The JFA Mid-Term Plan for 2023-2026Japan Football Hall of Fame
JFA Hall of Fame Inductee
YAMAGUCHI Yoshitada
Selected Inductees
- Born in Shizuoka on 28 September 1944
Joins Hitachi after graduating from the Prefectural Fujieda-Higashi High School and Chuo University. Selected as a candidate for the youth national team while still at high school, and appears at the 4th and 5th editions of the Asian Youth Championships in 1962 and 1963. Achieves title success in the Kanto University League in 1966 as captain of the Chuo University team.
Makes the major switch from forward to defender while at university, and is called up for the full Japan national team in 1964. Gains his first full cap in the game against Ghana in the Tokyo Olympics, and excels at the back with solid defending, tight and fierce marking, and precise technique.
Appears at the Olympic Games in Tokyo in 1964 and in Mexico City in 1968, contributing to the team's achievements from the left full back position. Curbs the threat center forward in the game with France in the Mexico City Olympics, helping the side reach the last four in the Olympic Games for the first time, and ultimately contributing to Japan's bronze medal achievement. Continues to represent Japan until 1974, appearing in the Asian Games (achieving third place in the 5th edition in 1966), and the qualifying tournaments for the World Cup in West Germany and the Olympic Games in Munich. Appears in a total of 49 "A" matches for his country.
Appears in a total of 121 JSL games (for Hitachi), scoring 15 goals (between 1967 and 1975). Wins the JSL First Division title in 1972, and the Emperor's Cup All-Japan Soccer Championship Tournament title in 1972 and 1975. Captains the side in 1974. Named in the league's annual best XI for seven consecutive seasons (1968-74). Serves as manager of the Japanese junior national team, Universiade national team, and national "B" team, leading the latter to victory in the Marahalim Cup in 1988. Becomes manager of the national side aiming to qualify for the Barcelona Olympics in 1989, ultimately reaching the final Asian qualifying round.
Manages Kashiwa Reysol in 1993. Later contributes to the development of young players as manager of the club's youth development section. Appointed as manager of the Chuo University football club in 2000, remaining at the helm until 2005.
