his elementary school years. In 2001, at just 12 years old, he won the prestigious All Japan Tennis Championships for Kids. Nishikori turned professional in 2007, and by the following year, he claimed his first ATP Tour title, becoming only the second Japanese player in history to achieve this milestone. Remarkably, he was just 18 years old and ranked 244 in the world at the time. Renowned not only for his skills on the court but also as one of the world’s highest-paid tennis players, Nishikori has earned over $23 million in prize money. Now based in Florida, USA, he continues to compete in international tournaments worldwide.
5. Hanyu Yuzuru (羽生結弦)
Hanyu Yuzuru is a professional figure skater and one of Japan’s most celebrated athletes, adored by a dedicated international fan base. Born in Miyagi prefecture, he is renowned for his exquisite skating techniques and captivating performances on the global stage. Hanyu achieved Olympic gold in men’s single figure skating at both the Sochi Winter Olympics in 2014 and the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics in 2018. Recently, he has spoken about the quadruple axle jump—a challenging four-and-a-half rotation maneuver—as the ultimate goal of his career. At the Beijing Winter Olympics in 2022, he attempted this historic jump during his free skating program. Although the attempt was not successful, it showcased his courage and determination, earning admiration from fans and viewers worldwide.
6. Matsuyama Hideki (松山英樹)
Matsuyama Hideki is a world-renowned professional golfer, born and raised in Matsuyama, Ehime prefecture. He began playing golf at the age of four under the guidance of his father, an amateur golfer. In 2010, as a university student, Matsuyama made history as the first Japanese golfer to win the Asian Amateur Championship. Turning professional in 2013, he quickly gained recognition, winning multiple domestic titles in Japan. After graduating in 2014, he began competing in international tournaments, earning his first PGA Tour victory at the 2014 Memorial Tournament in the United States. Matsuyama’s career reached a historic milestone in 2021 when he became the first Japanese golfer to win the prestigious Masters Tournament. Although he narrowly missed a medal at the Tokyo 2021 Olympics, finishing in 4th place, Matsuyama continues to be a top contender and a symbol of excellence in the world of golf.
7. Matsuzaka Daisuke (松坂大輔)
Matsuzaka Daisuke is a retired professional baseball player from Aomori prefecture. Matsuzaka has played for professional baseball teams in Japan and the U.S. from 2007 to 2014. After spending his early childhood in Aomori, his family moved to Tokyo where he practiced kendo (剣道), a traditional Japanese martial arts form, from age five to nine. He started to play baseball in the 3rd grade of elementary school. In his final year of high school, his baseball team won The National High School Baseball Tournament (koshien), Japan’s most famous high school baseball tournament held in spring and summer every year. During his years in the MLB, he played for the Boston Red Sox and New York Mets. In 2021, he announced his retirement after finishing the season.
8. Suzuki Ichiro (鈴木 一朗)
Ichiro Suzuki is celebrated as one of the greatest baseball players of all time, excelling in both Japan and the United States over an illustrious 28-season professional career. Born in a small town in Nagoya, Aichi prefecture, he first shone for nine years with the Orix Blue Wave in Japan before taking his talents to Major League Baseball. In the U.S., he immediately became a star with the Seattle Mariners, earning Rookie of the Year honors and a spot on the All-Star team in his debut season. His numerous achievements include a record-breaking 262-hit season, an AL MVP award, 10 Gold Gloves, and 10 All-Star appearances. Retiring in 2019 with the Mariners, Ichiro remains a beloved figure worldwide, cementing his status as a baseball legend.
9. Hakuhou Shou (白鵬 翔)
Born Mönkhbatyn Davaajargal on March 11, 1985, in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, Hakuhou Shou became the most celebrated sumo wrestler in history. Debuting in March 2001, he rapidly rose to yokozuna, sumo’s highest rank, by age 22! Over a 20-year career, Hakuhou claimed 45 makuuchi championships, a record unmatched in sumo’s long history. Known for his flawless technique and adaptability, he achieved 1187 victories, setting an unassailable standard of excellence in the sport.
Hakuhou’s legacy includes 16 undefeated tournament victories and the longest reign as yokozuna. In 2019, he became a Japanese citizen to continue his contribution to sumo as a mentor and stablemaster, training future stars. Despite challenges, Hakuhou’s impact on sumo remains unparalleled, both as an athlete and as a transformative figure in the sport’s modern era.
10. Kaoru Mitoma (三笘 薫)
Kaoru Mitoma, born on May 20, 1997, in Hita, Ōita, has risen to become one of Japan’s brightest football stars, captivating fans worldwide with his dribbling prowess and exceptional playmaking ability. Currently a left winger for Premier League club Brighton & Hove Albion and a standout for the Japan national team, Mitoma’s journey is as inspiring as his on-field performances. From honing his skills at the University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki prefecture—where he even wrote his thesis on dribbling—to dazzling in the Premier League with solo goals and game-changing assists, Mitoma has consistently pushed boundaries. Internationally, his critical goals helped Japan secure qualification for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where he made headlines with a controversial but pivotal assist against Spain. With a mix of flair, intelligence, and humility, Mitoma continues to elevate the global perception of Japanese football.
11. Ayumu Hirano (平野 歩夢)
Ayumu Hirano, born on November 29, 1998, is a trailblazing Japanese snowboarder and skateboarder who has redefined excellence in winter sports. Known for his daring and artistry on the halfpipe, he captured the world’s attention as a 14-year-old, becoming the youngest medalist in Winter X Games history. Hirano has since earned three Olympic medals, including a historic gold at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, where he landed the first-ever triple cork in Olympic halfpipe competition. Beyond snowboarding, he showcased his versatility by competing in skateboarding at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, joining an elite group of athletes excelling in both summer and winter games. With his relentless pursuit of perfection and groundbreaking achievements, Hirano continues to inspire as one of Japan’s most celebrated athletes.
12. Kasumi Ishikawa
Kasumi Ishikawa, born on February 23, 1993, is a retired Japanese table tennis star who left an indelible mark on the sport. A three-time Olympic medalist, she earned team silver at the 2012 and 2020 Olympics and a bronze at the 2016 Games. Known for her speedy top-spin offensive play, Ishikawa’s rise began with standout performances in Japan’s national championships, eventually making her the nation’s top-ranked female player. Her international career included historic achievements, such as winning Japan’s first mixed doubles gold at the World Championships in nearly five decades. Fluent in Mandarin and beloved in both Japan and China, Ishikawa’s legacy extends beyond the table, reflecting her talent and charm.
Playing sports enriches one’s life, and professional athletes remind us of the importance of making a continuous effort and never giving up. Sports also have a special power to unite people regardless of nationality or the language they speak. If you ever have the chance to watch a game or match of any of the famous Japanese athletes on our list, please cheer for them and their future success!
Japan Wonder Travel Tours
Japan Wonder Travel is a travel agency that offers guided tours throughout Japan.
From private walking tours to delicious Food and Drink tours, we can help you organize the best tours just for you! If you want to explore Japan and learn more about the history and backstories of each area you are visiting, our knowledgeable and friendly English speaking guides will happily take you to the best spots!
In addition, we can provide you with any assistance you may need for your upcoming trip to Japan, so please feel free to contact us if yu have any questions or need some help!
▶Tokyo Tsukiji Fish Market Food and Drink Tour
Explore the most lively and popular fish market in Tokyo and try some of the local’s favorite street foods and sake with one of our friendly and knowledgeable English speaking guides!
▶Tokyo 1–Day Highlights Private Walking Tour (8 Hours)
There’s no better way to explore an area than taking a tour with a knowledgeable local guide. You will have the chance to learn about the history and interesting background stories of Tokyo, as well as discover some hidden gems which can be hard to do without a guide.
▶Mt. Fuji Day Trip Bus Tour from Tokyo
Experience the breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji by visiting the highlights of the area on our guided sightseeing bus tour! Departing from Shinjuku in central Tokyo, you can travel comfortably to all of the best spots in the area by bus.
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