Akinobu Yokouchi

Yokouchi was born in Fukuoka Prefecture on November 30, 1967. After graduating from high school, he joined Japan Soccer League club Mazda (later Sanfrecce Hiroshima) in 1986. He played many matches as offensive midfielder. In 1992, the Japan Soccer League folded and the new J1 League was founded. However he did not play in many matches due to an injury and retired at the end of the 1995 season.

After retiring, Yokouchi began his coaching career with Sanfrecce Hiroshima in 1996, primarily working with the youth team until 2002. In 2003, he transitioned to coaching the top team. The club achieved championship victories in 2012, 2013, and 2015 J1 League. However, in 2017, the club struggled with poor results, leading to the dismissal of manager Hajime Moriyasu in July. Yokouchi served as caretaker manager for one match during this period. On 25 December 2022, Yokouchi was appointed as the manager of J2 relegation club Jubilo Iwata for the upcoming 2023 season. On 12 November 2023, Yokouchi led his team to promotion to the J1 League for the 2024 season after securing a 1–2 away victory against Tochigi SC on the final day. On June 25th Yokouchi was appointed as manager of Montedio Yamagata.

Club

Manager

Júbilo Iwata Promotion to J1 League 2024