The JFA Mid-Term Plan for 2023-2026Japan Football Hall of Fame
JFA Hall of Fame Inductee
KAMATA Mitsuo
Selected Inductees
- Born in Ibaraki on 16 December 1937
Joins the Furukawa Electric Company after graduating from the Ibaraki Prefectural Hitachi First Senior High School and Chuo University. During his time at university, Kamata achieves victory in the Emperor's Cup All-Japan Soccer Championship Tournament in 1957 (with the Chuo University Club), and as captain in the National University Championship in 1959.
Makes his debut for the Japanese national team against Hong Kong in 1958. Subsequently becomes the cornerstone of the national team's defence, boasting calm, precise judgement and strong covering skills. Accumulates experience in the qualifying tournaments for the Rome Olympics and the FIFA World Cup in Chile, as well as in the 4th Asian Games, before appearing in all of Japan's games at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics and the 1968 Mexico City Olympics. Skilfully provides cover in the most dangerous areas of the pitch as sweeper in the Mexico City Olympics, and contributes to Japan winning the bronze medal. Continues to play for the national team until 1970, making 44 appearances in "A" matches and scoring two goals.
After joining Furukawa Electric in 1960, plays in the final of the Emperor's Cup on three occasions (1960, 1961, and 1964), and achieves victories in the All-Japan Company Football Tournament twice (1961 and 1962). Makes 106 appearances in the JSL (all with Furukawa Electric), and scores six goals (between 1965 and 1974). Named in the annual best XI three times in a row (1967-69).
Serves as manager of the Japanese national youth team (1975), the Japanese university select team (leading the team to the best eight at the 5th World University Championship in 1976), and the Japanese national B team (achieving second place in the 6th Marahalim Cup in 1977), and is also appointed as manager of the Furukawa Electric team in 1976. Wins the double of JSL First Division and 56th Emperor's Cup, and also achieves victory in the JSL Cup of 1977. Serves as manager of Daikyo Petroleum (now Cosmo Oil) football club in 1981-89.
Heads the board of directors of the Mie Football Association from 1994, and is appointed as vice-president in 2002. Sits on the JFA board of directors in 1996-98.
