Kazuo Imanishi
Kazuo Imanishi was a prominent Japanese football player and manager, known for his defensive skills on the field.
He played for Toyo Kogyo Soccer Club from 1963 to 1969, contributing to the team's success in the Japan Soccer League.
Imanishi made three appearances for the Japan men's national football team in 1966.
Biography
Early Life
Kazuo Imanishi was born on January 12, 1941, in Hiroshima, Japan. He pursued his education at the Tokyo University of Education, where he laid the foundation for his future in football.
Career
Imanishi began his professional football career in 1963 when he joined Toyo Industries, a club that would later become known as Mazda. He played as a defender and quickly made a name for himself in the sport. In 1965, Toyo Industries became a part of the newly formed Japan Soccer League, and under Imanishi's contributions, the club enjoyed remarkable success, winning the league championship for four consecutive years from 1965 to 1968. Additionally, they secured the Emperor's Cup in 1965, 1967, and 1969. Imanishi retired from professional play in 1969, having made 42 league appearances and earning a spot in the Best Eleven in 1966.
On the international stage, Imanishi was selected for the Japan national team in December 1966, making his debut against India on December 10. He represented Japan in three matches during his brief international career.
After retiring as a player, Imanishi transitioned into coaching, taking over as manager of Mazda in 1984. Despite facing challenges, including relegation, he successfully promoted the club back to Division 1 in 1986 and again in 1991. He continued to contribute to Japanese football through various roles, including working for the Japan Football Association from 1994 to 2002 and serving as president of FC Gifu from 2008 to 2012.
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Career & Clubs
Imanishi was born in Hiroshima on January 12, 1941. After graduating from Tokyo University of Education, he joined his local club Toyo Industries (later Mazda) in 1963. In 1965, Toyo Industries joined new league Japan Soccer League. The club won the champions for four years in a row (1965–1968). The club also won 1965, 1967 and 1969 Emperor's Cup. He retired in 1969. He played 42 games in the league. He was named as part of the Best Eleven in 1966.
In December 1966, Imanishi was selected for the Japan national team prior to the 1966 Asian Games. On December 10, he debuted against India. He played three games for Japan.
After retirement, Imanishi became a manager for Mazda as Teruo Nimura's successor in 1984. This season was the first season the club was relegated to Division 2. He promoted the club to Division 1 in 1986. In 1987, he resigned as manager and was succeeded by Hans Ooft. However, the club was relegated to Division 2 again in 1988, and Imanishi returned to the club. Imanishi promoted the club to Division 1 in 1991 and he resigned in 1992. From 1994, he worked for the Japan Football Association until 2002. He also served as president at FC Gifu from 2008 to 2012.
- Club
- Toyo Kogyo Soccer Club (1963–1969)
- Club
- Japan men's national football team (1966–1966)
Clubs
- Toyo Kogyo Soccer Club1963–1969
- Japan men's national football team1966–1966
Archive
Passport
Identifiers & aliases
Kazuo Imanishi was a Japanese football player and manager. A defender, he played for Toyo Industries and made three appearances for the Japan national team.
Opinions of fans — not verified facts.
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