Futabayama Sadaji
Japanese sumo wrestler, 35th Yokozuna
A prominent sumo wrestler, achieved the highest rank of Yokozuna during a notable career. Active from the 1930s to the 1950s, won a total of 12 top division championships. Competed for the Futagoyama stable and became a significant figure in the sport.
Achieved the rank of 35th Yokozuna
Won 12 top division championships
Other People Born on February 9th
Davide Lanzafame
Italian footballer with notable club careers
Born
February 9th, 1987 38 years ago
Born in 1987, this Italian footballer began his professional career in youth teams before joining clubs such as Juventus, where he debuted in Serie A. He also played for several other clubs, including Palermo and Catania, contributing significantly in league matches. His career included stints in the lower divisions and abroad, showcasing skills as a forward and midfielder.
Continue ReadingMaxime Dufour-Lapointe
Canadian Olympic freestyle skier
Born
February 9th, 1989 36 years ago
A freestyle skier from Canada, achieved recognition for participating in the women's mogul events. Competed at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics, representing Canada. Excelled in national and international competitions, contributing to a strong Canadian presence in freestyle skiing. Consistently performed at high levels, securing podium finishes in World Cup events.
Continue ReadingNiclas Füllkrug
Professional German footballer
Born
February 9th, 1993 32 years ago
Professionally played football primarily as a striker. Began career at Werder Bremen and made significant contributions to the team's performance. Transferred to Hannover 96 and later joined Borussia Dortmund. Achieved recognition for scoring goals in the Bundesliga and represented the national team in international competitions.
Continue ReadingK. J. McDaniels
Basketball player and NBA player
Born
February 9th, 1993 32 years ago
Played college basketball at Clemson University before entering the NBA. Selected in the second round of the 2014 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers. Competing as a shooting guard and small forward, McDaniels was known for his defensive abilities and athleticism. Had a stint with the Houston Rockets and played in the NBA G League, continuing to showcase skills in professional basketball.
Continue ReadingJalen Green
Basketball player, NBA rookie standout
Born
February 9th, 2002 23 years ago
Professional basketball player entered the NBA in 2021. Drafted second overall by the Houston Rockets. Played college basketball for the G League Ignite, showcasing exceptional scoring ability and athleticism. Made an immediate impact in the league, earning a reputation for his explosive playing style and scoring prowess. Recognized as one of the top young talents in basketball.
Continue ReadingAli-Shir Nava'i
Turkic poet and linguist
Born
February 9th, 1441 584 years ago
Died
January 3rd, 1501 525 years ago — 59 years old
A prominent Turkic poet, linguist, and mystic, contributed significantly to the development of Turkic literature and language during the Timurid era. Authored numerous literary works, which enriched the cultural landscape of the time. Served as a minister in the Timurid court and was a key figure in promoting the use of the Chagatai language, advocating for its literary value. Engaged in various forms of art, including poetry and prose, while also being recognized for his contributions to calligraphy and socio-political thought.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on December 16th
Kakuei Tanaka
Japanese politician and Prime Minister
Born
May 4th, 1918 107 years ago
Died
December 16th, 1993 32 years ago — 75 years old
Served as the 64th Prime Minister of Japan from 1972 to 1974. Played a significant role in Japan's post-war economic growth and focused on large-scale infrastructural projects. Involved in Japanese politics for decades, beginning his career as a member of the House of Representatives. Established the Tanaka Doctrine, promoting diplomacy and economic partnerships with Southeast Asia. Resigned amid a bribery scandal but left a lasting legacy on Japan’s modern political landscape.
Continue ReadingJohann Adolph Hasse
German singer and composer known for operas
Born
March 25th, 1699 326 years ago
Died
December 16th, 1783 242 years ago — 84 years old
Born in 1699, a prominent figure in 18th-century opera, contributed significantly to the development of Italian opera in Germany. Studied in Naples and became associated with the Neapolitan school. Held positions in various European courts, including those in Dresden and Venice. Composed over 20 operas, which were well received during his lifetime. His works often featured elaborate vocal lines and dramatic orchestration, showcasing the style of the time. His influence extended to later composers, shaping the evolution of opera.
Continue ReadingStefan Heym
German-American soldier and author
Born
April 10th, 1913 112 years ago
Died
December 16th, 2001 24 years ago — 88 years old
Born in Germany, played a significant role as a soldier in World War II before moving to the United States. Authored several novels and plays that often reflected social and political issues. Became a prominent figure in literature, especially noted for works that illustrated the experiences of war and exile. Contributed to post-war German literature and culture through his writings and activism against totalitarianism.
Continue ReadingAlphonse Daudet
French author and playwright
Born
May 13th, 1840 185 years ago
Died
December 16th, 1897 128 years ago — 57 years old
Born in 1840, a prominent figure in French literature, made significant contributions through novels, poetry, and plays. Best known for the novel "Les Lettres de mon Moulin," which encapsulates the essence of Provencal life. Also authored "Tartarin de Tarascon," a satirical novel that became a classic. His works often explored themes of nostalgia and the rural landscape of France, reflecting personal experiences and the social issues of the time.
Continue ReadingWilhelm Grimm
German anthropologist and author
Born
February 24th, 1786 239 years ago
Died
December 16th, 1859 166 years ago — 73 years old
Contributed significantly to folklore and linguistics. Along with his brother, collected and published fairy tales that became classics, including 'Cinderella' and 'Hansel and Gretel'. Developed important theories in German philology and worked on the German Dictionary project. Involved in the founding of the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Volkskunde, promoting the study of folklore.
Continue ReadingAgnes Martin
Painter with major abstract works
Born
March 22nd, 1912 113 years ago
Died
December 16th, 2004 21 years ago — 92 years old
An influential painter and educator, this individual contributed significantly to the field of abstract art. Early life included experiences in both Canada and the United States, leading to the development of a unique artistic style characterized by subtle color palettes and grid-like compositions. Influenced by various philosophical ideals, particularly Zen Buddhism, the work emphasizes simplicity and serenity. Achievements include numerous solo exhibitions and a lasting legacy in contemporary art education.
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