1. Overview
Akito Tachibana (橘 章斗Tachibana AkitoJapanese, born October 13, 1988) is a former Japanese football player who primarily played as a midfielder. Born in Akashi, Hyōgo Prefecture, he is known for his career with clubs such as Shimizu S-Pulse and Matsumoto Yamaga FC, and later with FC EASY 02 Akashi. His career spanned several years in the J.League before his eventual retirement from professional football.
2. Early life and youth career
Akito Tachibana's early life and formative years in football began in his hometown, progressing through various youth development stages before joining university-level football.
2.1. Birth and background
Akito Tachibana was born on October 13, 1988, in Akashi, Hyōgo Prefecture, Japan. He stands 68 in (173 cm) tall and weighs 150 lb (68 kg).
2.2. Youth and university career
Tachibana started his football journey in his youth, playing for the Ei-shima Elementary School Sports Association, followed by FC Laios. For his secondary education, he attended Takigawa Daini High School (滝川第二中学校・高等学校Japanese). Following high school, he enrolled in Osaka Sangyo University, where he continued his football development from 2007 to 2010.
3. Professional club career
Tachibana embarked on his professional football career after his university tenure, playing for several clubs in the Japanese football league system.
3.1. Shimizu S-Pulse
Akito Tachibana's professional career officially began with Shimizu S-Pulse, a prominent club in the J1 League. His signing with the club was announced on April 7, 2010. He played for Shimizu S-Pulse from the 2011 season until the end of the 2013 season. His contract with Shimizu S-Pulse was not renewed after the 2013 season, leading to his departure from the club.
3.2. Matsumoto Yamaga FC (loan)
During the 2012 season, Tachibana experienced a temporary move, being loaned to Matsumoto Yamaga FC. This loan period began in August 2012 and concluded in December of the same year. He returned to Shimizu S-Pulse after the completion of his loan spell.
3.3. Later career and retirement
After his departure from the J.League, Tachibana continued playing football with FC EASY 02 Akashi, which is part of FC BASARA HYOGO. The exact year he joined FC EASY 02 Akashi is not specified, but it was after his professional J.League career. He later retired from professional football.
4. Career statistics
The following table details Akito Tachibana's official appearance and goal statistics in various competitions throughout his professional club career.
| Season | Club | League | League Apps | Goals | Emperor's Cup Apps | Goals | J.League Cup Apps | Goals | Total Apps | Goals | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Japan | |||||||||||
| 2011 | Shimizu S-Pulse | J1 League | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| 2012 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | - | - | 1 | 0 | |||
| 2013 | Shimizu S-Pulse | J1 League | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| 2012 | Matsumoto Yamaga FC | J2 League | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | - | - | 2 | 0 | |
| J1 League Total | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | |||
| J2 League Total | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | - | - | 2 | 0 | |||
| Career Total | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 0 | |||
J.League Debut: September 14, 2012, against FC Machida Zelvia in the J2 League 33rd matchday, held at Matsumotodaira Kōiki Kōen Sōgō Kyūgijō.
5. Honors
Akito Tachibana received individual recognition during his football career for his performance.
- 2017 Kansai Soccer League Division 2 Best XI
6. External links
- [https://data.j-league.or.jp/SFIX04/?player_id=10982 J. League Data Site Player Profile]