Naoemon Shimizu facts for kids

Naoemon Shimizu (清水 直右衛門, Shimizu Naoemon) was a Japanese football player. He was born in Hiroshima Prefecture. He played as a forward for his club team and for the Japan national team.

Club Career Highlights

Shimizu played for a local team called Rijo Shukyu-Dan. With his team, he helped win the Emperor's Cup twice. They won this important football tournament in 1924 and again in 1925. He played alongside other skilled international players like Shizuo Miyama and Sachi Kagawa.

Playing for Japan

In May 1923, Naoemon Shimizu was chosen to play for the Japan national team. This was for the 1923 Far Eastern Championship Games. The games were held in Osaka, Japan.

On May 23, he played his first game for Japan against the Philippines. This match was very special. It was the first "International A Match" for the Japan team. An International A Match is an official game between two national teams.

The very next day, he played another game. This time, Japan played against the Republic of China. Shimizu scored a goal in this match! Even though he scored, Japan lost both games. They lost 1-2 to the Philippines and 1-5 to the Republic of China. In total, he played 2 games for Japan in 1923 and scored 1 goal.

Later Life and Legacy

After he stopped playing football, Shimizu owned a kimono shop. His shop was in Hiroshima. Sadly, Naoemon Shimizu passed away on August 6, 1945. He was 44 years old. His wife, who was 38, also passed away that day. This happened during a very difficult time in Hiroshima's history.

National Team Statistics