The JFA Mid-Term Plan for 2023-2026Japan Football Hall of Fame
JFA Hall of Fame Inductee
KITAYAMA Tomonori
Special Selection: 18th Japan Football Hall of Fame in 2022
- Born in Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan on 15 April 1947
As an international committee member representing the Japan Football Association, KITAYAMA developed strong links with CONMEBOL (the South American Football Confederation) and with the football associations of all the South American nations. For approximately 40 years, he devoted his energies to supporting South American tours by Japanese soccer teams and engaging in negotiations relating to the invitation of South American teams to Japan.
KITAYAMA’s personal connections proved enormously helpful, as the Japanese national team was invited to participate in the Copa America competition, many strong South American teams (especially from Argentina) were invited to play in Japan, and the transfers of famous South American players to Japanese clubs were secured. This all helped to greatly strengthen both J.League clubs and the national team. As it becomes more difficult by the year to arrange fixtures between national teams (due to congested football schedules around the world and because of changes in the rules governing international match days), the fact that the JFA has been able to invite national teams from South American countries to Japan for international friendlies can be regarded—even today—as part of KITAYAMA’s legacy.
In addition, KITAYAMA’s strong relationship with CONMEBOL was a factor in the Confederation’s unwavering support for Japan during the fierce bidding contest with South Korea over the hosting of the 2002 World Cup.
