Mr. OKANO Shun-ichiro, Executive Advisor and the 9th President of Japan Football Association, has died at the age of 85 following a lung cancer on Thursday, 2 February 2017 at a hospital in Tokyo.
We would like to extend our deep gratitude for his lifelong dedication and we offer our sincerest condolences.
According to the wishes of the deceased, the funeral will take place with just family members and relatives. The condolence gifts and flowers are firmly declined.

The detail of Mr. Okano’s background is as follows:

9th JFA President (term: 1998-2002)
Born in Tokyo on August 28, 1931.
Graduates from the University of Tokyo.
After a spell as manager of the Japanese youth national team, becomes coach of the full side for the Games of the 18th Olympiad (1964, Tokyo), before leading the activities of the team as player-coach at the Games of the 19th Olympiad (1968, Mexico City). Achieves third place, and the bronze medal, at the Mexico City Olympics. Becomes manager of the full Japan national team in 1970-71, leading the side to fourth place in the 6th Asian Games (1970, Bangkok).
After spells as board member and vice-president, becomes president of the JFA in 1998. Simultaneously pours efforts into bidding process and hosting of the 2002 FIFA World Cup in roles as executive chairman of the World Cup bidding committee, and as vice-chairman of the Japan World Cup Organising Committee. Responsible for the success of the tournament as committee chairman throughout the event.
Takes roles in FIFA including World Cup Organising Committee member and Olympic Tournament Organising Committee member, as well as working as president as the East Asian Football Federation.
Has also had spells on the Japan Soccer League permanent operating committee, and on the J League board of directors.
Also has executive roles in the Japanese Olympic Committee (JOC), the Japan Sports Association, and in many other national sport-related bodies, as well as various international multiple sports events hosted in Japan. Devoted particular efforts to the conversion of the JOC into an incorporated foundation as general secretary in 1989. Contributes to the development of global sport as member of the International Olympic Committee from 1990.
Awarded the Blue Ribbon Medal of Honour in 1990, the IOC Silver Pin in 1998, a Blue Dragon Award (sporting honour, Republic of Korea) in 2003, and 3rd Class Order of the Rising Sun in 2004. Many other awards received.
Elected to Japan Football Hall of Fame as part of first group of inductees in 2005.
In 1998, he takes a position as President of Japan Football Association. After serving 4 years as President, he becomes Honorary President of Japan Football Association and pursues his role until 2008. Between 2008 and 2016, he plays role as Supreme Advisor of Japan Football Association.
Since 2012, he has been a member of 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games Bidding Committee and from 2016 he assumes new role as Executive Advisor of Japan Football Association.