Hisashi Kato
Hisashi Kato is a former Japanese football player and manager known for his defensive skills on the field.
Kato began his professional career with Tokyo Verdy in 1980, where he played for 13 years and became a club legend.
He made his debut for the Japan national team in 1978 and went on to play 61 matches, scoring 6 goals.
Biography
Early Life
Hisashi Kato was born on April 24, 1956, in Rifu, Miyagi, Japan. He pursued higher education at Waseda University, where he honed his skills in football, setting the stage for a remarkable career in the sport.
Career
Kato began his professional career in 1980 when he joined Yomiuri, which later became known as Verdy Kawasaki. Over the next 13 years, he played a pivotal role in the club's success, contributing to five Japan Soccer League championships, two JSL Cups, and three Emperor's Cups. This period is often regarded as a golden era for the club. In 1992, as the Japan Soccer League transitioned to the J1 League, Kato continued to make his mark, playing in the inaugural season. However, after a brief stint in 1993, he moved to Shimizu S-Pulse, returning to Verdy Kawasaki in 1994 before retiring at the end of that season. Throughout his club career, Kato played 243 matches and scored 11 goals, earning a spot in the Best Eleven nine times.
On the international stage, Kato made his debut for the Japan national team on November 19, 1978, against the Soviet Union while still a university student. He represented Japan in various competitions, including the Asian Games and Olympic qualifiers, ultimately playing 61 matches and scoring six goals before retiring from international football in 1987.
Coaching Career and Legacy
After retiring as a player, Kato transitioned into management, taking the helm at Verdy Kawasaki in 1997, though his tenure was short-lived. He later managed Shonan Bellmare and Kyoto Sanga FC, where he achieved notable success by leading the team to a third-place finish in 2007, securing promotion to the J1 League. Kato's contributions to Japanese football were recognized in 2018 when he was inducted into the Japan Football Hall of Fame, solidifying his legacy in the sport.
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Career & Clubs
Kato was born in Rifu, Miyagi on April 24, 1956. After graduating from Waseda University, after a year's blank, he joined Yomiuri (later Verdy Kawasaki) in 1980. The club won the champions in Japan Soccer League 5 times, JSL Cup 2 times and Emperor's Cup 3 times. This was golden era in club history. In 1992, Japan Soccer League was folded and founded new league J1 League. The club won 1992 J.League Cup. J1 League first season in 1993, although he played in opening match, he lost opportunity to play after that. So, he moved to Shimizu S-Pulse in July. In July 1994, he returned to Verdy Kawasaki. The club won J1 League and retired end of 1994 season. He was 38 years old. He played 243 games and scored 11 goals in the league. He was selected Best Eleven 9 times.
On November 19, 1978, when Kato was a Waseda University student, he debuted for Japan national team against Soviet Union. He played at 1978 and 1982 Asian Games. From 1984, he served as captain and played at 1984 Summer Olympics qualification, 1986 World Cup qualification, 1986 Asian Games and 1988 Summer Olympics qualification. At 1988 Olympics qualification in 1987, Japan failed to qualify for 1988 Summer Olympics and he retired from national team. He played 61 games and scored 6 goals for Japan until 1987.
After retirement, Kato became a manager for Verdy Kawasaki in 1997. But he resigned in July. In 2000, he signed with J2 League club Shonan Bellmare. However the club finished 8th place, he was sacked end of 2000 season. In 2007, he signed with J2 club Kyoto Sanga FC and became a general manager. However he sacked manager Naohiko Minobe and Kato became new manager in October. He led the club to won 3rd place in 2007 and promoted to J1 League. In July 2010, he was sacked. In 2018, Kato was selected Japan Football Hall of Fame.
- Club
- Tokyo Verdy (1980–1993)
- Club
- Shimizu S-Pulse (1993–1994)
- Club
- Tokyo Verdy (1994–1994)
- Club
- Japan men's national football team (1978–1987)
Legacy
Japan Soccer League Best Eleven (9): 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985-86, 1986-87, 1987-88, 1990-91, 1991-92 Japan Football Hall of Fame: Inducted in 2018
Clubs
- Japan men's national football team1978–1987
- Tokyo Verdy1980–1993
- Shimizu S-Pulse1993–1994
- Tokyo Verdy1994–1994
Played together with
- Adaílson Pereira CoelhoTokyo Verdy · 2014–2014
- Adebayo AdigunTokyo Verdy · 2010–2011
- Ademir SantosShimizu S-Pulse · 1992–1996
Ahn Jung-hwanShimizu S-Pulse · 2002–2003- Akihiro HayashiShimizu S-Pulse · 2012–2013
- Akihiro HyodoShimizu S-Pulse · 2005–2010
- Akihiro NagashimaShimizu S-Pulse · 1994–1995
- Akinori NishizawaShimizu S-Pulse · 2007–2008
- Akira IbayashiTokyo Verdy · 2012
- Akira TakabeTokyo Verdy · 2003–2003
- Akito TachibanaShimizu S-Pulse · 2011–2013
- Alair de Souza Camargo JúniorShimizu S-Pulse · 2001–2002
Archive
Passport
Identifiers & aliases
Hisashi Kato is a former Japanese football player and manager. He played for the Japanese national team.
Opinions of fans — not verified facts.
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