Shoko Nakagawa

Quick Facts: Who was Shoko Nakagawa?

Subject:

Shoko Nakagawa

Known for:

Japanese multimedia star known for Pokémon, anime themes, and acting.

Born:

1985-05-05

Century / Era:

1985s Historical Era Archive

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Shoko Nakagawa (中川 翔子, Nakagawa Shōko; born May 5, 1985) is a Japanese media personality, singer, actress, voice actress, illustrator, YouTuber, and cosplayer. Also known by her nickname Shokotan (しょこたん), she is best known as the presenter of Pokémon Sunday, and as the performer of the opening theme from the anime Gurren Lagann. Born and raised in Tokyo metropolitan area to her father, Katsuhiko Nakagawa, actor and musician, and her mother Keiko Nakagawa, a great-granddaughter of Kazutaka Ito, who is known for introducing and promoting the salmon and trout hatchery business. Her father died of leukemia on September 17, 1994 when she was 9. Nakagawa found escape from bullies by connecting with Pokémon when she was in 5th grade.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

"When I was a kid, I didn't have friends, but I did have Pokémon." In the 2006 book Shokotan Manual (しょこ☆まにゅ, Shoko Manyu), she wrote that her legal name was Shiyōko (しようこ) rather than Shōko (しょうこ), which she had been using for most of her life. At the time of her birth, she and her mother had to remain in the hospital, and her maternal aunt was left with registering her in the koseki. Her mother's intended name of "Shōko" (薔子) was declined due to 薔 not being included in the list of jōyō kanji or jinmeiyō kanji that are approved for use in Japanese names. The aunt wrote Shōko (しょうこ) in hiragana instead, but because she wrote very quickly, the small yo appeared larger than intended and the name was recorded as Shiyōko (しようこ). She made her entertainment debut in 2001, winning the Grand Prix award at the Popolo Girl Audition and representing Jackie Chan talent agency.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Later, on the "Yume-Ga-Oka Residence" programme on SKY PerfecTV!, she was given Jackie Chan's photobook by Midorikawa Shobō, who were guests on the show. She commented "I thought he was an enemy of Bruce Lee's", apparently referring to Enter the Dragon. In 2002, she was chosen as Miss Shōnen Magazine. Her official blog, Shokotan * Blog, opened in 2004, and by April 2006 it had received a total of 100 million hits. On February 2, 2008, the daily Japanese newspaper Mainichi Shimbun reported that her blog had been accessed 1 billion times.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1985 (1985-05-05): Birth of Shoko Nakagawa — Japanese multimedia star known for Pokémon, anime themes, and acting.
2. 1994: 1994 Milestone — Her father died of leukemia on September 17, 1994 when she was 9.
3. 2001: 2001 Milestone — She made her entertainment debut in 2001, winning the Grand Prix award at the Popolo Girl Audition and representing Jackie Chan talent agency.
4. 2002: 2002 Milestone — In 2002, she was chosen as Miss Shōnen Magazine.
5. 2004: 2004 Milestone — Her official blog, Shokotan * Blog, opened in 2004, and by April 2006 it had received a total of 100 million hits.
6. 2006: 2006 Milestone — " In the 2006 book Shokotan Manual (しょこ☆まにゅ, Shoko Manyu), she wrote that her legal name was Shiyōko (しようこ) rather than Shōko (しょうこ), which she had been using for most of her life.
7. 2008: 2008 Milestone — On February 2, 2008, the daily Japanese newspaper Mainichi Shimbun reported that her blog had been accessed 1 billion times.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Shoko Nakagawa

True or False: “Shoko Nakagawa initially used the kanji for her name that were approved in the official Japanese naming registry.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): Her initial intended kanji was declined because the character '薔' was not included in the list of approved jōyō or jinmeiyō kanji.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Aiko Kayō — Contemporary (Born in 1985) (1985): Japanese singer and actress known for her work on the Avex Trax label.
• Alex Honnold — Contemporary (Born in 1985) (1985): Pioneering free solo climber, famous for conquering El Capitan.
• Alexander Ovechkin — Contemporary (Born in 1985) (1985): Record-setting Russian left winger and captain for the Washington Capitals.
• Adele — Shared historical date (05-05 · Born) (1988): Iconic English singer-songwriter celebrated for powerful mezzo-soprano vocals.
• Afonso III of Portugal — Shared historical date (05-05 · Born) (1210): King of Portugal who completed the Reconquista and established the modern state structure.
• Allyson Felix — Historical peer (Born in 1985) (1985): Legendary American track and field athlete, specializing in the 200m and 400m.
• Ana Mendieta — Historical peer (Died in 1985) (1985): Pioneering Cuban-American artist known for 'earth-body' performance art.
• Abdullah al-Sallal — Historical peer (Died in 1994) (1994): Yemeni military officer and revolutionary who led the North Yemeni Revolution of 1962.
• Ahmed Ali (writer) — Historical peer (Died in 1994) (1994): Pioneering Urdu writer, poet, and diplomat from British India to Pakistan.
• Aaron Spelling — Historical peer (Died in 2006) (2006): Pioneering American producer of hit TV series like Dynasty and Beverly Hills, 90210.
• 1985 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1985
• May 5 (05-05) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on May 5

Frequently Asked Questions about Shoko Nakagawa