The Japan Football Association (JFA) celebrated its 100th anniversary on Friday 10 September 2021. To commemorate this milestone, the JFA 100th Anniversary Celebration was held at Maihama Amphitheater.

The celebration was attended by JFA’s Honorary Patron, Her Imperial Highness Princess Takamado congratulating JFA with the following message: “The 100th anniversary is the starting point for a new 100 years. I sincerely hope that JFA will look ahead to the future with high aspirations, and I pray for the further development of the association.”

The Japan Sports Agency’s Commissioner, Mr. MUROFUSHI Koji followed by stating, “Taking the opportunity of this brilliant milestone of JFA's 100th anniversary, we sincerely hope that everyone involved will continue to work together and play a central role in the promotion of football in Japan. We also hope that football will help revitalise the economy and local communities, contribute to the promotion of health, and in building a vibrant and inclusive society.”

Following the opening speeches, the next segment of the celebration focused on the history of Japanese football. The audience was presented with a video in a form of a traditional Japanese emaki, a horizontal illustrated narrative picture scroll, describing various events from the dawn of Japanese football to the present, together with valuable footages and testimonies. The video consisted of three parts, Part One titled “Era of the unknown.” This segment covered the introduction of football in Japan, the establishment of the Greater Japan Football Association, and the history of the Japan National Team. In addition, Part One also featured Mr. Dettmar CRAMER, known as the “father of modern football in Japan,” and his dedication to the development of Japanese football. Footages from the Mexico City 1968 Olympic Games were also shown, where the players coached and trained by Mr. CRAMER won the bronze medal. Mr. KAMAMOTO Kunishige, who was the top scorer in that tournament, made an appearance to share his memories, while also shared his advice to the current Japan National Team.

After half-time (intermission), the historical picture scroll continued onto Part Two entitled “Facing the gap with the world" and Part Three, “Narrowing the gap with the world.” Each part was accompanied by pioneers who paved the way, such as Mr. OSAWA Hideo, Mr. KONUMA Sadao, and Mr. Sergio ECHIGO, all of whom contributed to the development of the youth categories, Mr. TAKAHASHI Yoichi, author of the manga “Captain Tsubasa” which ignited a football boom, and Mr. OKUDERA Yasuhiko, the first Japanese professional footballer to play for a top league in Europe. These pioneers all played an integral role in the history of Japanese football.

The video went on to feature the kick-off of J.League in 1993 and the time when the 2002 FIFA World Cup™ was decided that it would be co-hosted by Japan and Korea Republic. JFA’s Executive Advisor Mr. KAWABUCHI Saburo, who was the first chairman of the J.League, and Mr. MIURA Kazuyoshi, who has been playing actively from the inaugural season of the J.League to the present, took the podium to share their stories. Mr. KAWABUCHI talked about the hardships he faced at the start of the J.League, while Mr. MIURA talked about the reason why he still continues to play professionally. Mr. ZICO, who also played for J.League during its early years and later spearheaded the Japan National Team to the 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany™ as head coach, was also introduced, as he commented, “When I first came to Japan in 1991, I never imagined that I would spend the next 15 years in Japan. I hope I can leave a wonderful football legacy in Japan.”

After the video introduced the “Agony of Doha” and its overcoming which led to the “Delight of Johor Bahru” where Japan qualified for the FIFA World Cup™ for the first time, Mr. OKADA Takeshi, who led the Japan National Team in the 1998 FIFA World Cup France™ and 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™, took the podium to share episodes from his time as the National Team coach. He then left a message towards the current Japan National Team, “Today's players are definitely growing. Diversity will be an essential aspect from now on.”

In 2011, Nadeshiko Japan (Japan Women's National Team) won the FIFA Women's World Cup Germany 2011™ despite the hardships the team faced under the Great East Japan Earthquake. After an emotional scene was shown on the screen, Mr. SASAKI Norio, the head coach at the time, and Ms. SAWA Homare, who was the team captain, joined the stage. Ms. SAWA cited “team unity” as a key factor in winning the title, and praised her mentor by saying, “We couldn't have won without Mr. SASAKI.”

Lastly, the historical picture scroll featured events from the recent years to the present. In 2018, the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ took place and J-Village resumed operation. In 2020, the Prince Takamado Memorial JFA YUME Field opened. The facility includes an arena used by the Japan Futsal National Team, and in July 2021, Pitch Carioca was founded for the use of the Japan Beach Soccer National Team. During this segment of the ceremony, Mr. RAMOS Ruy, a naturalised Japanese citizen from Brazil, who played an active role as a member of the Japan National Team before making tremendous contributions as the coach of Japan Beach Soccer National Team, made his appearance on stage. He enthusiastically shared how proud he was to represent Japan and his gratitude towards the country. During his speech, he was moved to tears when he reflected on the words given by JFA President TASHIMA Kohzo and Mr. OKADA at the time when he suffered a stroke.

The final segment of the picture scroll concluded with the message “DREAM - courage to achieve” which was stated in the JFA Declaration, 2005. JFA was able to reach the 100 year milestone owing to the historic events of the past, and this also marks a new start to its next 100 years.

Following the video presentation, President TASHIMA appeared on stage and announced that His Imperial Highness Prince Takamado, who has made great contributions in his capacity as JFA’s Honorary Patron, will be specially inducted into the Japan Football Hall of Fame.

President TASHIMA also went on to give a presentation titled “Committing to the future” and stated, “We must thank everyone who has laid the groundwork for the future, and we must continue to lay the groundwork for the next 100 years.” The JFA President concluded his speech by declaring, “We would like to take the next step with you with a larger stride.”

At the end of the event, "Ikimonogakari” made their appearance on stage as a special guest and sang “Bluebird.” As the group sang their next song “Kaze ga fuiteiru” (Wind is blowing), a film reflecting the past and inspirations for the next 100 years was shown on the screen, as the celebration ended with an atmosphere celebrating the centennial, and hope towards the next 100 years.

Speakers’ Comments

Her Imperial Highness Princess Takamado
Please allow me to convey my sincere congratulations for reaching the milestone of the 100th anniversary. I am delighted to celebrate this memorable day with the members of the association and everyone involved. His Imperial Highness Prince Takamado, who became JFA's Honorary Patron in 1987, loved playing and watching football. He always stressed the importance of youth development for the betterment of Japanese football. By creating a system that produces excellent talent, like a well that does not wither water, and by promoting the sport to expand the base, he believed that we would be able to bring football to a higher level. I believe that this is a belief that has been passed down through the history of 100 years of Japanese football. I sincerely hope that JFA will continue to look ahead to the future with high aspirations, and I pray for the further development of the association.

MUROFUSHI Koji, Commissioner of the Japan Sports Agency
We are delighted to be able to celebrate this great milestone of the 100th anniversary. Since JFA was established as the Greater Japan Football Association in 1921, it has not only improved the level of football through various international and domestic competitions, but made tireless efforts to popularise and promote sports. JFA contributed to create an environment for the Japanese people to better enjoy sports, and continues to work on the inclusion of parasports. The Japan Sports Agency will continue to give its utmost effort to support the further development and promotion of football. I believe that the activities of SAMURAI BLUE and Nadeshiko Japan will bring smiles and unity to our country.

TASHIMA Kohzo, JFA President
Many of the people who took the stage today have supported Japanese football over the years. We must not forget that Japanese football exist today because of the support of many people. Together, we would like to take the next step with a larger stride towards the next 100 years. “DREAM - courage to achieve.” We will continue to develop JFA with these words engraved in our heart. We will give our utmost effort to overcome the current challenges, so that people would look back 30, 50, or even 100 years from now and say, “JFA did a great job overcoming the Covid-19 pandemic.” Let’s keep the ball rolling together.