JFA Hall of Fame Inductee

YOKOYAMA Kenzo

Selected Inductees

Born in Tokyo on 21 January 1943

Joins Mitsubishi Heavy Industries after graduating from Saitama Prefectural Kawaguchi High School and Rikkyo University.
Converted to goalkeeper in his third year of high school in 1961, and appeared in the 3rd Asian Youth Championships the same year. Wins first cap for the full Japan national team while still a university student, in 1963. Appears in all of Japan's matches at the Games of the 18th Olympiad in 1964 (Tokyo) and the Games of the 19th Olympiad in 1968 (Mexico City), protecting his goal with assuring saving and analytical ability from beginning to end, and contributing to Japan's progression to the last eight in the Tokyo Olympics and to the bronze medal in the Mexico City Olympics. Continues to play in goal for the national team until 1975, appearing in the Asian Games (achieving third place in the 5th edition in 1966), and the qualifying tournaments for the FIFA World Cups in Mexico and West Germany, as well as for the Munich Olympics. Appears in a total of 49 "A" matches.

Appears in 136 games in the JSL (for Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, between 1966 and 1977). Captains the side in 1973-75. Achieves two title victories in the JSL First Division, including the team's first ever in 1969. Wins the Emperor's Cup All-Japan Soccer Championship Tournament title in 1971. Named in the annual best XI on seven occasions. Manages the Mitsubishi team from 1976 to 1983 (continuing as player-manager until 1977), and wins the JSL First Division, the JSL Cup, and the Emperor's Cup on two occasions each, including a treble triumph in 1978.

Appointed as manager of the Japanese national team in 1988, achieving Japan's first success in the Kirin Cup in 1991. Jointly holds the role of general manager to the U-23 national team in 1991-92, contributing to the strengthening of the full side. Additionally sits on the board of the JFA and chairs the strengthening committee at the same time.
Urawa Reds manager in 1994 and general manager in 1995. Later becomes assistant to the president of the club after spells as executive director and as director of the business division. Devotes energies to the development of the club, involved not only in team strengthening but also in general operations.
Appointed as General Secretary of Saitama Football Association.

• 
  OGI Aritatsu
• MORI Takaji