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Ii Naosuke (1794–1850) was a Japanese feudal lord who governed Hikone Domain during the late Edo period. He succeeded his father as the 14th daimyo and implemented administrative reforms to strengthen his domain’s finances. A patron of scholarship and the arts, he founded schools and supported local craftsmen. Under his leadership, Hikone enjoyed a period of peace and cultural growth. After retiring in 1832, he left a legacy of modernization in his region.

Rudolf Wolf (1816–1893) was a Swiss astronomer and mathematician renowned for his systematic observations of sunspot activity. He introduced the 'Wolf number', a quantitative index still used to characterize the solar cycle. As director of the Zurich Observatory, he compiled extensive records of sunspot occurrences dating back centuries. Wolf’s work laid the foundation for modern solar physics and contributed to understanding the Sun’s influence on Earth. He also published star catalogues and worked on geodesy during his distinguished career.

Félicien Rops (1833–1898) was a Belgian artist influential in the symbolist movement, best known for his provocative erotic prints and drawings. Trained at the Académie Royale des Beaux-Arts in Brussels, he explored themes of sensuality, death, and satire with bold line work and intricate detail. Rops collaborated with leading writers like Charles Baudelaire, illustrating groundbreaking works such as "Les Fleurs du mal". His mastery of etching and lithography pushed the boundaries of graphic art in the 19th century. Today, his prints are celebrated for their technical brilliance and subversive imagery.

Hugo Salmson (1843–1894) was a Swedish artist whose work captured the beauty of rural life and natural scenery. Educated at the Royal Swedish Academy of Fine Arts, he gained acclaim for his sensitive portrayal of the Swedish countryside and its inhabitants. Salmson traveled across Europe, absorbing influences from French Realism and the Barbizon school. His paintings often feature warm light and evocative color palettes, bringing ordinary moments to life. Though his career was cut short, his contributions helped shape 19th-century Scandinavian art.

Gustav Mahler (1860–1911) was one of the most influential composers and conductors of the late-Romantic period. Born in Bohemia, he served as chief conductor at the Vienna Court Opera and later led the New York Philharmonic, elevating orchestral standards. Mahler’s symphonies are renowned for their large-scale structures, emotional depth, and integration of song and symphonic form. Beyond composing, he championed works by Brahms, Bruckner, and modern composers, shaping concert repertoires. His legacy endures in his pioneering orchestration techniques and philosophical approach to music, inspiring generations of composers.

Miyake Setsurei (1860–1945) was a prominent Japanese thinker, essayist, and cultural critic active during Japan’s rapid modernization. He founded influential journals such as "Teikoku Bunko" and "Shuntō", promoting a fusion of Eastern traditions and Western ideas. Setsurei wrote extensively on philosophy, literature, and national identity, advocating for a spiritual renaissance in Japanese society. His essays critiqued materialism and urged a return to moral and aesthetic values. As a bridge between Japanese and Western thought, he influenced the cultural debates of his time and mentored younger intellectuals.

Marc Chagall (1887–1985) was a pioneering artist whose work blended folk traditions, Jewish heritage, and modernist styles. Born in the Russian Empire, he later settled in France, producing iconic paintings, stained glass, and stage designs. Chagall’s visionary compositions often feature floating figures, animals, and folkloric symbols, evoking themes of love, memory, and spirituality. He survived political upheavals of the 20th century, creating major works such as murals in the Paris Opéra and the United Nations building. Chagall’s unique fusion of fantasy and color continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

Tadamichi Kuribayashi (1891–1945) served as a general in the Imperial Japanese Army and is most remembered for his leadership during the Battle of Iwo Jima in World War II. A graduate of the Imperial Japanese Army Academy and the Army Staff College, he held various posts in China and Manchuria. In 1944, Kuribayashi was appointed commander of Iwo Jima’s defenses, where he developed innovative fortifications and defensive tactics. His strategic foresight prolonged the battle and inflicted heavy casualties on the invading U.S. forces. Kuribayashi’s resolve and professionalism have made him a subject of historical study and respect in both Japan and abroad.

Tokuo Nanjo (1895–1974) was a Japanese lawyer-turned-statesman during the early Shōwa period. After graduating from law school, he practiced as a defense attorney, gaining a reputation for integrity and advocacy. Entering politics, Nanjo was elected to the national Diet, where he focused on legal reform and social welfare issues. He served in various party leadership roles and contributed to post-war legal revisions. Nanjo’s balancing of legal expertise and public service left a lasting impact on Japan’s modernization and democratic governance.

George Cukor (1899–1983) was one of Hollywood’s most respected directors, known for his elegant storytelling and strong performances. He rose to prominence in the 1930s with films like "The Philadelphia Story" and earned an Academy Award for Best Director for "My Fair Lady" in 1964. Cukor had a talent for working with actors, especially leading ladies such as Katharine Hepburn and Judy Garland. His diverse body of work spans screwball comedies, musicals, and literary adaptations. Even in the later stages of his career, Cukor continued to influence cinema with his refined visual style and artist-centric approach.

1901年、東京に生まれる。 1920年代から映画界で撮影技師としてキャリアを開始し、特撮技術に注力した。 1954年公開の『ゴジラ』でその名声を確立し、以降も多数の怪獣映画に携わった。 1963年にはテレビ特撮番組『ウルトラQ』の立ち上げに関与。 1968年に円谷プロダクションを設立し、後進の育成に尽力した。 1970年に没し、特撮技術のパイオニアとして後世に影響を与え続けた。

1901年、イタリア・ローマに生まれる。 1930年代から俳優として映画界に参加後、1948年に監督デビュー。 代表作『自転車泥棒』は戦後の貧困と人間ドラマを描き、世界的に高い評価を得た。 俳優としても数多くの作品に出演し、国際的な名声を博した。 1974年に没するまで、イタリア映画の黄金期を牽引した重要な人物。