Shigemaru Takenokoshi was a prominent Japanese football player and manager who lived from 1906 to 1980.
He was awarded the prestigious Medal with Blue Ribbon for his contributions to football.
Takenokoshi scored Japan's first goal in an International A Match during the 1927 Far Eastern Championship Games.
Biography
Early Life
Shigemaru Takenokoshi was born on February 15, 1906, in Usuki, Japan. He pursued higher education at Tokyo Imperial University, where he not only excelled academically but also developed his passion for football. His time at the university laid the foundation for his future career in the sport.
Playing Career
Takenokoshi's football career began with the Tokyo Imperial University LB team, which consisted of players and graduates from his alma mater. He later played for the Tokyo OB Club, where he achieved notable success, including winning the Emperor's Cup in 1933 alongside teammates Shiro Teshima and Teiichi Matsumaru. His international career took off in May 1925 when he was selected for the Japan national team, debuting against the Republic of China during the Far Eastern Championship Games. He played a pivotal role in Japan's first international victory against the Philippines in 1927 and captained the team to victory in the 1930 Far Eastern Championship Games.
Coaching Career
After his playing days, Takenokoshi transitioned into coaching, becoming the manager of the Japan national team in 1934. He led the team during the 1936 Summer Olympics, where Japan achieved a historic victory over Sweden, known as "The Miracle of Berlin." His coaching career continued post-World War II, where he managed Japan in various international competitions until 1960.
Legacy
Shigemaru Takenokoshi passed away on October 6, 1980, in Bunkyo, Tokyo, at the age of 74. His contributions to Japanese football were recognized posthumously when he was inducted into the Japan Football Hall of Fame in 2005, solidifying his legacy as a key figure in the development of the sport in Japan.
Collected from open sources (3) · facts link to sources · AI-processed
Career & Clubs
Takenokoshi was born in Usuki on February 15, 1906. He played for Tokyo Imperial University LB was consisted of his alma mater Tokyo Imperial University players and graduates. He also played for Tokyo OB Club and won 1933 Emperor's Cup with Shiro Teshima and Teiichi Matsumaru.
In May 1925, when Takenokoshi was a Tokyo Imperial University student, he was selected Japan national team for 1925 Far Eastern Championship Games in Manila. At this competition, on May 20, he debuted against Republic of China. He also played at 1927 in Shanghai and 1930 Far Eastern Championship Games in Tokyo. At 1927 Far Eastern Championship Games, on August 29, he scored a goal against Philippines and Japan won this match. This is Japan national team first victory in International A Match. At 1930 Far Eastern Championship Games, he led Japan to the champions as captain. He played 5 games and scored 1 goal for Japan until 1930.
In 1934, Takenokoshi was named manager for Japan national team for the 1934 Far Eastern Championship Games in Manila. In 1936, he served as assistant coach under manager Shigeyoshi Suzuki for 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin. Japan completed a come-from-behind victory against powerhouse Sweden. This was the first Olympic football victory for Japan and later became known in Japan as "The Miracle of Berlin." (ベルリンの奇跡) In 2016, this team was selected Japan Football Hall of Fame. He also managed Japan from 1938 to 1940. After World War II, in 1951, Takenokoshi became a manager for Japan as Hirokazu Ninomiya's successor. He managed at 1954 Asian Games and 1956 Summer Olympics. After 1956 Summer Olympics, he resigned. In 1958, he became a manager for Japan as Taizo Kawamoto successor again. However, in December 1959, at 1960 Summer Olympics qualification, following Japan's failure to qualify for 1960 Summer Olympics, he stepped down as manager. On October 6, 1980, Takenokoshi died of stroke in Bunkyo, Tokyo at the age of 74. In 2005, he was selected Japan Football Hall of Fame.
- Club
- Japan men's national football team (1925–1930)
- National team
- Japan
Trophies & Awards
- Award
- Medal with Blue Ribbon
Legacy
Clubs
- Japan men's national football team1925–1930
Archive
Passport
Identifiers & aliases
Shigemaru Takenokoshi was a Japanese football player, manager, and referee. He played for Japan national team. He also managed Japan national team.
Opinions of fans — not verified facts.
…