Dettmar CRAMER, dubbed “the father of Japanese football”, passed away on 17 September (German Time) in Reit im Winkl, Germany. He was 90 years old.

We would like to extend our sincere condolences on hearing of this sad news and honor the memory of his successful life.

OKANO Shunichiro, the Supreme Advisor of the Japan Football Association (JFA), sends deep condolences on the loss of Dettmar Cramer.

OKANO Shunichiro, the Supreme Advisor of the Japan Football Association (JFA)

I first met Dettmar Cramer when I welcomed him at Haneda Airport on his very first visit to Japan in 1960. We’ve known each other for 55 years, just like brothers. He had a huge impact on not only football, but on all sports in Japan. He turned us into football coaches. I’m devastated by the sad news of his death. 

He had phoned me every month until just before his death, and had wished to come back to Japan once more. It is sad that he couldn’t make it. I myself wished to see him again, but this sadly was not to be either. I hoped that Dettmar Cramer, who loved Japanese football so much and desired to develop it, will rest in peace with his father Dettmar I and his son Dettmar III.

Dettmar Cramer’s profile

Born on 4 April 1925 in Dortmund, West Germany
Dettmar Cramer came to Japan in 1960 to become the coach of the Japan national team, in order to strengthen and lead the side prior to the 18th Olympics in 1964 in Tokyo. After his arrival, he continued to improve Japanese football, nurture coaches, and lay the foundations for the youth development, earning the title of father of Japanese football.

He performed as an advisor for Japan at the 19th Olympics in 1968 in Mexico City, and contributed greatly to Japan's bronze medal achievement. In 1969, he worked as a schoolmaster at the first FIFA Coaching School in Chiba, before travelling to over 70 countries to instruct coaches as a FIFA-employed coach.

He was an instructor at FIFA/Coca-Cola World Youth Academy held in Ibaraki in 1988, and came back to Japan for the ninth time in 1989 at the invitation of the JFA. He worked as a special coach for two years. 

Back home, he held positions such as the coach appointed by the Western German Football and Athletics Association, as well as manager at major clubs including Bayern Munchen and Bayer Leverkusen. Cramer led Bayern Munchen to two consecutive victories in the European Champion Clubs' Cup (UEFA Champions League).

He also worked as the coach of the United States National Team, the Saudi Arabia National Team, Korea Republic National Team for the Olympics, as well as the coach of top club teams in Saudi Arabia and Greece.

Cramer was awarded the prize “3rd Class Order of the Sacred Treasure” in 1971, and “Japan Football Association 75th Anniversary Special Achievement Award” in 1996.

He was elected into the Japan Football Hall of Fame as part of first group of inductees in 2005.