Shigemaru Takenokoshi facts for kids

Shigemaru Takenokoshi (竹腰 重丸, Takenokoshi Shigemaru, February 15, 1906 – October 6, 1980) was a famous Japanese football player, coach, and referee. He was a midfielder who played for the Japan national team. Later, he also became the manager for the Japan national team several times.

Playing Career: Shigemaru Takenokoshi's Club and National Team Journey

Shigemaru Takenokoshi was born in Usuki, Japan, on February 15, 1906. He loved football from a young age.

Club Football: Playing for Tokyo Teams

Takenokoshi played for a team called Tokyo Imperial University LB. This team was made up of players and graduates from his university, Tokyo Imperial University. He also played for the Tokyo OB Club. With this team, he helped them win the 1933 Emperor's Cup. This was a big achievement for his club.

National Team: Playing for Japan

In May 1925, while still a student, Takenokoshi was chosen to play for the Japan national team. His first big tournament was the 1925 Far Eastern Championship Games in Manila. He played his first game for Japan on May 20 against Republic of China.

He also played in the 1927 games in Shanghai and the 1930 Far Eastern Championship Games in Tokyo. In the 1927 games, he scored a goal against the Philippines on August 29. Japan won that match, which was a very important moment. It was Japan's first-ever victory in an International A Match.

At the 1930 Far Eastern Championship Games, Takenokoshi was the team captain. He led Japan to become the champions of the tournament. By 1930, he had played 5 games for Japan and scored 1 goal.

Coaching Career: Leading the Japan National Team

After his playing days, Takenokoshi became a football coach. He had a long and important career managing the Japan national team.

First Coaching Roles: 1934 and the "Miracle of Berlin"

In 1934, Takenokoshi became the manager for the Japan national team. He led the team in the 1934 Far Eastern Championship Games in Manila.

In 1936, he worked as an assistant coach. He helped manager Shigeyoshi Suzuki at the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin. At these Olympics, Japan achieved a famous comeback victory against Sweden. This was Japan's first win ever at the Olympics. This amazing victory over a strong team became known as the "Miracle of Berlin" in Japan. Years later, in 2016, this historic team was honored and chosen for the Japan Football Hall of Fame. Takenokoshi also managed Japan again from 1938 to 1940.

Post-War Management and Later Years

After World War II, Takenokoshi returned to manage the Japan national team in 1951. He took over from Hirokazu Ninomiya. He coached the team in the 1954 Asian Games and the 1956 Summer Olympics. After the 1956 Olympics, he stepped down from his role.

In 1958, he became manager for Japan once more, following Taizo Kawamoto. However, in December 1959, Japan failed to qualify for the 1960 Summer Olympics. After this, Takenokoshi resigned as manager.

Shigemaru Takenokoshi passed away on October 6, 1980, in Bunkyo, Tokyo, at 74 years old. In 2005, he was recognized for his great contributions to Japanese football and was selected for the Japan Football Hall of Fame.

National Team Statistics

Here's a look at Shigemaru Takenokoshi's playing record for the Japan national team:

See also

In Spanish: Shigemaru Takenokoshi para niños