Ken Naganuma was a prominent Japanese football player and manager, known for his contributions to the sport from 1930 to 2008.
He was awarded the prestigious Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon in 2004 for his contributions to Japanese football.
Naganuma played for JEF United Chiba from 1955 to 1967, where he made a significant impact as a forward.
Biography
Early Life
Ken Naganuma was born on September 5, 1930, in Hiroshima, Japan. He pursued higher education at Kwansei Gakuin University and Chuo University, where he developed his passion for football.
Playing Career
Naganuma began his professional career in 1955 with Furukawa Electric, where he played as a forward until 1967. During his time with the club, he contributed to their success, helping them win the Emperor's Cup in 1960, 1961, and 1964. In 1961, he was honored as the first Japanese Footballer of the Year. Naganuma also represented the Japan national team from 1954 to 1961, earning four caps and scoring one goal, including a notable debut against South Korea during the 1954 World Cup qualification.
Coaching and Leadership
Transitioning from player to manager, Naganuma took on the role of manager for Furukawa Electric in 1959, leading them to their first Emperor's Cup victory as a works team. He later became the manager of the Japan national team, guiding them to a bronze medal at the 1968 Summer Olympics, marking a historic achievement as the first Asian team to win an Olympic medal in football. Naganuma served as the president of the Japan Football Association from 1994 to 1998 and was involved in the organization of the 2002 World Cup in Japan.
Legacy
Ken Naganuma passed away on June 2, 2008, due to pneumonia. His contributions to Japanese football were recognized with the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon in 2004, and he was inducted into the Japan Football Hall of Fame in 2005, solidifying his legacy as a pivotal figure in the sport.
Collected from open sources (3) · facts link to sources · AI-processed
Gallery
Career & Clubs
Naganuma was born in Hiroshima on 5 September 1930. After graduating from Kwansei Gakuin University and Chuo University, he joined Furukawa Electric in 1955. Furukawa Electric won 1960, 1961 and 1964 Emperor's Cup. In 1961, he was selected first Japanese Footballer of the Year awards. In 1965, Furukawa Electric joined new league Japan Soccer League. He played 19 games and scored 8 goals in the league. He retired in 1967.
In March 1954, Naganuma was selected for the Japan national team for 1954 World Cup qualification. At this qualification, on 7 March, he debuted and scored a goal against South Korea. He also played at 1954 Asian Games. In 1956, He was selected in the Japan squad for the 1956 Summer Olympics. However, he could not play for physical condition. He played 4 games and scored 1 goal for Japan until 1961.
In 1959, when Naganuma was still a player, he became a manager for Furukawa Electric. In 1960, he helped the club become 1960 Emperor's Cup champions. This was the first Emperor's Cup champions as a works team. In 1962, when he was 32 years old, he was named as the manager for Japan national team as Hidetoki Takahashi's successor. He managed Japan with assistant coach Shunichiro Okano at 1964 Summer Olympics in Tokyo and 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City. At 1968 Summer Olympics, Japan won Bronze Medal. This is the first time an Asian team won a medal at Olympics. In 2018, this team was selected Japan Football Hall of Fame. He also managed at 1966 Asian Games. In 1969, he resigned after 1970 World Cup qualification and Okano was promoted to new manager. At 1972 Summer Olympics qualification, following Japan's failure to qualify for 1972 Summer Olympics, Okano resigned and Naganuma became a manager again in 1972. He managed 1974 World Cup qualification and 1974 Asian Games. At 1976 Summer Olympics qualification in April 1976, following Japan's failure to qualify for 1976 Summer Olympics, Naganuma resigned. Naganuma became a vice-president of Japan Football Association (JFA) in 1987 and a president of JFA in 1994. He also served as vice-president World Cup bidding committee and Japan World Cup Organizing Committee for 2002 World Cup. In 1998, he resigned a president of JFA. In 2005, he was selected Japan Football Hall of Fame. On 2 June 2008, Naganuma died of pneumonia at…
- Club
- JEF United Chiba (1955–1967)
- Club
- Japan men's national football team (1954–1961)
Trophies & Awards
- Award
- The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon
Legacy
Order of the Rising Sun, 3rd Class, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon: 2004 Japan Football Hall of Fame: Inducted in 2005
Clubs
- Japan men's national football team1954–1961
- JEF United Chiba1955–1967
Played together with
Ado OnaiwuJEF United Chiba · 2014- Akihiro HyodoJEF United Chiba · 2012–2014
- Akihiro TabataJEF United Chiba · 2001–2002
- Akira TakeuchiJEF United Chiba · 2011–2014
- Alex Antônio de Melo SantosJEF United Chiba · 2009–2010
An Byong-junJEF United Chiba · 2015–2015
Andrew KumagaiJEF United Chiba · 2017
Arnold ScholtenJEF United Chiba · 1997–1998- Atsuhiko EjiriJEF United Chiba · 1990–1998
- Atsushi ItoJEF United Chiba · 2006–2008
- Atsushi ShiraiJEF United Chiba · 1997–1998
- Atsuto TataraJEF United Chiba · 2016
Archive
Passport
Identifiers & aliases
Ken Naganuma was a Japanese football player and manager. A forward, he earned four caps for the Japan national team between 1954 and 1961 and later also served as the team's manager. He was also the president of the Japan Football Association from 1994 to 1998.
Opinions of fans — not verified facts.
…