Koji Tanaka
Koji Tanaka is a notable Japanese football player and manager, recognized for his contributions to the sport.
He played for NKK SC from 1978 to 1988, achieving significant success with the club.
Tanaka represented the Japan men's national football team from 1982 to 1984, earning 20 caps and scoring 3 goals.
Biography
Early Life
Koji Tanaka was born on November 2, 1955, in Saitama, Japan. He pursued his education at Meiji University, where he honed his skills in football, setting the stage for a successful career in the sport.
Playing Career
Tanaka began his professional career in 1978 when he joined Nippon Kokan, later known as NKK SC. Over the next decade, he made significant contributions to the club, helping them secure the JSL Cup in 1980 and the Emperor's Cup in 1981. His tenure at NKK SC was marked by consistent performance, leading the team to second place in the league for three consecutive years from 1985 and clinching another JSL Cup title in 1987. Tanaka retired from professional football in 1988.
In addition to his club success, Tanaka represented the Japan men's national football team from 1982 to 1984. He made his debut on July 15, 1982, against Romania and participated in the 1982 Asian Games and the qualification rounds for the 1984 Summer Olympics, ultimately playing 20 matches and scoring 3 goals for his country.
Coaching Career
Following his retirement as a player, Tanaka transitioned into coaching, starting at NKK in 1989. He took on the role of manager for the Japan U-20 national team in 1993, leading them to the quarter-finals of the 1995 World Youth Championship. Tanaka later managed Nagoya Grampus Eight and served as the head coach for the club until 1999. He continued his coaching journey with Shonan Bellmare in the J2 League until 2002 and returned to management in 2016 with Matsue City FC, which was later renamed FC Kagura Shimane. Tanaka's career reflects a deep commitment to the development of football in Japan, both as a player and a coach.
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Career & Clubs
Tanaka was born in Saitama on November 2, 1955. After graduating from Meiji University, he joined Nippon Kokan (later NKK) in 1978. The club won the champions at 1980 JSL Cup and 1981 Emperor's Cup. From 1985, the club won the second place for three years in a row and won the champions 1987 JSL Cup. He retired in 1988.
On July 15, 1982, Tanaka debuted for the Japan national team against Romania. In November, he played at 1982 Asian Games. In 1983 and 1984, he played at 1984 Summer Olympics qualification. He played 20 games and scored 3 goals for Japan until 1984.
After retirement, Tanaka started coaching career at NKK in 1989. In 1993, he became a manager for Japan U-20 national team. At 1995 World Youth Championship, he led U-20 Japan to advanced to the quarter-finals. In 1995, he signed with Nagoya Grampus Eight and became a coach. In November 1997, he became a manager as Carlos Queiroz successor. He was sacked in April 1999. In 2001, he signed with J2 League club Shonan Bellmare and managed the club until 2002. In 2016 Tanaka was appointed manager of Matsue City FC, renamed FC Kagura Shimane.
- Club
- NKK SC (1978–1988)
- Club
- Japan men's national football team (1982–1984)
Clubs
- NKK SC1978–1988
- Japan men's national football team1982–1984
Archive
Passport
Identifiers & aliases
Koji Tanaka was a Japanese football player and manager. He played for the Japan national team.
Opinions of fans — not verified facts.
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