Akira Kuroiwa

Akira Kuroiwa (黒岩 彰) is a former speed skater from Japan, who represented his native country at two consecutive Winter Olympics, starting in 1984 in Sarajevo, Yugoslavia. In 1988, he won the bronze medal in the men's 500 metres, after having captured two world titles at the Sprints Championships (1983 and 1987). At the 1984 Winter Olympics, Kuroiwa finished 10th in the men's 500 m.

Kuroiwa, who was born in Tsumagoi, Gunma, was a coach for the Japanese team during the 1998 Winter Olympics.

In Japan, Kuroiwa made headlines in 2000 when he tried to shield Daisuke Matsuzaka from an illegal driving charge by taking the blame for himself.