Kazuo Imanishi facts for kids
| Personal information | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Date of birth | January 12, 1941 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Place of birth | Hiroshima, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Date of death | April 16, 2026 (aged 85) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Height | 1.74 m (5 ft 9 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 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Medal record
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| *Club domestic league appearances and goals | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Kazuo Imanishi (今西 和男, Imanishi Kazuo, January 12, 1941 – April 16, 2026) was a well-known Japanese football player and coach. He was a strong defender on the field. Imanishi played for the Toyo Industries club and also represented Japan in three international matches. His career showed great dedication to football, both as a player and later as a manager.
Contents
Playing for Toyo Industries
Kazuo Imanishi was born in Hiroshima, Japan, on January 12, 1941. After finishing his studies at Tokyo University of Education, he joined his local football club, Toyo Industries, in 1963. This club later became known as Mazda.
In 1965, Toyo Industries became part of a new league called the Japan Soccer League. Imanishi and his team were incredibly successful. They won the championship four years in a row, from 1965 to 1968! The club also won the Emperor's Cup three times in 1965, 1967, and 1969. Imanishi played 42 games in the league before he retired from playing in 1969. His excellent performance earned him a spot in the "Best Eleven" team of the Japan Soccer League in 1966.
Representing Japan
Kazuo Imanishi also had the honor of playing for his country. In December 1966, he was chosen to join the Japan national team. This was for the 1966 Asian Games, a big sports event.
He made his first international appearance on December 10, 1966, in a game against India. Overall, Imanishi played three matches for Japan. He helped his team win a bronze medal at the 1966 Asian Games in Bangkok.
A Career as a Coach
After his playing days, Imanishi continued his passion for football as a coach. In 1984, he became the manager for his old club, Mazda (formerly Toyo Industries). This was a challenging time because the club had just moved down to Division 2.
Imanishi worked hard and successfully led the team back to Division 1 in 1986. He then stepped down as manager. However, when the club was relegated to Division 2 again in 1988, Imanishi returned to help. He once again guided the team to Division 1 in 1991 before leaving his coaching role in 1992.
Later, from 1994 to 2002, Imanishi worked for the Japan Football Association, helping to develop football in the country. He also served as the president of FC Gifu, another football club, from 2008 to 2012.
Achievements and Awards
Kazuo Imanishi was recognized for his skills and contributions to football.
- He was named one of the best players in the Japan Soccer League "Best Eleven" team in 1966.
- He helped the Japan national team win a bronze medal at the 1966 Asian Games.
See also
In Spanish: Kazuo Imanishi para niños
