JFA Hall of Fame Inductee

OKUDERA Yasuhiko

Selected Inductees

Born in Akita on 12 March 1952

Joins Furukawa Electric Company in 1970 after graduating from Sagami Institute of Technology High School, known as his speedy break-through play and his left-footed shot and highly expected. Makes his debut for the Japanese national team against Benfica Lisbon. After playing Asian Youth Championships for three consecutive years from 1970 to 1972, learns football in Brazil in early 1976 and becomes star player of the national team.

In 1977, Okudera meets Coach Hans "Hennes" Weisweile of 1FC Koln in West Germany during the national team’s away games in Europe, becomes the first professional footballer who plays at the Europe’s top club. Contributes to win titles of Bundesliga and Germany Cup of the year, the last 4 of UEFA Champions Cup of the next year, making his imprint on the club. After playing at Hertha BSC Berlin, Okudera transfers to Sportverein Werder Breme and becomes Bundesliga vice-champions three times. Makes 259 appearances and scores 34 goals in total during Bundesliga days.

Re-joins Furukawa Electric Company as a special licensed player (registered as Japan's first professional player) in 1986. Appears in the Asia Club Championship on the year and makes his return to the Japan National Team, actively playing Soul Olympic Qualifiers. Appears 79 (32 International “A” match games) national team games, scoring 19 goals (9 international A match goals) in 1970 to 1988. Appears 143 Japan Football League games (JSL/Furukawa Electric Company), scoring 39 goals in 1970-1977 and 1986 0 1988. Named in the annual JSL best XI on two occasions. In 1976, he achieves both the first title of JSL 1st division champion and Emperor’s Cup.

After spells as General Manager of East Japan Furukawa Football Club and coach of Jef United Ichihara, appointed as General Manager of Yokohama FC and the its president.

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  YOSHIMURA Daishiro Nelson
• NAGAI Yoshikazu