Akira Narahashi
Akira Narahashi is a former professional footballer from Japan who played as a right-back.
He began his professional career with Shonan Bellmare in 1990, where he played until 1996.
In 1997, Narahashi transferred to Kashima Antlers, where he enjoyed significant success.
Biography
Early Life
Akira Narahashi was born on November 26, 1971, in Chiba, Japan. He graduated from Chiba Eiwa High School in 1990, marking the beginning of his journey in professional football.
Club Career
Narahashi began his professional career with Fujita Industries, which later became known as Shonan Bellmare, in 1990. He played for the club until 1996, during which time he contributed to their success in the Japan Soccer League Division 2 and their promotion to the J1 League. The club won the Emperor's Cup in 1994 and the Asian Cup Winners' Cup in 1995. In 1997, he transferred to Kashima Antlers, where he thrived under the mentorship of Brazilian full-back Jorginho. Narahashi was part of a historic season in 2000 when Kashima won the J1 League, J.League Cup, and Emperor's Cup, achieving a treble. After a successful stint, his playing time diminished in the mid-2000s, leading to his departure from Kashima in 2006. He returned to Shonan Bellmare in 2007 but was released later that year, ultimately announcing his retirement from professional football on February 1, 2008.
International Career
Narahashi made his debut for the Japan national team on September 27, 1994, against Australia. He became a regular right-back after Hiroshige Yanagimoto's injury in 1997. Narahashi played a crucial role in Japan's qualification for the 1998 FIFA World Cup, where he participated in all three of Japan's matches. He earned a total of 38 caps for the national team until 2003, including selections for the 2003 FIFA Confederations Cup under new manager Zico. Narahashi's contributions to Japanese football have left a lasting legacy, both at the club and international levels.
Collected from open sources (2) · facts link to sources · AI-processed
Career & Clubs
Narahashi was born in Chiba on November 26, 1971. After graduating from Chiba Eiwa High School in 1990, he joined Fujita Industries (later Bellmare Hiratsuka, Shonan Bellmare) playing in the Japan Soccer League Division 2. In 1992, Japan Soccer League was folded and the club joined new league Japan Football League. The club won the champions in 1993 and was promoted to J1 League. In 1994, the club won Emperor's Cup. In Asia, the club also won 1995 Asian Cup Winners' Cup. Narahashi moved to Kashima Antlers in 1997. The presence of Jorginho at Kashima propelled his decision to move as he aspired to learn the trade under the Brazilian international full back. In 2000, the club won all three major title in Japan; J1 League, J.League Cup and Emperor's Cup first time in J.League history. The club won J1 League three times, J.League Cup three times and Emperor's Cup two times. From the mid-2000s, his opportunities to play decreased. At the end of the 2006 season, Kashima announced that they wouldn't renew his contract. Narahashi returned to Bellmare in February 2007 but was released in August 2007. On February 1, 2008, he announced his retirement from professional football.
On September 27, 1994, Narahashi debuted for Japan national team against Australia. He competed with Hiroshige Yanagimoto for regular of right side-back. Yanagimoto was hurt in 1997, Narahashi became a regular. At 1998 FIFA World Cup qualification, Japan won the qualify for 1998 FIFA World Cup first time in Japan's history. In 1998, he played in all three matches at 1998 World Cup. After 2002 FIFA World Cup, in October, Narahashi was selected Japan by new manager Zico for the first time in four years. He was also selected Japan for 2003 FIFA Confederations Cup, but he did not play in the match. He played 38 games for Japan until 2003.
- Club
- Shonan Bellmare (1990–1996)
- Club
- Kashima Antlers (1997–2006)
- Club
- Shonan Bellmare (2007–2007)
- Club
- Japan men's national football team (1994–2003)
- National team
- Japan
Clubs
- Shonan Bellmare1990–1996
- Japan men's national football team1994–2003
- Kashima Antlers1997–2006
- Shonan Bellmare2007–2007
Played together with
- Abdul Naza AlhassanShonan Bellmare · 2008–2010
- Abraão Lincoln MartinsShonan Bellmare · 2008–2008
- Abraão Lincoln MartinsShonan Bellmare · 2009–2009
- Adiel de Oliveira AmorimShonan Bellmare · 2006–2011
- Akihiro SakataShonan Bellmare · 2009–2009
- Akihiro SakataShonan Bellmare · 2010–2010
- Akihiro SatoKashima Antlers · 2010–2010
- Akihiro SatoKashima Antlers · 2011–2015
- Akihiro YoshidaShonan Bellmare · 1994–1998
- Akira AndoShonan Bellmare · 2014–2017
Alcindo SartoriKashima Antlers · 1993–1994- Alex Antônio de Melo SantosKashima Antlers · 2011–2012
Archive
Passport
Identifiers & aliases
Akira Narahashi is a Japanese former professional footballer who played as a right-back. He earned 38 caps for the Japan national team between 1994 and 2003, including three games at the 1998 FIFA World Cup.
Opinions of fans — not verified facts.
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