Japanese football is in mourning following the death of legendary striker Kunishige Kamamoto, who passed away on Sunday at the age of 81 due to pneumonia.
Kamamoto remains Japan’s all-time top scorer, with an incredible 75 goals in 76 appearances for the national team. He first made headlines at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico, where he scored seven goals and helped Japan win a historic bronze medal.
Known for his stamina, skill, and strength, Kamamoto played his club football for Yanmar Diesel (now Cerezo Osaka), scoring 202 goals in 251 games before retiring in 1984. He even managed the team while still playing.
After football, he went into politics, becoming a member of Japan’s upper house in 1995. He also played a role in helping Japan secure the 2002 World Cup, which they co-hosted with South Korea.
Current Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu called him an inspiration, saying he showed the country it could compete internationally. Legendary Brazilian footballer Pele, who played in Kamamoto’s farewell match, once called him “a great striker.”
Former Japan star Kazuyoshi Miura, still playing at age 58, said he felt proud hearing Pele praise Kamamoto and remembered the moment clearly.
