Kazuo Imanishi facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Kazuo Imanishi
今西 和男

Personal information
Full name	Kazuo Imanishi
Date of birth	(1941-01-12) January 12, 1941 (age 84)
Place of birth	Hiroshima, Hiroshima, Empire of Japan
Height	1.74 m (5 ft 8+1⁄2 in)
Position(s)	Defender
Youth career
1956–1958	Hiroshima Funairi High School
College career
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
1959–1962	Tokyo University of Education
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
1963–1969	Toyo Industries	42	(0)
Total		42	(0)
International career
1966	Japan	3	(0)
Managerial career
1984–1987	Mazda
1988–1992	Mazda
Medal record Toyo Industries Winner Japan Soccer League 1965 Winner Japan Soccer League 1966 Winner 1967 {{{3}}} Winner 1968 {{{3}}} Runner-up 1969 {{{3}}} Winner 1965 {{{3}}} Winner 1967 {{{3}}} Winner 1969 {{{3}}} Runner-up 1966 {{{3}}} Representing  Japan Asian Games Bronze 1966 Bangkok Team
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Kazuo Imanishi (今西 和男, Imanishi Kazuo, born January 12, 1941) is a famous Japanese former football player and manager. He was a defender who played for the Japan national team.

Playing Career Highlights

Kazuo Imanishi was born in Hiroshima, Japan, on January 12, 1941. He loved football from a young age. After finishing his studies at Tokyo University of Education, he joined his hometown club, Toyo Industries, in 1963. This club later became known as Mazda.

Success with Toyo Industries

In 1965, Toyo Industries joined the new Japan Soccer League. This was a big moment for Japanese football. Imanishi's team quickly became very successful. They won the league championship four years in a row, from 1965 to 1968.

They also won the Emperor's Cup, another important football tournament, in 1965, 1967, and 1969. Kazuo Imanishi played 42 games in the league during his career. His excellent performance earned him a spot in the "Best Eleven" team of the 1966 season. He retired from playing in 1969.

Playing for Japan

In December 1966, Kazuo Imanishi was chosen to play for the Japan national team. This was a great honor for him. He made his first appearance for Japan on December 10, 1966, in a game against India. He played a total of three games for his country.

Coaching and Management Career

After ending his playing career, Imanishi decided to become a football manager. He took over as manager for his former club, Mazda (formerly Toyo Industries), in 1984.

Leading Mazda Club

When Imanishi became manager, the club had just been moved down to Division 2. He worked hard to improve the team. In 1986, he successfully led the club back up to Division 1. He stepped down as manager in 1987.

However, the club faced challenges again and was moved back to Division 2 in 1988. Kazuo Imanishi returned to manage the team once more. He again helped the club get promoted to Division 1 in 1991. He then resigned from his manager role in 1992.

Working for Japanese Football

After his time as a club manager, Imanishi continued to contribute to football in Japan. From 1994 to 2002, he worked for the Japan Football Association. This organization helps run football across the country. He also served as the president of FC Gifu, another football club, from 2008 to 2012.

Career Statistics

Here's a quick look at Kazuo Imanishi's playing statistics:

Club Appearances

National Team Appearances

Awards and Recognition

• Japan Soccer League Best Eleven: 1966

More Information

• Japan National Football Team Database

See also

In Spanish: Kazuo Imanishi para niños