Japanese footballer (1955–2019)
Mitsuhisa Taguchi
田口 光久
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| Full name |
Mitsuhisa Taguchi |
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| Date of birth |
(1955-02-14)February 14, 1955 |
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| Place of birth |
Kawabe, Akita, Japan |
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| Date of death |
November 12, 2019(2019-11-12) (aged 64) |
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| Place of death |
Tokyo, Japan |
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| Height |
1.78 m (5 ft 10 in) |
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| Position(s) |
Goalkeeper |
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|
| 1970–1972 |
Akita Commercial High School |
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|
| Years |
Team |
Apps |
(Gls) |
|---|
| 1973–1984 |
Mitsubishi Motors |
161 |
(0) |
|---|
| Total |
|
161 |
(0) |
|---|
|
| 1975–1984 |
Japan |
59 |
(0) |
|---|
|
|
*Club domestic league appearances and goals |
Mitsuhisa Taguchi (田口 光久, Taguchi Mitsuhisa, February 14, 1955 – November 12, 2019)[1] was a Japanese footballer. A Japanese international, he spent his entire career with Mitsubishi Motors.
Club career
Taguchi was born in Akita on February 14, 1955.[2] After graduating from high school, he joined Mitsubishi Motors in 1973.[2] In 1973, the club won the champions at Japan Soccer League and Emperor's Cup.[2] In 1975, he debuted as a starting goalkeeper for Japan national team, replacing established starter Kenzo Yokoyama.[2][3]
In 1978, he was part of one of the club's most successful seasons, winning the Japanese treble; Japan Soccer League, JSL Cup and Emperor's Cup.[2] The club also won 1980 Emperor's Cup, 1981 JSL Cup and 1982 Japan Soccer League.[2] He retired in 1984.[2] He played 161 games in the league.[2] He was selected Best Eleven 8 times included for 7 years in a row (1977-1983).[4]
National team career
On September 8, 1975, Taguchi debuted for Japan national team against South Korea. In 1977, he became a regular goalkeeper and played at 1978 World Cup qualification, 1978 Asian Games and 1980 Summer Olympics qualification. From 1982, he became a captain and played at 1982 Asian Games and 1984 Summer Olympics qualification. He played 59 games for Japan until 1984.[5]
Coaching career
Following his retirement from playing career, Taguchi worked as a coach for several high school teams, including those at Aomori Yamada High School [ja] and Kokusai Gakuin High School [ja].[6]
On November 12, 2019, Taguchi died of respiratory failure in Tokyo at the age of 64.[7][8]
