JFA Hall of Fame Inductee

KIMURA Kazushi

Inducted by votes: 17th Japan Football Hall of Fame in 2020

Born in Hiroshima on 19 July 1958

Known as a talented right winger during his time at Hiroshima Technical High School, he was selected into the U-19 Japan National Team in 1977 during his time at Meiji University, where he competed at the AFC Youth Championship. He joined JSL Nissan Motors in 1981, where he contributed to the team’s promotion from the second division to the first division. His talent as a game maker blossomed after being converted into an attacking midfield role. Through his splendid techniques and pinpoint accuracy with his right foot, he created numerous chances and scored many goals.

In 1986, he became the first professional footballer in Japan along with OKUDERA Yasuhiko, who had just returned from Bundesliga of West Germany. He has won two JSL titles and six Emperor's Cup titles, including his time with Yokohama Marinos. Selected by members of the press, he has won the Footballer of the year award three times.

Kimura was named into the Japan National Team for the first time during his second year at Meiji University. He marked a total of 56 caps while scoring 26 goals with the Japan National Team. He was well known for his scoring abilities from set plays, which became a vital attacking source for the Japan National Team. His goal scored against Korea Republic during the final qualification round of the 1986 FIFA World Cup Mexico™ has left a lasting legacy for the Japanese football community.

Following his retirement as a player, he was named as the coach of the Japan Futsal National Team in 2001 and assumed the coaching position at Yokohama F.Marinos in 2010.

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  SASAKI Norio
• Ivica OSIM