The JFA Mid-Term Plan for 2023-2026Japan Football Hall of Fame
JFA Hall of Fame Inductee
KATAYAMA Hiroshi
Selected Inductees
- Born in Tokyo on 28 May 1940
Enjoys football through his days at the Tokyo Gakugei University-Affiliated Setagaya Elementary School and Junior High School, and after studying at Keio Senior High School and Keio University, joins the New Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (Mitsubishi Heavy Industries from 1964) company in 1963. Caps at the high school and the university. National University Tournament Champion in 1961.
Converted from a forward to a defender (full back) during his time a high school. Shows strong physical ability and excellent ball technique, and performed successfully as a technical full back who was actively willing to join in the attack. Called up to the Japanese full national team while still at university in 1960, and wins his first full cap at the 5th Merdeka Tournament the following year. Appears in all of Japan's games at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics and the 1968 Mexico City Olympics at right full back, and contributes to the team achieving a best eight spot in Tokyo and the bronze medal in Mexico City. One particularly notable episode comes in the third place playoff in Mexico City against Mexico, where Katayama's close marking ultimately results in the opposing forward being substituted midway through the game.
Appears in the 5th Asian Games in 1966 (achieving third place) and the qualifying tournaments for the FIFA World Cup in Mexico and the Olympic Games in Munich, recording a total of 38 appearances in "A" matches for the Japan national team up to 1971. Plays in 107 matches in the JSL (for Mitsubishi Heavy Industries), scoring three goals. Captains the side in 1970-72. Team achieves first victory in the JSL First Division in 1969, and wins the Emperor's Cup All-Japan Soccer Championship Tournament in 1971. Named in the annual best XI five times in a row (1966-70). Plays a key role in the golden era for Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.
Has devoted energies to coaching of young players since 2002 as head coach at the Mitsubishi Yowakai Foundation Soccer Schools.
