Taizo Kawamoto


Taizo Kawamoto was a Japanese football player and manager. He played for Japan national team. He also managed Japan national team.

Club career

Kawamoto was born in Seto on January 17, 1914. He played for Waseda WMW was consisted of his alma mater Waseda University players and graduates. The club won the 2nd place at 1940 Emperor's Cup.
In 1941, Kawamoto served in the military for World War II and was detained in the Soviet Union following the war for 4 years. In December 1949, when he was 35 years old, he returned to Japan and came back as player at Osaka SC. Osaka SC won the 2nd place at Emperor's Cup 3 times.

National team career

In May 1934, when Kawamoto was a Waseda University student, he was selected Japan national team for 1934 Far Eastern Championship Games in Manila. At this competition, on May 13, he debuted and scored a goal against Dutch East Indies. In 1936, he was selected Japan for 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin and scored a goal against Sweden. Japan completed a come-from-behind victory against Sweden. The first victory in Olympics for the Japan and the historic victory over one of the powerhouses became later known as "Miracle of Berlin" in Japan. In 2016, this team was selected Japan Football Hall of Fame.
After World War II, Kawamoto played at 1954 FIFA World Cup qualification and 1954 Asian Games. He was also a member of Japan as player and assistant coach for 1956 Summer Olympics, but he did not compete. He played 9 games and scored 4 goals for Japan until 1954. On May 3, 1954, he made history by becoming the oldest player to play for Japan national team at the age of 40 years and 106 days.

Coaching career

In 1956, Kawamoto served as assistant coach under manager Shigemaru Takenokoshi for 1956 Summer Olympics. In 1958, Kawamoto named a manager for Japan national team as Hidetoki Takahashi successor for 1958 Asian Games in Tokyo. At 1958 Asian Games, Japan fought against Philippines and Hong Kong. However Japan lost both games and he resigned after the competition.
On September 20, 1985, Kawamoto died of stomach cancer in Osaka at the age of 71. In 2005, he was selected Japan Football Hall of Fame.

National team statistics

National team goals