Satoshi Tsunami facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Satoshi Tsunami
都並 敏史

Personal information
Full name	Satoshi Tsunami
Date of birth	(1961-08-14) 14 August 1961 (age 63)
Place of birth	Setagaya, Tokyo, Japan
Height	1.75 m (5 ft 9 in)
Position(s)	Defender
Team information
Current team	Briobecca Urayasu (manager)
Youth career
1977–1979	Yomiuri
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
1980–1995	Verdy Kawasaki	230	(5)
1996–1997	Avispa Fukuoka	21	(0)
1997–1998	Bellmare Hiratsuka	11	(0)
Total		262	(5)
International career
1980–1995	Japan	78	(2)
Managerial career
2005	Vegalta Sendai
2007	Cerezo Osaka
2008	Yokohama FC
2019–	Briobecca Urayasu
Medal record Verdy Kawasaki Winner Japan Soccer League 1983 Winner Japan Soccer League 1984 Winner Japan Soccer League 1986/87 Winner Japan Soccer League 1990/91 Winner Japan Soccer League 1991/92 Runner-up Japan Soccer League 1981 Runner-up Japan Soccer League 1989/90 Winner J1 League 1993 Winner J1 League 1994 Runner-up J1 League 1995 Winner JSL Cup 1985 Winner JSL Cup 1991 Winner J.League Cup 1992 Winner J.League Cup 1993 Winner 1994 J.League Cup {{{3}}} Winner Emperor's Cup 1984 Winner Emperor's Cup 1986 Winner Emperor's Cup 1987 Runner-up Emperor's Cup 1981 Runner-up Emperor's Cup 1991 Runner-up Emperor's Cup 1992 Representing  Japan AFC Asian Cup Gold 1992 Japan
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Satoshi Tsunami (born August 14, 1961) is a Japanese football manager and former player. He is currently the manager of Japan Football League club, Briobecca Urayasu. He played as a defender for the Japan national team until 1995.

Playing Career Highlights

Satoshi Tsunami started his football journey in the youth system of Yomiuri. This club later became known as Verdy Kawasaki. He joined the senior team in 1980.

Success with Yomiuri and Verdy Kawasaki

Tsunami played a big part in a very successful time for his club. They won the Japan Soccer League five times. They also won the JSL Cup three times and the Emperor's Cup three times. These wins made it a "golden era" for the club.

Satoshi Tsunami was recognized as one of the best players. He was chosen for the "Best Eleven" team three times. This happened in 1982, 1983, and 1984.

In 1992, the Japan Soccer League changed into a new league called the J1 League. Tsunami continued to play, but he had fewer chances to be on the field.

Later Club Years and Retirement

Towards the end of his playing career, Tsunami moved to other clubs. He played for Avispa Fukuoka from 1996 to 1997. After that, he joined Bellmare Hiratsuka from 1997 to 1998. He decided to retire from playing football in 1998. In total, he played 267 league games and scored 5 goals.

National Team Journey

Satoshi Tsunami was a key player for the Japan national team. He played 78 games and scored 2 goals for his country. His international career lasted from 1980 to 1995.

Early International Appearances

His first game for Japan was on December 22, 1980. It was a World Cup qualification match against Singapore. He scored his first goal for Japan on September 20, 1986. This was during an Asian Games match against Nepal. After 1987, he was not selected for the national team for a few years.

Return and Asian Cup Victory

In May 1992, Tsunami was called back to the Japan national team after five years. He became an important part of the team that won the 1992 Asian Cup. He played in almost all of Japan's games in that tournament. He only missed one match because he was suspended.

The "Agony of Doha"

The national coach, Hans Ooft, thought Tsunami was a very important player. Even when Tsunami was injured, Coach Ooft wanted him for the 1994 World Cup qualification games. These matches were held in Doha, Qatar.

However, Tsunami's injury did not heal as quickly as hoped. He could not play in any of the qualification games. Japan needed to win their last match to qualify for the World Cup. But they gave up a goal in the very last moments against Iraq, and the game ended in a draw. This meant Japan did not qualify. Japanese fans remember this moment as the "Agony of Doha". Many believe Tsunami's absence was a big reason why Japan did not make it to the World Cup.

Coaching and Management Career

After retiring as a player, Satoshi Tsunami worked as a football expert on TV. He also coached young players at Tokyo Verdy. In 2004, he earned his S-Class Coaching License. This license is needed to manage a J.League club.

Managing J.League Clubs

In 2005, Tsunami became the manager of J2 League team Vegalta Sendai. The team finished fourth, but they did not get promoted to the higher league. He was dismissed after one season.

In 2006, he became an assistant coach for Ruy Ramos at Tokyo Verdy. Again, the team did not get promoted, and he was let go after one season. In 2007, he took over as manager of Cerezo Osaka, a team that had just been moved down to J2. However, he was dismissed in May after a difficult start to the season.

In 2008, he was appointed manager of another J2 League club, Yokohama FC. He was fired at the end of the 2008 season.

Return to Management

On November 20, 2018, it was announced that Tsunami would become the manager of Briobecca Urayasu starting in 2019. This marked his return to football management after an 11-year break. He continues to manage the club as of July 2025.

Personal Life

Satoshi Tsunami's son, Yuta Tsunami, is also a professional footballer. He currently plays for Nara Club.

Club Statistics

Here are Satoshi Tsunami's playing statistics for his club career:

National Team Statistics

Here are Satoshi Tsunami's statistics for the Japan national team:

Managerial Statistics

Here are Satoshi Tsunami's statistics as a football manager:

Honours and Awards

Satoshi Tsunami has received several honours and awards throughout his career.

Team Honours as a Player

• 1992 Asian Cup (Champions)

Managerial Honours

Briobecca Urayasu

• Shakaijin Cup: 2022
• Japanese Regional Football Champions League: 2022

See also

In Spanish: Satoshi Tsunami para niños