Tokutaro Ukon was a prominent Japanese football player who lived from 1913 to 1944.
He played for the Japan men's national football team from 1934 to 1940.
Ukon primarily played as a midfielder during his football career.
Biography
Early Life
Tokutaro Ukon was born on September 23, 1913, in Sumiyoshi, Kobe, Japan. He pursued his education at Keio University, where he not only excelled academically but also made a significant mark in sports. As a member of the Keio BRB, a team composed of university players and graduates, Ukon showcased his football talents and helped secure the 1932 Emperor's Cup alongside notable players like Teiichi Matsumaru.
Career
Ukon's football career took off when he was selected for the Japan national team in May 1934, while still a student at Keio University. He made his debut on May 15, 1934, during the Far Eastern Championship Games in Manila against the Philippines. His international career continued to flourish as he was chosen to represent Japan at the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin, where he scored a memorable goal against Sweden. This match is celebrated in Japan as the "Miracle of Berlin," marking Japan's first Olympic victory and a historic upset over a football powerhouse. Throughout his national team career, Ukon played in five matches and scored one goal before his career concluded in 1940.
Legacy
Tokutaro Ukon's contributions to Japanese football were recognized posthumously when the 1936 Olympic team was inducted into the Japan Football Hall of Fame in 2016. His legacy as a versatile player who could perform in multiple positions—defender, midfielder, and forward—continues to inspire future generations of footballers in Japan. Ukon's life was tragically cut short in 1944, but his impact on the sport remains significant.
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Career & Clubs
Ukon was born in Sumiyoshi, Kobe on 23 September 1913. When he was a Keio University student, he won 1932 Emperor's Cup with Teiichi Matsumaru and so on as a member of Keio BRB was consisted of Keio University players and graduates. He also played for his local club Kobe Club. He played in many positions defender, midfielder and forward.
In May 1934, when Ukon was a Keio University student, he was selected Japan national team for 1934 Far Eastern Championship Games in Manila. At this competition, on 15 May, he debuted against Philippines. In 1936, he was also selected Japan for 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin and scored a goal against Sweden. Japan completed a come-from-behind victory against Sweden. The first victory in Olympics for the Japan and the historic victory over one of the powerhouses became later known as "Miracle of Berlin" (ベルリンの奇跡) in Japan. In 2016, this team was selected Japan Football Hall of Fame. He played 5 games and scored 1 goal for Japan until 1940.
- Club
- Japan men's national football team (1934–1940)
- National team
- Japan
Clubs
- Japan men's national football team1934–1940
Archive
Passport
Identifiers & aliases
Tokutaro Ukon was a Japanese football player. He played for Japan national team.
Opinions of fans — not verified facts.
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