The JFA Mid-Term Plan for 2023-2026Japan Football Hall of Fame
JFA Hall of Fame Inductee
MORI Takaji
Selected Inductees
- Born in Hiroshima on 11 November 1943
Joins Mitsubishi Heavy Industries after graduating from Shudo High School in Hiroshima, and Waseda University.
Appears at the 4th Asian Youth Championships with the Japanese national youth team in 1962. Becomes a regular in the Waseda University team from his first year. Leads a golden age for the university as captain of the team in 1966, achieving the treble success of Kanto University League, All-Japan University Championship Tournament, and Emperor's Cup All-Japan Soccer Championship Tournament titles.
A member of the squad at the Games of the 18th Olympiad in 1964 (Tokyo), Mori goes on to represent the Japan national team until 1976. Plays in all of Japan's matches at the Games of the 19th Olympiad in 1968 (Mexico City), leading the midfield play as half back and contributing to the achievement of the bronze medal. Also appears in the Asian Games (achieving third place in the 5th edition in 1966), the qualifying tournaments for the FIFA World Cups in Mexico and West Germany, and the qualifying tournaments for the Olympic Games in Munich and Montreal. Plays in a total of 56 "A" matches, scoring two goals.
Appears in 146 matches in the JSL (with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries), scoring 28 goals (between 1967 and 1977). Wins the JSL First Division and the Emperor's Cup on two occasions each. Named in the annual best XI on five occasions.
After spending time training as a coach in West Germany in 1979-80, becomes coach of the Japan national team, before being appointed as manager in 1981. Narrowly misses out on the finals of the FIFA World Cup in Mexico in the final qualifying game in 1985, but steadily raises the level of Japan's competitiveness, and demonstrates the path down which the team should follow.
Manager of Urawa Reds in 1992-93, GM of Yokohama Marinos in 1995-97, manager of Avispa Fukuoka in 1998, GM in 1999-2001, and GM of Urawa Reds in 2001-06.
Passes away in 2011.
