Dettmar CRAMER, dubbed “the father of Japanese soccer”, passed away on 17 September (German Time) in Reit im Winkl, Germany. He was 90 years old. 

We would like to extend our sincere condolences on hearing this sad news and honour the memory of his successful life.

DAINI Kuniya, the President of the Japan Football Association, and KAWABUCHI Saburo, the Supreme Advisor of the Japan Football Association, sent deep condolences on the loss of Dettmar Cramer.

DAINI Kuniya, President of Japan Football Association

I was shocked to hear the sad news.

We can say that Japanese football couldn’t have been modernised without Dettmar Cramer. I was coached by him during my playing days and learned the basic skills thoroughly. I still remember that we practiced especially inside-kicks repeatedly. Thanks to Mr. Cramer, the Japan Soccer League (JSL) was established, which led us to organising the J.League.

Today’s Japanese football would have been completely different – undeveloped – without him. He couldn’t stop talking about football, which showed his huge enthusiasm. I believe that his passion for football remained the same until his last minutes. All the fans and football-related staff in Japan are devastated by the sad news of our mentor. I’d like to extend my sincere condolences.

KAWABUCHI Saburo, Supreme Advisor of Japan Football Association

It’s been 55 years since I first met Mr. Cramer. He was my respected teacher not only in football, but also in life. I wouldn’t be the same, if he hadn’t been there for me. He always phoned me to give me advice on things, which encouraged me a lot.

When Mr. Cramer lost his son, I heard his tearful voice for the first time. I told him: “You have lots of sons in Japan. So come and see us whenever you want to.” I talked to him last year, and he told me that he felt lonely. He showed his vulnerability in front of me for the first time.

Japan used to be a small and weak team in Asia back in 1960. However, Mr. Cramer was one of a very few instructors, who treated players as a complete man. I never knew anyone else, who sincerely gave his all to teach us football as well as the philosophy of life. Mr. Cramer, I appreciate your support very much. Rest in peace.

Dettmar Cramer’s profile

Born on 4 April 1925 in Dortmund, West Germany
Dettmar Cramer came to Japan in 1960 to become the coach of the Japan national team, in order to strengthen and lead the side prior to the 18th Olympics in 1964 in Tokyo. After his arrival, he continued to improve Japanese football, nurture coaches, and lay the foundations for the youth development, earning the title of father of Japanese football.

He performed as an advisor for Japan at the 19th Olympics in 1968 in Mexico City, and contributed greatly to Japan's bronze medal achievement. In 1969, he worked as a schoolmaster at the first FIFA Coaching School in Chiba, before travelling to over 70 countries to instruct coaches as a FIFA-employed coach.

He was an instructor at FIFA/Coca-Cola World Youth Academy held in Ibaraki in 1988, and came back to Japan for the ninth time in 1989 at the invitation of the JFA. He worked as a special coach for two years. 

Back home, he held positions such as the coach appointed by the Western German Football and Athletics Association, as well as manager at major clubs including Bayern Munchen and Bayer Leverkusen. Cramer led Bayern Munchen to two consecutive victories in the European Champion Clubs' Cup (UEFA Champions League).

He also worked as the coach of the United States National Team, the Saudi Arabia National Team, Korea Republic National Team for the Olympics, as well as the coach of top club teams in Saudi Arabia and Greece.

Cramer was awarded the prize “3rd Class Order of the Sacred Treasure” in 1971, and “Japan Football Association 75th Anniversary Special Achievement Award” in 1996.

He was elected into the Japan Football Hall of Fame as part of first group of inductees in 2005.