JFA Hall of Fame Inductee

TAKAHASHI Yoichi

Special Selection: 19th Japan Football Hall of Fame in 2023

Born in Tokyo on 28 July 1960

Author of the football manga “Captain Tsubasa,” which began serialising in “Weekly Shonen Jump” in 1981 and became a worldwide hit. Since it first appeared on the weekly manga magazine, his work, which follows the main character OZORA Tsubasa and his unique teammates and rivals as they mature through football, has captured the hearts of young readers and inspired many boys and girls to take up the sport. Many players who were influenced by Captain Tsubasa went on to play professionally, which helped the J.League gain popularity and significantly contributed to the growth and development of football in Japan.

The animated series was also broadcasted around the world and influenced many players who later became world-class footballers. Its sequel is still being serialised and continues to fascinate football fans around the world. Since 2013, “Captain Tsubasa Rising Sun” has been serialised in “Grand Jump.”

Over 90 million copies of the comics have been sold worldwide, and in 1983, 1994, and 2001 the series was turned into animation and movies. Stage plays have also been made from it.

In 2019, he also became the owner of “Nankatsu SC,” a newly founded football club in his hometown of Katsushika, Tokyo, with the aim of gaining promotion to the J.League.

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  Sergio ECHIGO