Dettmar　Cramer

●　Born April 4, 1925 in Dortmund, Germany.

Comes to Japan in 1960 to take role of coach of Japan national team, in order to strengthen and lead the side ahead of the Games of the 18th Olympiad (1964, Tokyo). After his arrival, strengthens the sport in the country, trains other coaches, and lays the foundations for youth development, earning the title of father of Japanese football. Performs advisory role to Japan at the Games of the 19th Olympiad (1968, Mexico City), and contributes greatly to Japan's bronze medal achievement.
Takes role of schoolmaster at the 1st FIFA Coaching School, held in Chiba in 1969, before embarking on global coaching tour as FIFA-employed coach. Performs role of instructor at FIFA/Coca-Cola World Youth Academy held in Ibaraki in 1988, and makes ninth visit to Japan in 1989 at the invitation of the JFA. Works as special coach for two years. Positions taken in his home country include coach appointed by Deutscher Fußball-Bund (West Germany), and manager at major clubs such as Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen. Two successive victories in European Champions' Cup (now UEFA Champions League) (1975, 1976).
Later, takes management roles including Saudi Arabia national team, and Korean Olympic team as well as top Greece and Saudi Arabia teams.
Awarded 3rd Class Order of the Sacred Treasure in 1971, and Japan Football Association 75th Anniversary Special Achievement Award in 1996.

Goro Yamada

●　Born in Fukushima Prefecture on March 3, 1894

Graduates from Aoyama Normal School (now Tokyo Gakugei University).
Works as head of Asahi Shimbun sports department from 1939 to 1941, and performs a pioneering role as a football journalist wielding his pen to popularise and develop football in the country. Works as chief editor of JFA magazine "Football" for many years. He is actively involved in planning and organizing “Asahi Football Tournament (ASAHI SHOTAI SOCCER TAIKAI)”. After WWII, he actively invites foreign leading teams as the company’s planning project staff and contributes to recover and strengthen football in Japan. One of Tokyo Football Club founders. Achieves victory in 1st All-Japan Championship Tournament (now Emperor's Cup All-Japan Soccer Championship Tournament) as captain of the Club. Takes role as manager of Japan national team at 7th Far Eastern Championship Games (1925, Manila).
Also takes roles as JFA director from 1924 to 1958, Executive Managing Director sometime in his term, standing director, Kanto Football Association deputy chairman, and member of board of directors at Japan Sports Association. Passes away in 1958.

Shigemaru Takenokoshi

●　Born in Oita Prefecture on February 15, 1906.

Graduated from Tokyo Imperial University.
Worked as students' representative and as office director of the Faculty of Agriculture at Tokyo Imperial University. After the Second World War, takes posts of instructor and professor at University of Tokyo, and professor at Shibaura Institute of Technology. First director of the Nursing Division in the Medical Bureau of the Ministry of Health and Welfare. Appears as a member of the Japanese national team at the 7th Far Eastern Championship Games (1925, Manila), 8th Far Eastern Championship Games (1927, Shanghai), and 9th Far Eastern Championship Games (1930, Tokyo). Takes role of captain at the 9th Games and leads Japan to its first title.
Undertakes role of coach at 11th Olympic Games (1936, Berlin). Appointed as manager of Japanese national team in 1951. Earns right to compete in 16th Olympic Games (1956, Melbourne). Also active as international referee between 1951 and 1957. Combines roles by donning whistle at 16th Olympic Games (1956, Melbourne). Accompanies Japanese national team to several international tournaments as team director and executive, including role as director of Japanese team at the 6th Asian Games (1970, Bangkok). Devoted efforts to develop Japan Football Association as member of the board for 45 years from 1929 to 1974. Appointed as first chairman of directors in 1948.
Also sat on the board of Japan Sports Association. Awarded Blue Medal of Honour in 1976, and 3rd Class Order of the Sacred Treasure in 1976. Passes away in 1980.

Jitaro Tanabe

●　Born in Osaka on March 18, 1908

Graduated from Osaka University of Commerce (now Osaka City University)
President of Tanabe Pharma Corporation After serving acting chairman of Japan Football Association (NIHON SHUKYU KYOKAI) in 1945 to 1946, appointed as its vice-president in 1946. In the middle of WWII aftermath, he pulls efforts toward football recovery. Considerable amount of donation to support 11th Olympic (Berlin) travel expenses to financially support Japanese football before and after WWII.
Before WWII, pulls efforts to found Kansai Football Association, serves as its president, and contributes grassroots-level popularization and development in Kansai region.
Establishes Tanabe Pharma football club in 1920s. As a pioneer company team, it leads company football teams after WWII. Acquainted with international and domestic footballs, shares his knowledge through JFA magazines. One of renown topics include his “CHOUKYUTEI ZATSUWA” articles serialized in the magazine “FOOTBALL” in 1962 to 1971. Donates his collection and documents as “Tanabe Bunko reading corner” to tell his achievement to next generation. Awarded Third Orders of the Sacred Treasure in 1972. Passes away in 1972.

Shigeaki Murakata

● Born in Tokyo on May 11, 1913.

Graduates from Waseda University.
Heads the Kolkata branch and the machinery division of Mitsui & Co., Ltd., before becoming executive management director of Mitsui Ocean Development & Engineering Co., Ltd. Active as an international referee from 1951, and officiates as referee in the final of the 3rd Asian Games (1958, Tokyo). Leads football refereeing in Japan, and inspires many successors.
While working at the company's London branch office in early 1960s, fulfils a local commission as representative of the JFA. Attends FIFA general meetings to pave the way for the 18th Olympic (1964, Tokyo). Holds posts including JFA board member, chair of the referees' committee, Kanto Football Association board member, and president of the Referees' Association of Japan.

Toshio Iwatani

● Born in Hyogo Prefecture on October 24, 1925.

Graduates from Waseda University.
Plays football at Kobe First Junior High School (now Hyogo Prefectural Kobe High School) and Waseda University, and achieves many accomplishments as the top student football player of his time. Works as a football journalist for Kyodo News and the Mainichi Newspapers after graduating, combining this work with much success as a coach. Participates in the 1st Asian Games in 1951 (New Delhi), and contributes to Japan winning the bronze medal with two goals in the third-place playoff against Afghanistan. Continues to play for the Japan national team afterwards until the Asian qualifying tournament for the Games of the 16th Olympiad in 1956 (Melbourne). Takes part in drawing of lots as captain after Japan finishes level with South Korea with one win and one defeat in these qualifiers, and successfully gains place in main Olympic tournament. Makes 7 appearances in A internationals, scoring 3 goals.
Takes role of team coach for the Japanese national team's tour of Burma in 1955, and leads Japan to third place at the 2nd AFC Youth Championship in 1960 as manager. Provides back-up to the structure of Naganuma and Okano and pours efforts into strengthening the national team as director of the First Coaching Department at the Player Strengthening Division, ahead of the Tokyo Olympic Games. Involved in development of football in the Kansai region after appointment as president of the Kansai Football Association Technical Committee in 1965.
Also shows passion for the popularization of boys' football, establishing the Kobe Boys' Soccer School and the Osaka Sportsmen's Club Soccer School, devoting energies to coaching, and travelling throughout the country to coach teams of boys. Also works to compile "40 Years of All-Japan High School Football" (Mainichi Newspapers, 1962), which remains a valuable resource in the history of high school football. Passes away in 1970.

Takuji Ono

● Born in Hokkaido Prefecture on July 14, 1906.

Graduates Chuo University.
Appointed as representative of the JFA in 1935, and devotes his energies to promoting business aimed at the popularisation and development of football, as well as the reconstruction of Japanese football after the Second World War, over approximately 35 years (excluding a period before and after the end of the war) until his retirement as executive director in 1976. Leads the Japanese national team at the 1st Japan-Manchuria Friendly Football Tournament in 1935. Accompanies the national team to the Games of the 11th Olympiad (Berlin) in 1936 and is responsible for all general affairs.
Appointed to the JFA board of directors after the war, in 1951. Engages in the business of general and financial affairs during a time of difficult political conditions, and together with the reinvigoration of the JFA's organisation, Ono also actively promotes the invitation of Dettmar Cramer, the dispatch of the Japan national team to play overseas, and the invitation of foreign teams to Japan, laying the foundations for the international activities of Japanese football. Appointed as executive director of the association following its conversion into an incorporated foundation in 1974.
Contributes to the success of the Games of the 18th Olympiad (Tokyo) in 1964, and the Asian Youth Championships in 1965 and 1971 (both in Japan) as a key member of the operating personnel.
Also actively promotes regional tours as manager of the Chuo University football team after the war, and contributes to the popularity of football in the region. Achieves victory with an all-students team in the 42nd Emperor's Cup All-Japan Soccer Championship Tournament in 1962, beating Furukawa Electric FC in the final. Awarded the Blue Ribbon Medal of Honour in 1968, and the 4th Class Order of the Sacred Treasure in 1978. Passes away in 1991.

Taro Kagawa

● Born in Hyogo Prefecture on August 9, 1922.

Graduates from Kobe University of Economics (now Kobe University).
Plays football at Kobe First Junior High School (now Hyogo Prefectural Kobe High School), Kobe University of Economics (now Kobe University), Tanabe Seiyaku, and Osaka Club. During his time at Kobe First Junior High School, achieves victory in the 20th All-Japan Junior High School Football Championship Tournament in 1938 and, as captain, in the 10th Meiji Shrine Sports Tournament in 1939. After the war, achieves victory in the Kansai Student League with Kobe University of Economics after his readmission. Achieves victory in the 3rd All-Japan Company Football Tournament in 1950 with Tanabe Seiyaku, having joined the company in 1948, and goes on to win the tournament a total of seven times, including six in a row up to 1957. Contributes to the establishment of an unbeaten record of 93 wins and one draw in 94 matches after the qualifiers for the All-Japan Company Football Tournament in 1950, building a golden age for Tanabe Seiyaku.
Also plays for the Osaka Club (established following a proposal by Taizo Kawamoto) alongside players such as Toshi Iwatani at the same time, and appears in three consecutive finals at Emperor's Cup All-Japan Soccer Championship Tournament, beginning with the 31st tournament in 1951.
With the Japan national team, Kagawa plays in the 1st Asian Games in 1951 (New Delhi), the 2nd Asian Games in 1951 (Manila), and the Asian qualifying tournament for the 1954 World Cup in Switzerland. Combines successfully with the right-winger, Masanori Tokita, even at national level, and displays a high level of ball control and an eye for tactics. As one of the players to remember the period of growth in pre-war football after the Berlin Olympics, becomes one of the generation of people to work to keep Japanese football in existence and improve its level during the difficulties after the war. Plays in five "A" matches for Japan. Passes away in 1990.

Hideo Shinojima

● Born in Tochigi Prefecture on January 21, 1910.

Graduates from Tokyo Imperial University.
President of Mitsubishi Kasei Industries Corporation, and first president of Mitsubishi Kagaku Institute of Life Sciences. Vice-president of the Japan Federation of Economic Organisations. Plays football at Tokyo High School and Tokyo Imperial University. As captain, leads Tokyo Imperial University to a fifth consecutive Tokyo College League title in 1930, laying the foundations for a golden era for the university (which would go on to win a sixth straight title in 1931). Appears at the 9th Far Eastern Championship Games in 1930 (Tokyo), scoring a goal against the Republic of China, and helping Japan achieve its first ever Far Eastern title. Becomes one of the star players for the national team before the war.
Takes the positions of standing director, chair of the board, and vice-present (as of 1965) at the JFA across a period of over 20 years of economic difficulties, from the period of recovery after the war to the association's conversion into an incorporated foundation (in 1974). Supports the rebirth and development of Japanese football, focusing attention on active overseas tours for the Japan national team, and on exchange with teams from overseas. Despite strong calls for his promotion to president, health problems lead Shinojima to recommend high school and university friend Tomisaburo Hirai for the post, and to resign from his position as vice-president in 1975. Jointly holds post as Kanto Football Association president while JFA vice-president. Brings about the broadcasting of "Mitsubishi Diamond Soccer" on TV Tokyo from 1968, with the help of with Shinroku Morohashi and others from the Mitsubishi Corporation. This programme contributes greatly to the spread and development of football in Japan, with regular broadcasting of world-class teams at a time when information was scarcely available. This sows seeds for future prosperity of Japanese football.
Awarded the Blue Ribbon Medal of Honour in 1969, and the 1st Class Order of the Sacred Treasure in 1975. Passes away in 1975.

Teizo Takeuchi

● Born in Tokyo on November 6, 1908.

Graduates from Tokyo Imperial University.
First learns football at the Tokyo Prefectural Fifth Junior High School (now Tokyo Metropolitan Koishikawa High School), before going on to play the sport at Urawa Higher School and Tokyo Imperial University. Succeeds Shigemaru Takenokoshi as centre half for Tokyo Imperial University, and lays the foundations for the university’s golden era. Later switches position to defender, and appears on the international stage at the 9th Far Eastern Championship Games in 1930 (Tokyo). Japan beats the Philippines, and ultimately shares the title following a 3-3 draw with the Republic of China. Captains the national team at the Games of the 11th Olympiad (1936, Berlin). Given the honour of carrying the national flag at the opening ceremony. As the sole survivor from the 1930 Far Eastern Championship Games side, the teammates’ trust in Takeuchi is high, and he contributes greatly to the victory over a Sweden side that had been considered as potential champions, with an excellent level of understanding and ability in a new tactical system featuring three full backs.
Visits various places throughout Europe by himself after the Olympics, contributing to technical improvement in Japanese football by reporting on local football conditions to the JFA and supplying the latest information from across the world. Serves as JFA representative, Kanto Football Association board member, and as deputy director of the Officials Division and member of the Technical Division of the Football Preparatory Committee for the Games of the 12th Olympiad (the cancelled Tokyo Olympics), focusing his attention on technical instruction and on training referees. Dies of illness on April 12, 1946, while being detained in Siberia

Misao Tamai

Graduates from Waseda University. Plays football at Meiji Gakuin Junior High School, Waseda First Higher School, and Waseda University. Becomes one of the coaching successors to Kyaw Din, and one of the key members of the foundation period of football at the university. Appeared at the 8th Far Eastern Championship Games (Shanghai) in 1927 while still a student, and scored a goal in the match against the Republic of China. Appointed as director of the Hyogo Branch of the Kansai Football Association in 1931, before later becoming the first president of the Hyogo Football Association (appointed in 1939) and the president of Kansai Football Association (appointed in 1957). Focuses efforts into the promotion of football in the Kansai region and in Hyogo Prefecture.
Appointed as standing director of the JFA in 1951, before serving as vice-president for almost 20 years from 1957 to 1976, focusing attention on promoting the Games of the 18th Olympiad (Tokyo) and on various areas of footballing activities, and supporting the recovery and development of the sport in Japan.
Also appointed as first head of the Kobe Boys' Soccer School, which the Kobe Soccer Friends Association established ahead of the rest of the country back in 1965. Promotes the development of the Friends Association in 1970 with the foundation of Kobe Football Club Co., the first football club in Japan to be an incorporated institution, to which he is appointed as first president. Contributes to the spread and development of boys' football. Awarded the Blue Ribbon Medal of Honour in 1966, the 3rd Class Order of the Rising Sun in 1974, and the Silver Cup in 1978. Passes away in 1978. /p>

Masanori Tokita

● Born in Hyogo Prefecture on June 24, 1925.

Graduates from Kansai Gakuin University.
Plays football at Kobe First Junior High School (now Hyogo Prefectural Kobe High School), Kansai Gakuin University, and Tanabe Seiyaku. Demonstrates excellent dribbling and crossing skills and becomes the finest right-winger in Japan after the Second World War. Lines up alongside Toshio Iwatani at Kobe First Junior High School and achieves consecutive titles in the Meiji Shrine Sports Tournament (1941, 1942) and a title in the 1st Kashihara Shrine Tournament (1942), before becoming captain in 1943. Returns to education after the war at Kansai Gakuin University, and contributes to two consecutive Kansai Students' League titles and an overall Students' Championship in 1948.
In his first year with Tanabe Seiyaku, Tokita helps the team to its first title in the 3rd All-Japan Company Championship in 1950, and in forming a strong right-sided combination with Taro Kagawa - an older, fellow former student from Kobe First Junior High School - performs a key role in helping the team win six championships in a row (ultimately extended to seven in 1957), and achieve a 94-match unbeaten record of 93 wins and one draw. Wins the All-Japan Championship on four occasions as a key member of an all-Kansai Gakuin team (Kansai Gakuin Club).
With the Japan national team, Tokita appears at the 1st Asian Games in 1951 (New Delhi), the 2nd Asian Games in 1954 (Manila), and the Asian qualifiers for the 1954 World Cup in Switzerland. Appears as the oldest player in the first Asian qualifying game for the Games of the 16th Olympiad in 1956 (Melbourne), shining as the focal point of the attack and contributing to Japan's first ever victory over South Korea, one of the strongest teams on the continent. Represents the spiritual leader of the team, and appears in the Olympic Games themselves as captain. One of the key performers in promoting the technical abilities and spirit of Japanese football throughout the post-war recovery period, paving the way for the next generation. Appears in 12 "A" matches, scoring two goals. Passes away in 2004.

Sumioki Nitta

● Born on January 14, 1897 in Hokkaido, as Miitsumaru

Graduates from Tokyo Imperial University
Heavily involved in many aspects of JFA foundation in 1921, including organisation, operation, translation of the laws of the game, and production of coaching manuals. Contributes to creation of All-Japan Championship Tournament (now Emperor's Cup All-Japan Soccer Championship Tournament), thereby creating cornerstones for Japanese football. Founds four-school University and Specialist School League in 1922 (becomes Tokyo College League from 1924), and All-Japan High School Football Tournament in 1923, laying the foundations for the continued strengthening of student football. Appointed to JFA board of directors in 1935. In charge of finances ahead of following year's Olympic Games in Berlin, engaging in raising of funds to send athletes overseas. Performs role of director of training at 11th Meiji Shrine National Sports Tournament in 1940.
After the war, appointed standing director in 1962. Involved in venue construction and other preparations ahead of the Tokyo Olympic Games, contributing to the success of the event. Also known as foremost authority in research of history of football in Japan, visiting FIFA and Football Association in England to compile own materials, and producing "The Steps of Japanese Soccer (published on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the foundation of the Japan Football Association)" (Kodansha, 1974) as the result of his investigation into Japanese football history. Also strongly involved in recovery of Japanese sport after the war, as member of board of directors of Japan Sports Association (JASA). Serves as go-between for JASA and JFA, and contributes to obtaining of imperial endorsement of Emperor's Cup.
Awarded 5th class Order of the Rising Sun in 1972 Passes away in 1984 Elected into Japan Football Hall of Fame as part of second group of inductees in 2006.

Hirokazu Ninomiya

● Born in Hyogo Prefecture on November 22, 1917.

Graduates from Keio University.
Plays football at Kobe First Junior High School (now Hyogo Prefectural Kobe High School) and Keio University, becoming one of the best centre forwards in the country. Achieves victories at four tournaments with Kobe First Junior High School, including the All-Japan Junior High School Invitational Championship in 1934. Wins many titles at Keio University, including four Kanto University League titles in a row from 1937, and inspires a golden age for the Keio Football Club. Achieves the astonishing statistic of seven All-Japan Championship Tournament titles as a key player in the Keio University and Keio BRB sides both before and after the war.
Appears as player-manager at Japan's first major international tournament after the war, the 1st Asian Games in 1951 (New Delhi), winning a bronze medal. Also appears in the Asian qualifying tournament for the 1954 World Cup in Switzerland, and at the 2nd Asian Games (Manila) the same year. Later joins the Japanese national team coaching staff ahead of the Melbourne Olympic Games. Achieves great results not only as player but also as national team manager, displaying outstanding coaching abilities and working to improve the technical level of Japanese football. Appears in 5 "A" matches for the national team, scoring one goal. In addition, Ninomiya wins the Kanto University League and East-West Students' Challenge Match in 1952 as manager of the Keio University team, and the All-Japan University Championship Tournament in 1962 as general manager.
Serves variously as JFA board member and auditor, Kanto Football Association board member, Kansai Football Association board member, Japan Club Youth Football Federation (U-18) president, Japan Club Junior Youth Football Federation (U-15) president, and chairman of the board of the Japan Football Supporters' Association. Passes away in 2000.

Genichi Fukushima

● Born in Miyagi Prefecture on April 6, 1911.

Graduates from the Nippon Institute of Dentistry (now the Nippon Dental University). First learns football at the Tokyo Prefectural Fifth Junior High School (now Tokyo Metropolitan Koishikawa High School), before going on to play the sport at the Nippon Institute of Dentistry and at the Dai-ichi Mutual Life Insurance Company. Serves as linesman at the 16th All-Japan Championship Tournament (which also served as the 2nd All-Japan General Championship), and later becomes a JFA referees, making a great contribution to the improvement of refereeing ability and the organisation of refereeing in Japan.
International referee in 1958-66, and again in 1967-70. Attended the 5th FIFA Referees' Course in Florence in 1961. Gains experience in overseas competitions such as the Asian Youth Championships and the Merdeka Tournament, before serving as referee for the match between Hungary and Yugoslavia at the Games of the 18th Olympiad (Tokyo) in Tokyo. Clears what is at the time a difficult condition of having refereed in at least ten international "A" matches in 1969, and becomes the first Japanese recipient of the FIFA Referees' Special Award. Officiates at 22 JSL matches (1965-70). Devotes efforts to setting up a referees' committee and a refereeing system, and sat on the board of the JFA as director of the referees' committee in 1965-71. Also focuses on improving the referee training system, contributing to the training and development of his successors. Chairs the referees' governing committee of the Kanto Football Association, and becomes vice-president of the Referees' Association of Japan.
Serves as president of the Suginami-ku Football Association and as vice-president of the Suginami-ku Sports Association, contributing greatly to the popularisation and development of football in his home town. Receives Sports Certificate of Merit from the Minister of Education in 1984. Passes away in 1994.

Gendo Tsuboi

●　Born in Chiba Prefecture on January 9, 1852, as Nisuke.

Head teacher at Physical Education Teaching Centre, professor at Tokyo Normal Higher School, professor at Tokyo Women's Higher Normal School, honorary headmaster at Tokyo Women's School of Physical Education and Music. Father of physical education in schools, credited with major role in promotion of physical education for women.
Initiator of spread of football in Japan. Begins development of football in school physical education and club activities. During teacher training at Physical Education Teaching Centre (founded in 1878, later merged into Tokyo Normal Higher School), preaches importance of outdoor sports in addition to teaching light exercise. In "Playing Outdoors - Outdoor Exercise" (written jointly with Morinari Tanaka), published in 1885, introduces football as example of outdoor exercise. Item 17 in this book, "Football", is the first ever description of football to be written in Japanese, and with the original and revised versions going on to influence later physical education books, this leads to football gaining a place among physical education in schools.
Reaffirms both physical and mental value of football in physical education during observations in Europe in 1901-2, and works to spread the sport upon his return to Japan. Having been leader at the club, Tokyo Normal Higher School Association Football Club uses books Tsuboi brought back from Europe as reference and receives his opinions and proofreading in publishing "Association Football" (1903), and "Football" (1908). These books were the first specialist football books in Japan to explain football mechanisms in detail, and contributed to the spread of football in the country. Tsuboi himself is active in coaching football at the Tokyo Normal Higher School-Affiliated Elementary School, and teachers and football club members receiving his tutelage go on to spread football into more schools across the country. Tsuboi also succeeds in developing football into sports clubs in universities and specialist high schools through this football club.

Tairei Uchino

●　Born April 29, 1885, in Kanagawa Prefecture, as Sakuzo Shirota

Graduated from Tokyo Normal Higher School
Scholar of Chinese classics. Serves as professor at Tokyo Normal Higher School and Tokyo University of Science and Arts, head of literature at Komazawa University, and head priest at Daijoji (Soto Zen) In 1919, when head of the graduates' football club at Tokyo Normal Higher School, Uchino - together with Jigoro Kano, president of Greater Japan Sports Association and headmaster of Tokyo Normal Higher School - accepts receipt of FA Cup from Football Association in England. Receiving guidance on the operation of the English FA and the rules of the competition from British Embassy Secretary William Hague, and devoting all energies both to organisation building and to the selection of a president (ultimately appointing Jikichi Imamura as first president), Uchino makes a tireless contribution to the foundation of the JFA in 1921. Even after the foundation, Uchino is active in the heart of operations as one of the founder board members. Meanwhile, the JFA "three-legged bird" logo adopted in 1931 is a composite by Jitsuzo Hinago of ideas presented by Uchino and others.
Takes interest in coaching as well as playing from time at Tokyo Normal Higher School, and works to strengthen the clubs and boost the popularity of football in his teaching roles at Toshima Normal School from 1909 and later at Tokyo Normal Higher School again. In 1917, forms first club team in Japan, "Tokyo Football Club", consisting mainly of players from the three normal schools of Tokyo Normal Higher School, Toshima, and Aoyama. Focuses on raising level and popularity of Japanese football, bringing new perspective to previously school-centred sport.
In 1918, works on development of football in Kanto, including role as head of committee of Kanto Football Tournament, which was originally hosted by Tokyo Football Club. Later becomes president of Kanto Football Association. Awarded 3rd Class Order of the Sacred Treasure in 1941 Passes away in 1953

Kyaw　Din

●　Born in Burma in June 1900

Burmese student (at Tokyo Technical Higher School - now Tokyo Institute of Technology) whose football coaching and teaching of football philosophies caused revolutionary technical advances in Japanese football throughout the Taisho and early Showa eras. Begins coaching at the Tokyo Normal Higher School-Affiliated Junior High School in around 1920, before moving to Waseda High School at the request of Shigeyoshi Suzuki and achieving two successive victories in the All-Japan High School Football Tournament (old Inter-High), which began in 1923. These successes bring attention to Kyaw Din's strong coaching skills, leading him to tour the country and give coaching at a number of schools. Teaches skills and philosophies from basic kicking and passing to the tactical idea of attacking through short passing, resulting in improved technique throughout Japanese football as a whole, and laying the foundations for progress on the international stage.
Writes the coaching textbook "How to Play Association Football". Japanese-language version published in August 1923 following the cooperation of Kyaw Din's pupils. This textbook was the first of its kind in Japan, going into the specifics and the theory of technique and tactics, and using many photographs and pictures.
The teams receiving his coaching achieved results based on his short passing tactics, and members of these teams would go on to bring further progress to Japanese football as players and coaches. A notable example was the Japan national team competing in the 1930 Far Eastern Championship Games, with Suzuki as manager and built around Shigemaru Takenokoshi and other University of Tokyo players, which achieved Japan's first East Asian title. Here, Japan established its own style of football, and built the foundations for its tactical traditions. These advances would go on to influence Japan's exploits in the Berlin Olympics six years later. Returns to Myanmar in 1924. Date of death uncertain.

Shigeyoshi Suzuki

●　Born October 13, 1902, in Fukushima Prefecture

Founding father of football at Waseda. Introduced the coaching of Kyaw Din into Japanese football, and was an early contributor to football in Japan, being active on the international stage both as a player and as a coach.
Sets up association football clubs at Waseda High School and Waseda University, and forms Waseda WMW to include old boys after graduation. Refines technical abilities under coaching of Kyaw Din at Waseda High School, and wins All-Japan High School Association Football Tournament (Inter-High). This success leads to Kyaw Din coaching across the country and to an improvement in the level of Japanese football overall. At university, Suzuki is involved in the establishment of the Tokyo College League (now Kanto University League), and is among the players of the first champion side in 1925.
In 1927, captains Japan team consisting largely of players from Waseda WMW in 8th Far Eastern Championship Games (Shanghai), which achieves first ever full international victory in match against Philippines. As manager, leads Japan to draw with China and overall first place in 9th Far Eastern Championship Games (Meiji Shrine Stadium, Tokyo) in 1930, securing Japan's place at the top table of East Asian football. At the 1936 Berlin Olympic Games, Suzuki backs up joint coaches Kudo and Takenokoshi to lead Japan to come from behind and beat a strong Sweden side, causing the name of Japan to become known throughout the world of football. In 1928, publishes "Association Football" (Arusu Undo Daikoza) jointly with Yuzuru Nozu, contributing to the further spread of football.
Involved in the organization of the All-Japan Championship Tournament (now Emperor's Cup All-Japan Championship Tournament) as competitions committee member of JFA after its establishment, becomes standing director in 1929 and secretary in 1931, devoting his energies to building up the JFA organisation. Also held posts of board member and executive director of Greater Japan Sports Association, and chairman of Waseda WMW. Passes away in 1971.

William HAIGH

●　Born in the United Kingdom on 14 March 1891.

Arrives in Japan in 1913 as Student Interpreter for the British Embassy. Promoted to the role of Second Assistant, before being appointed as Local Vice-Consul in Yokohama in 1920.
Plays as a member of the British Embassy football team, and sets up the British Embassy Cup Challenge League (featuring strong sides like the British Embassy team, Tokyo Football Club, and Tokyo Normal Higher School) in September 1918. Contributes to the spread of football in Japan by providing both coaching and operational support.
Maintains strong desire to develop Japanese football, and proposes to Sir William Conyngham Greene that the FA (Football Association, England) present Japan with a trophy to be awarded to the winner of a national football competition. Works hard to realise this proposal, which leads to the foundation of the Greater Japan Football Association in September 1921, and the inauguration of the All-Japan Association Football Championship Tournament (now the Emperor's Cup All-Japan Soccer Championship Tournament). The contribution to Anglo-Japanese relations made by the FA in presenting the trophy is praised highly in the United Kingdom.
Also helps with the foundation of the JFA, with advice regarding the FA's organisational structure and the operation of the FA Cup. Named as one of the founding patrons of the JFA. Tragically loses his life in the Great Kanto Earthquake on 1 September 1923, while working at the British Consulate. To recognise his achievements, a football tournament is held in his memory that December, with another competition, the "Haigh Memorial Cup", being held the following year. Laid to rest at the tender age of 32 at Yokohama Foreign General Cemetery.

Shiro Teshima

●　Born in Taipei on 26 February 1907 (grows up in Hiroshima Prefecture).

First enjoys football at the Hiroshima Higher Normal School-Affiliated Junior High School, before going on to play for Hiroshima High School, Tokyo Imperial University, and Tokyo Imperial University LB. Plays mainly as a centre-forward, becoming one of the most recognised strikers in pre-war Japanese football.
His Hiroshima High School team finishes as runners-up in the All-Japan High School Football Tournament in 1926, before winning the tournament in 1928 (the 1927 edition was cancelled due to the death of the Emperor). Joins a Tokyo Imperial University team aiming for its fourth consecutive Kanto University League title in 1929, and becomes a regular starter in league games from that autumn. Forms a strong partnership with Hideo Shinojima to lead Tokyo Imperial University into a golden era, culminating in a sixth straight Kanto University League title in 1931.
Appears at the 9th Far Eastern Championship Games for the first Japanese select team (national team) to be assembled since the foundation of the JFA. Scores twice, including a valuable opening goal, against a Republic of China team that had dominated East Asian football. Finishes with a record of three goals from two goals, as his superb performances help Japan win its first ever title in an international competition.
Despite being only 152cm in height, he creates several chances for the Japanese team through his skilful play, using his unique footwork, movement, and superior agility to outfox opposing defenders. Manages the All-Kansai representative team in an East-West Challenge Match (attended by the Emperor) in 1947. Later helps develop the Tanabe Seiyaku Football Club, helping them win six consecutive All-Japan Company Football Tournaments (1950-55). Member of the board of the Kansai Football Association. Passes away in 1982

Hidetoki Takahashi

●　Born in Fukushima Prefecture on 11 April 1916.

First plays football in his fourth year at elementary school, before playing at Kariya Junior High School, Waseda University Senior High School, Waseda University, and then at Hitachi from 1941.
Appointed as manager of the Waseda University football club in 1955, and leads the team to two consecutive Kanto University League titles. Leads the Japanese national team on a tour of China to help them prepare for the 3rd Asian Games in 1957, before taking the first ever Japanese national youth team assembled to third plays in the 1st Asian Youth Championships in 1959. Officially appointed as manager of the Japanese national team in 1960. Leads the national team in competitions including the qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup in Chile, the 5th Merdeka Tournament, and the 4th Asian Games, before spending two years alongside coach Dettmar Cramer training the Japanese national team ahead of the Olympic Games in Tokyo.
Appointed as manager of the struggling Hitachi club in 1966. Following four consecutive titles for Toyo Industries, the JSL was beginning to become dominated by the quick-paced Mitsubishi Heavy Industries team and the individual talents of Yanmar Diesel, but Takahashi emphasises the key element of "running". He quickly leads a team of no star players from the relegation zone to the upper reaches of the league, before winning the team's first ever titles in both the JSL First Division and the Emperor's Cup All-Japan Soccer Championship Tournament in 1972 that reminds Japanese football of the importance of the basics. Achieves further glory in the 55th Emperor's Cup All-Japan Soccer Championship Tournament in 1975 and revitalises a Hitachi football club with which he had been involved from the very beginning. Builds foundations for the future Kashiwa Reysol club, before retiring in 1976.
Serves as general secretary of the JSL from 1979 to 1986 and focuses efforts on revitalising the league, moving its offices away from the Japan Football Association and causing a stir with originally designed league posters. Passes away in 2000.

Shiro Otani

●　Born in Hyogo Prefecture on 23 April 1918.

Wins two consecutive All-Japan titles with Hyogo Prefectural First Kobe Junior High School and plays at the First High School before entering Tokyo Imperial University in 1939. Performs prolifically as a forward and helps the university win two Kanto University League titles and one East-West Students' 1st Place Challenge Match.
Continues playing football after the war for teams including Osaka Soccer Club and Tokyo LB, while also serving as a coach registered with the Kansai Football Association. Trains the young Kansai players ahead of a tightly-fought, even contest with a veteran Kanto team in the East-West Challenge Match in 1947 (attended by the Emperor). Helps to train the next generation of young footballers as a coach at the FISU International Sports Week (now the Universiade) in Dortmund in 1953.
Becomes a sports reporter with the Asahi Shimbun in 1948, working to promote the spread of football through the pages of the newspaper, and also devoting energies into the hosting and operation of events supported by the Asahi Shimbun, including the All-Japan Company Team Tournament, Asahi invitational football (domestic matches), and Asahi international football (international friendly matches for the Japanese national team). Turns freelance in 1973 and continues his writing career chiefly as a football specialist (working both under his real name and under his pen name of Ryo Akiba). Predicts the future of Japanese football in a wide range of areas, from organisation and operation to technical aspects and coaching, and tells of significant progress to come. His foresight is applied to the actual playing fields, with the Kobe Football Club formed in 1970 employing an age category-based registration system for the first time, paving the way towards later changes in Japanese football. Passes away in 1990.

Yoshiyuki Maruyama

●　Born in Tochigi Prefecture on 28 October 1931.

Plays football at Tochigi Prefectural Imaichi High School and Chuo University, before beginning a career as a match official, and becoming known as one of the top football referees in Japan. Registered as an international referee from 1961 to 1976. Served as a linesman (assistant referee) at the Olympic Games in Tokyo in 1964, and as a referee for the group match between Hungary and Ghana at the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico City (becoming only the second Japanese referee to take charge of a match at the Olympic Games, following Genichi Fukushima). Named as the first ever Japanese World Cup official for the 1970 FIFA World Cup in Mexico, where he served as a linesman (assistant referee) in two matches, including the group match between Peru and Bulgaria. Presented with a FIFA special contribution award in 1979 after 15 years as an international referee. Also served as a referee for a total of 62 matches in the JSL First Division (between 1965 and 1976).
Later applied his rich experiences as a referee and position as a trainer to contribute to the development of football refereeing not only in Japan, but throughout Asia. Also served as head of the JSL's disciplinary committee (between 1985 and 2002), devoting his energies into promoting the principles of fair play and offering leadership and training to other top league officials. Also coaches the Chuo University from 1955, leading the team to many national titles. Also tours the country to provide coaching to other students for more than 40 years, sowing the seeds of football development in every part of Japan. Recognised for these efforts with international volunteer awards from the IOC and FIFA in 2001.

Hiroshi Kagawa

●　Born in Hyogo Prefecture on 29 December 1924.

First experiences football as a fifth-year pupil at Unchu Junior School in Kobe City (now Hyogo Prefectural Kobe High School), before going on to play at Kobe University of Economics (now Kobe University) and Osaka Club. Appears in the East-West Students' Challenge Match and is a runner-up in two All-Japan Championship Tournaments (Emperor's Cup).
Contributes an article to a local newspaper on the visit of Swedish club Helsingborg to Japan in 1951, which serves as the trigger for Kagawa to pursue a career as a sportswriter. Joins the Sankei Shimbun newspaper in 1952, where he covers not only football but various different sports before serving as editor of Sankei Sports (Osaka) from 1974 to 1984. Continues in a freelance capacity after retirement, and remains active as a football journalist today after a career spanning some 60 years – in which he covered all nine FIFA World Cups from West Germany in 1974 to Germany in 2006, as well as five European Championships.
In addition to the various international tournaments taking place in Japan, Kagawa's career sees him cover both the JSL and the J. League from their inauguration. He contributes not only to Sankei Sports but to various other football magazines, writing about both Japanese and world football from angles ranging from technical discussions to personal histories. In particular, his "World Cup journeys" featured in Soccer Magazine from 1974 see Kagawa adopt a novel, travel writer's approach to introduce stories of football from around the world. His deep affection for football and those who love the sport is expertly reflected in his prose, as he continues to deliver both knowledge and dreams from global football to fans in Japan.
Continues to devote himself to the development of football in ways other than writing – Kagawa was also involved in the organisation of the fifth- and sixth-place playoff matches (Osaka tournament) for the Tokyo Olympic Games in 1964 and the foundation of Kobe Football Club in 1970, and serves as a long-standing member of the board of the Kansai Football Association.

Nozomu Ohata

●　Born in Kyoto Prefecture on 25 November 1930.

First plays football at the old Seijo High School (now equivalent to junior high school), before going on to play at the new Seijo High School and Jikei University School of Medicine. Studies and works at the university's Department of Orthopedic Surgery, before becoming professor in 1984. Sets up the first ever sports outpatient clinic for a Japanese university of medicine at Jikei University's Wellness Medicine Centre the following year, and is appointed both as head of this centre and as professor of sports medicine in 1993. Becomes guest professor at Jikei University School of Medicine in 1996.
Starts medical work within the JFA in 1964, and serves as the Japanese national team's first team doctor at the 6th Asian Games in 1970. Continues to accompany the national team for around ten years, and builds a structure to provide medical feedback within sporting environments. Appointed as the first ever team doctor for a Japanese club at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Football Club in 1971, and sets up the JSL Team Doctors' Council in 1974. Becomes chair of the JFA Sports Medicine Committee in 1977 (serving until 1998), where he instils the importance of medical care within Japanese football – founding the Football Medical Science Study Group and the Sports Doctors' Seminar, and introducing doping controls to the J. League in 1995. Works with CAF to jointly host a sports medicine seminar in Pretoria, South Africa in 1996, and contributes to the Japanese bid for the 2002 FIFA World Cup.
Supervises medical administration and doping controls at FIFA World Cups (five consecutive tournaments from Italia '90), AFC Asian Cups, and other major international tournaments as a member of the FIFA Sports Medicine Committee (1982-2006) and chair of the AFC Medical Committee (1983-2002; member from 1979). Presented with special award by FIFA upon his retirement in 2006, in recognition of his many achievements. Hosts a number of sports medicine meetings and seminars throughout Asia, starting with the first Asian Conference of Science and Football Medicine (Tokyo) in 1995 – his contribution to the spread and improvement of sports medicine in Asia sees him become known as "the father of Asian sports medicine". Receives AFC Distinguished Service Award in 1992 and 2002.

Toshio Asami

●　Born in Saitama Prefecture on 3 October 1933.

First plays football at Saitama Prefectural Urawa Junior High School, before enjoying a high school category victory in the National Sports Festival and victory in the All-Japan High School Tournament during his time at Saitama Prefectural Urawa High School in 1951. Also earns a winners' medal in the first All-Japan University Tournament in 1952 as a member of the University of Tokyo. Qualifies as a Class 1 referee in 1959 and as an international referee in 1961, remaining active as a top referee both at home and abroad for more than 20 years until his retirement in 1983. Serves as a linesman at the Tokyo Olympic Games in 1964, and as a referee at tournaments including the 2nd FIFA World Youth Championship in 1979, the AFC Asian Cup, and the Asian Games. Presented with the FIFA Referee Distinguished Service Award in 1983. Referees a total of 74 JSL matches between 1965 and 1982.
Appointed to the board of the JFA in 1978, and also to the board of the J. League in 1991, where he serves to stimulate and raise the level of Japanese football as a whole.
Appointed as chair of the JFA referees' committee in 1983 (and of the J. League referees' committee in 1993), where he works to make the committee a more effective organization, promote coordination with local bodies, and improve the level of Japanese football refereeing overall. Builds foundations for the training and professionalisation of young referees, with the aim of fostering "referees who can blow their whistles at the World Cup". Implements various radical measures to pave the way for future generations, with particular focus on the establishment and development of inspector and instructor systems.
Serves as member and deputy chair of the AFC Referees' Committee between 1986 and 2002, setting strict standards for the Asian refereeing system with the introduction of referees' education and physical training, and promoting greater discipline and technical ability among Asian referees. Receives the AFC Distinguished Service Award in 2002 in light of his successes. Also works to promote fair play in his role as member and deputy chair of the AFC Disciplinary Committee.

Ryozo Suzuki

●　Born in Saitama Prefecture on 20 September 1939.

A defender who propped up the national team's back line throughout a period of dramatic growth for Japanese football, from the Tokyo Olympic Games to the Mexico City Olympic Games.
First plays football at the Saitama Prefectural Urawa Nishi High School, helping the team to glory at the 35th All-Japan High School Tournament in 1956. Joins Rikkyo University (Saint Paul's University), who win both the Kanto University League (with a 100% record) and the East-West University Challenge Match in 1959. Joins Hitachi in 1962, and helps the team both to a runner-up finish in the Emperor's Cup All-Japan Championship Tournament and to victory in the National Cities' Challenge Tournament in 1963.
Called up to the senior Japanese national squad while still at Rikkyo University, and makes his full debut against Indonesia in August 1961. Appears in all of Japan's matches at the Tokyo Olympic Games in 1964, helping the team reach the quarter-finals. Demonstrates a powerful heading ability and physical strength to compare with any foreign opponent, putting in a series of dogged performances as a stopper to tightly mark the top players in each of the teams Japan face. Plays as part of the Japan team that finishes third at the 1966 Asian Games in Bangkok. Starts for Japan in a match played against the top Brazilian professional club Palmeiras at Komazawa Stadium in Tokyo in June 1967, frustrating the dangerous forward Dario with persistent close marking as the national team achieves its first ever victory over a professional opponent. Also selected for the Japanese national team at the Mexico Olympic Games in 1968, before retiring from international duty later that year. Capped a total of 98 times for the senior side.
Makes a total of 67 appearances in his JSL career with Hitachi up to 1970, scoring five goals, and is named in the 1965 JSL Select (annual best XI).

Takeo Tawa

●　Born in Ehime on October 29, 1918.

Plays at Hyogo Prefectural Dai San Kobe junior high school and at the Tokyo higher normal school. Graduated from Chuo University, majoring in laws. After spells as teachers at junior and senior high schools, teaches at Tokyo University of Education and appointed as professor in 1973. Named dean of the Tsukuba University Division of Health, Sports, and Physical Education. At JFA, serves as grassroots director of Player Training in 1960, Grassroots leading director, technical committee member after Tokyo Olympic to propose to play football according to players’ most suited ages and environments to spread football culture and to raise instructors (establishing coaching system).
Right after the WWII, finds football’s education and cultural values, promotes to introduce football to regular PE class curriculum at schools and involved in formulating its draft. In 1958, modified Education Ministry guidelines adopts in 1958 football (simplified football for elementary schools) as its PE class from 1st to 12nd graders (gradually adopted at elementary schools from 1962). Delegated to members of text material search committee of Ministry of Education in 1960 to study materials and integrate instruction methods to learn techniques according to children’s age. In addition, holds instructor trainings for college students to be teachers as well as teachers.to realize appropriate instruction in the field of education. Positioned football as its educational class, all children have chances to play football. Basic football instruction is made during school PE classes, which becomes one of great break-through points for Japanese football rapidly to popularize and develop and which is great achievement of setting a precedent.
At the earliest timing, he adopts football theories from overseas after WWII, integrates them into his team, transfers them to the next generations and revives Japanese football which is interrupted and becomes unpopular during WWII. Led The Tokyo University of Education football team to Kanto University League champion as coach in 1953. Passes away in 2007.

Christopher W. McDONALD

●　Born in London, the U.K. on December 13, 1931.

Comes to Japan in April, 1950. After working at National Cash Register Corporation, appointed representative director of Japan Rolex Corporation in 1980, president, chairman and then retires in 2007. JFA Advisor since 1992. Member of J-League Consultative and Mediatory Committee in 1993 to 2008.
Plays football in childhood, joins YC&AC and TRICK club in Japan. Mainly GK. Appears at the National Inter-City Tournament as TRICK club as representative of Tokyo.
Serves as Competition officers at Asia Competition Tournament (Tokyo) in 1958, Tokyo Olympic in 1964, as a liaison of FIFA officials, becomes good friends with Sir Stanley Rous (FIFA chairman from 1961 to 1974) and acts as intermediary of FIFA and JFA. During late 1960s to 70s, coordinates to invite to Japan The Middlesex Wanderer's Association Football Club (All UK amateur selected club), and competitive England League clubs (at that time) including Arsenal, Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur. International away games are not common at that era, but realized several friendly matches to have the Japan National Team to learn the world-wide level football.
At the Wanderer's second visit to Japan in 1969, the club donates “The Middlesex Wanderer's Cup” to JFA. He awards the Cup to high school champion as presenter. He delivers the Wanderer's’ spirit to raise morality and sportsmanship through football and actively serves as Japan-UK relationship through football. Awarded the fourth Order of the British Empire (O.B.E.) in 1978 and The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette in 2009 due to his contribution to cultural communication promotion between the U.K. and Japan and to football development in Japan. Passes away in 2011.

Sokichiro Ushiki

●　Born in Niigata on June 12, 1932.

Graduated from Niigata Prefectural high school and The University of Tokyo, Dept. of Sociology. Administer of the University of Tokyo Football Club. Sports journalist at Tokyo Newspaper and Yomiuri Newspaper for more than 50 years. Until the mid. of 1970s, he is involved in editing the Japan Football Association magazine “Football”, while continues to write trend stories for “Football Magazine” (Baseball Magazine, Company) for 40 years since its first issue in 1966. As opinion leader of Japanese football, he educates “How to think about the football culture.”
He appeals merits of converting Japanese sports dependency on schools and companies to be “clubs”, contributing to found Yomiuri Football Club in 1969. He points out irrationality of amateurism No.1 policy, and continues to teach healthy coexistence of professional and amateur as the football’s ideal.
Few international football information is introduced in 1958, but he covers the World Cup on the newspaper in 1958 and covers 11 consecutive World Cups since Mexico in 1970. Publishes Japan’s first book about World Cup, featuring Mexico games as “Football World-wide level plays” (Kodansha, 1970) to enlighten the world cup information and repeatedly discusses his dreams of having World Cup in Japan since 1970s.
Recognizing the value of records for next generation, the media person strongly promotes to issue “Japan Football League Year Book” for the first season in 1965. His invention of now-widely used “Game record form” is one of his great achievements although it is nothing special. After retirement from the newspaper company, he organizes “Viva Football Study Group” and “Japan Football History Study Group” to attract regular fans to educate football knowledge.

Katsuhiko Kaneko

●　Born in Kanagawa on August 30, 194.

After graduating from Chuo University, joins TOKYO 12 CHANNEL (Now TV Tokyo) after working at Osaka Mainichi Broadcasting. A pioneer of “football play-by-play announcer” for over 40 years and in charge of “Mitsubishi Diamond Football” program. The program starts with bouncy “Drum MAJOLET” theme music and his popular corny line of “Hello football lovers, how are you?”. With commentator Shunichiro Okano he introduces Europe top league information including FIFA World Cup with clear tactical analysis. Sole TV program which introduces less popular overseas football information, which acts “a window to the world”.
In 1974, first time that FIFA World Cup is aired live by satellite from West Germany, where Kaneko has a live for its final game. After retirement from TV Tokyo, actively founds “Office One-Two Return” and appears as freelance announcer, having lives of J-League and England Premier League games on private broadcasting, satellite broadcasting.
Reading and researching huge amount of documents, he prepares to give and accurate information according to game progress and phases. Actively travels for on-the-ground research including USSR and Europe away games in 1968, attaches his mind to deliver live information and the value of football through his words. Awarded J-League Special Merit Medal in 2002.

Takeshi Narahara

●　Born in Tokyo on July 22, 1937

One of pioneer football journalists in Japan, who covers four consecutive FIFA World Cups since Mexico in 1970 as a KYODO journalist. Graduating from Waseda University in 1961, joins KYODO and becomes a sports reporter. Belongs to the Sapporo Olympic team of the company in 1971, moves back to the dept. of Sports next year, appointed director of the dept. of Sports in Fukuoka branch in 1983, transferred to the editorial office in 1985 to serve as Director of summarization headquarter and the editor-in-chief at the editorial office. During his service at KYODO, he introduces overseas football information, history, legendary player’s episodes to specialized magazines such as “FOOTBALL MAGAZINE”. After retirement from the company, he actively writes running stories for KYODO or Nikkan Sports for over 40 years to deliver the value of football. Football related books written by his pen name “Takeshi Suzuki” include “World Cup Story” (1008), “Football Rhapsody – World Football Interesting Tips” (1998), and translated books include “Beckenbauer life history” (1976), “Pele life history” (1977). He also edits “World Football History” (1977).
As editor-in-chief, he renews JFA magazine “Football JFA News” in 1978, and publishes from its 1st issue (December 1978) to 95th issue (May 1992). Pulls efforts to deliver “Emperors' Cup 65 year history – All records of All Japan Football Championship” as editor/writer in 1987, “Japan Football Association 75 year history” as editor in 1996. He has his heart in delivering Japan football identity to the next generation, deliver accurate JFA history. Passes away in 2007.

Marius Johan OOFT

● Born in Rotterdam, Holland on June 27, 1947.

In 1980, during his services at Holland Association for instructing youth players and their instructors, he has a chance to teach Japan high school selection team who come to Europe, which gives him a chance to come to Japan as YAMAHA’s coach in July-August in 1982. Quickly rebuilds the team and brings the team to the 2nd division champion, returns to 1st division and win the title of Emperor’s Cup for the team’s first time. In 1984 to 1988, he leads the Mazda team to 1st division and Sub-champion of Emperor’s Cup.
Due to those excellent performances, appointed Japan National Team Coach in March 1992 as the goal of “bringing the Japan team to World Cup”. With words of “Eye contact”, “Triangle” and “Compact”, he spreads basic football technique not only to the national team, but also Japanese football players entirely, which founds the base of Japanese football style. In August on that year, he successfully brings the team to win the 2nd AFC Dynasty Cup, which is the first official international title since the far-east tournament in 1930, then the title of 10th AFC Asia Cup in Hiroshima in October on the same year which is the first Asian champion title. Although the team misses the chance to go to the Word Cup in October, 1993 at their World Cup Asian qualifier, he successfully maximizes player’s capability and raises the national team to higher level only within 1.5 years, as the first foreigner coach. The National Team successfully beats other Asian teams finally with him, which makes the team to be one of strong Asian teams. His immeasurable results as the national coach includes 18 wins, 11 draws and 9 loss among 38 games. Those national team performance boosts J League opening and popularity.
After retirement from the national coach, appointed as coaches of Jubilo Iwata, Kyoto Purple Sanga and Urawa Reds. Results of his total of 209 J league games are 100 wins, 12 draws and 97 loss.

Shizuo Takada

● Born in Tokyo on August 5, 1947.

After grauating from Nerima ward Oizumi junior high school, Tokyo prefectural Jakujii high school, and Tokyo University of Education, plays with Yomiuri Football Club in 1970. During his university days, achieves two consecutive titles of Kanto University League and University Tournament in 1968 and title of Kanto University League in 1969 After retirement as player, choses a career as referee, obtaining 1st class referee in 1980, and registered as international referee in 1984. First Japanese referee who acts World Cup chief referee during World Cup Mexico game of Spain VS Algeria. Two years after, he acts as chief referee and sub referee (lines man) at Soul Olympic, joins FIFA World Cup Italia in 1990, serving as chief referee for one game, sub referee (lines man) for three games, 4th referee (reserved referee) for 3 games. JSL chief referee 92 games (1983 to 1992), J-league chief referee 26 games, sub referee 2 games (1993 to 1994).
After retirement from referee in 1994, he educates the next generation and appointed AFC assessor in 1996 and FIFA assessor in 2002. In 2006, he serves as FIFA World Cup Germany’s referee assessor. Appointed as J-League referee-in-chief in 1996, JFA Executive Committee member in 1998, and JFA referee chairman. Until his retirement in 2006, he establishes educational systems for referee’s professionalization (PR system) and referee colleges, while modifies referee evaluation system, promotion system and instructor system to raise the referee standard as well as their status. He also increases the number of registered referees, stabilizes the foundation and realizes smooth communication. As a result, the bottom of referees enlarges and the top level improves to make Japan to send more referees to the world with good reputation.
Awarded J-League best referee award in 1993, FIFA referee honorable mention in 1996 and AFC Special award (Bronze) in 2009.