1. Overview
Daiki Takamatsu is a retired Japanese professional footballer who spent the majority of his career with Oita Trinita, playing as a forward. He joined Oita Trinita in 2000 and remained with the club for 15 years, aside from a brief loan spell at FC Tokyo in 2011. Takamatsu achieved significant success with Oita Trinita, contributing to their J2 League championship in 2002, the historic 2008 J.League Cup victory, and the J3 League title in 2016. For his pivotal role in the 2008 J.League Cup win, he was awarded the competition's Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. He was also nominated for the FIFA World Player of the Year in 2003. Internationally, Takamatsu represented Japan at the 2004 Summer Olympics with the U-23 national team and earned two caps for the senior Japan national team between 2006 and 2007. Following his retirement from football in 2016, Takamatsu embarked on a political career, successfully running for and being elected to the Oita City Council in 2017, where he continues to serve as an independent councilor. He also engages in other professional activities, including football commentary and a role as a Club Relations Officer for J-Lease FC.
2. Early Life and Playing Career
Daiki Takamatsu's football journey began in his childhood, leading him through a successful youth career before he established himself as a prominent figure in Japanese professional football. His club career was marked by a long and influential tenure at Oita Trinita, interspersed with a loan spell, culminating in a decorated playing history. He also represented Japan at various international levels.
2.1. Youth and Amateur Career
Takamatsu was born on September 8, 1981, in Ube, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan. He began playing football at the age of nine, during his third year of elementary school, attending Ube Municipal Misaki Elementary School from 1990 to 1995 and Ube Municipal Tokiwa Junior High School from 1994 to 1996. In 1997, he enrolled in Tataragakuen High School (now Takagawagakuen High School), where he initially played as a defender. During his three years at high school, he continuously participated in the Inter-High School Sports Festival and the National High School Soccer Championship. In 1999, during his third year, he was registered as a special designation player for Sanfrecce Hiroshima of the J1 League, alongside his high school teammate Genki Nakayama. That same year, his team achieved a third-place finish in the Inter-High School Sports Festival. Despite being registered, he did not make any official appearances for Sanfrecce Hiroshima as a special designation player.
2.2. Professional Club Career
Takamatsu's professional career began in 2000 when he joined Oita Trinita, then in the J2 League. He initially thought that a professional career lasting "two or three years would be good."
2.2.1. Oita Trinita Era
In his debut season in 2000, Takamatsu played 6 league games and scored 1 goal. In 2001, following the appointment of Shinji Kobayashi as manager midway through the season, Takamatsu's playing opportunities increased, and he became a regular, featuring in 22 league games and scoring 8 goals. In 2002, he changed his jersey number to 13, which he would wear for the remainder of his career with Oita Trinita, except during his loan spell. That year, he played in 33 league matches, contributing significantly as Oita Trinita won the J2 League championship and earned promotion to the J1 League.
Upon Oita's promotion to J1 in 2003, Takamatsu solidified his position as a regular starter. He was considered a central figure in the team, which also saw the emergence of young talents such as Shusaku Nishikawa, Masato Morishige, Mu Kanazaki, and Hiroshi Kiyotake. In 2005, he received an offer from Urawa Reds, and he was inclined to move, given the presence of his generational peers like Marcus Tulio Tanaka, Tatsuya Tanaka, and Keita Suzuki at the club. However, a petition campaign by Oita Trinita supporters to persuade him to stay ultimately led him to decline the offer and remain with the club.
The 2006 season was Takamatsu's most prolific, as he scored a career-high 12 league goals, the first time he reached double digits in league scoring, contributing to Oita's strong performance alongside Shota Matsuhashi in a two-forward system. This achievement also led to his first call-up to the senior Japan national team. By this time, supporters affectionately began referring to him as "Mr. Trinita." In 2007, despite an initial decline in form due to injuries, Takamatsu's performance improved in the latter half of the season following the arrival of Shingo Suzuki from Albirex Niigata. Their partnership, with Suzuki providing crosses for Takamatsu's finishes, led to a surge in goals, and Takamatsu finished the season with 8 goals.
In 2008, Takamatsu was appointed club captain, a role he continued in 2009. This responsibility prompted him to prioritize the team above all else. However, he suffered from recurring injuries to both ankles during the 2008 season, resulting in his first professional season without a league goal. Despite this, he played a crucial role in Oita Trinita's historic 2008 J.League Cup victory, the club's first major title. In the final against Shimizu S-Pulse, Takamatsu scored the decisive opening goal with a powerful header and was subsequently named the tournament's MVP. In 2009, despite his ongoing struggles with injuries, which limited him to 3 goals, he made crucial contributions, including a late equalizer against Nagoya Grampus and two goals in a comeback victory against Shimizu, though he could not prevent the team's relegation back to the J2 League.
In 2010, following Oita's relegation and severe financial difficulties that led to many key players leaving, Takamatsu was told he could also depart. However, feeling responsible for the club's relegation, he immediately decided to stay. This marked his first time playing in J2 in eight years. He continued to be plagued by injuries that season, again scoring 3 goals. Takamatsu has a notable history of scoring significant goals for Oita Trinita, including the first goal at the Oita Sports Park General Recreation Area, Oita's first J1 goal in 2003 against Gamba Osaka, Oita's 100th J1 home goal in 2007 against Kashiwa Reysol, and the winning goal in the 2008 J.League Cup final. He also scored in the club's 20th-anniversary match against Ehime FC on June 21, 2014.
2.2.2. Loan to FC Tokyo
In 2011, due to his high salary at Oita and FC Tokyo's need for a tall forward, Takamatsu moved to FC Tokyo on a one-year loan. He was expected to fill in for the injured Sota Hirayama. However, on May 14, in a match against Thespakusatsu Gunma, Takamatsu himself suffered an injury, fracturing his right tibia plateau, which sidelined him. While he returned later in the season, he struggled to regain a regular starting position as FC Tokyo had adapted their tactics to play without both Hirayama and Takamatsu. During his loan spell, he played 5 league matches and was part of the FC Tokyo team that won the J2 League and the Emperor's Cup in 2011. He returned to Oita Trinita at the end of his loan.
2.2.3. Later Career and Retirement
Takamatsu rejoined Oita Trinita in 2012. Despite persistent injury concerns, he continued to play, often coming on as a "super sub." He appeared in 32 league matches and one playoff match, playing a vital role in Oita's return to the J1 League. In 2013, he played in J1 for the first time in four years. After starting the first game on the bench, he replaced Yasuhito Morishima as the starting center forward in the second match against Kawasaki Frontale. He remained a regular starter for most of the season but scored only 5 goals, with his last goal coming in an away match against Sagan Tosu on Matchday 18. Oita was relegated back to J2 at the end of the season, but Takamatsu, along with teammates Hironori Nishihara and Masaya Matsumoto, had his contract renewed just five days after the season concluded, on December 26.
In 2014, Takamatsu primarily served as a substitute, making only 4 starts. This pattern continued into 2015. However, after Nobuaki Yanagida took over as manager, Takamatsu was given a starting opportunity on July 12 in a match against Tokyo Verdy. He scored in that game, contributing to the team's first victory in 14 matches, and subsequently started five consecutive games. After this period, injuries forced him back to a substitute role. He participated in both legs of the J2/J3 Play-offs against FC Machida Zelvia but failed to score, notably missing a penalty kick in the second leg, which resulted in Oita's relegation to the J3 League.
In 2016, Takamatsu remained with Oita Trinita as vice-captain, embarking on his first season in the J3 League. On November 8, he announced his retirement from professional football, citing that he could no longer perform at the level he desired. He timed his announcement to galvanize the team, as Oita Trinita was contending with Tochigi SC for the J3 title and automatic promotion to J2 with only two matches remaining. His final match took place on November 13 in the J3 League's 29th round against YSCC Yokohama, where he played the last six minutes. Supporters sang his chant for an extended period, starting even before he entered the pitch and continuing until the final whistle. As Takamatsu had hoped, Oita Trinita rallied, winning their remaining two matches to secure the J3 League championship and promotion back to J2.
2.3. National Team Career
Daiki Takamatsu represented Japan at both the U-23 and senior national team levels, participating in significant international tournaments and qualifiers.
2.3.1. Japan U-23 National Team
In August 2003, Takamatsu received his first call-up to the Japan U-22 national team, which was preparing for the 2004 Athens Olympics. He quickly established himself as a key forward, notably displacing Satoru Nakayama from the starting lineup due to his strong heading ability. Although he often served as a substitute for Sota Hirayama during the Asian qualifiers, he eventually won the starting position when Hirayama's form declined. At the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, Takamatsu started all three of Japan's group stage matches. In the second match against Italy, he scored one goal. However, Japan finished third in their group with one win and two losses, failing to advance to the knockout stage. Overall, he made 17 appearances and scored 3 goals for the U-23 national team.
2.3.2. Senior Japan National Team
Takamatsu's performance in the 2006 season, where he scored 12 league goals, earned him his first call-up to the senior Japan national football team. On November 15, 2006, under coach Ivica Osim, he made his international A-match debut in a 2007 AFC Asian Cup qualification match against Saudi Arabia at Sapporo Dome, coming on as a substitute for Kazuki Ganaha in the 74th minute. He played a second match for Japan on August 22, 2007, against Cameroon in a Kirin Challenge Cup friendly at Oita Sports Park. He made 2 appearances for the senior national team between 2006 and 2007, without scoring any goals. In 2008, he was also listed as a candidate for the Japan national team.
3. Post-Retirement Activities
After concluding his professional football career, Daiki Takamatsu transitioned into new fields, leveraging his public profile and experience.
3.1. Political Career
On January 10, 2017, Takamatsu announced his candidacy for the Oita City Council election, running as an independent newcomer. His campaign slogan was "Town development utilizing sports." In the Oita City Council election held on February 19, 2017, he achieved a remarkable victory, securing 13,653 votes, the highest number ever recorded in an Oita City Council election, and winning the top spot. He has since continued to operate as an independent councilor. Takamatsu was re-elected in the Oita City Council election held on February 22, 2021, securing 5,888 votes and ranking second in terms of vote count.
3.2. Other Professional Engagements
In parallel with his political activities, Takamatsu has continued to be involved in football. He periodically serves as a commentator for J.League matches, particularly for Oita Trinita's home games. In 2023, he was appointed as the Club Relations Officer for J-Lease FC, a club in the Kyushu Soccer League.
4. Honors and Achievements
Daiki Takamatsu's career was marked by significant individual recognitions and club titles, highlighting his impact as a player.
4.1. Individual Honors
- J.League Cup Most Valuable Player: 2008
- Nominated for FIFA World Player of the Year: 2003
4.2. Club Titles
- Tataragakuen High School**
- Yamaguchi Prefectural Football Championship: 1997
- Oita Trinita**
- J2 League: 2002
- J.League Cup: 2008
- J3 League: 2016
- FC Tokyo**
- J2 League: 2011
- Emperor's Cup: 2011
5. Legacy and Public Perception
Takamatsu is widely regarded as a significant figure in Japanese football, particularly for his deep connection with Oita Trinita, where he earned the enduring nickname "Mr. Trinita." His commitment to the club, especially his decision to stay during periods of financial distress and relegation, cemented his legendary status among supporters. His retirement announcement, strategically timed to motivate his teammates, showcased his dedication to the team's success. He has a reputation for scoring important, milestone goals throughout his career, including Oita Trinita's first J1 goal and the winning goal in their historic J.League Cup final victory.
5.1. Personal Life
Daiki Takamatsu married a civilian woman in 2004.
5.2. Public Image and Nicknames
Takamatsu is affectionately known as "Mr. Trinita" by Oita Trinita supporters, a testament to his long tenure and profound impact on the club. His public image is characterized by his loyalty, leadership (serving as captain), and his ability to score crucial goals. His decision to remain with Oita Trinita even after their relegation and during financial difficulties enhanced his reputation as a devoted player.
6. Career Statistics
Daiki Takamatsu's professional career spanned from 2000 to 2016, with significant contributions to both his clubs and the national team.
6.1. Club Statistics
| Club performance | League | Cup | League Cup | Other | Total | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Club | League | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | |
| Japan | League | Emperor's Cup | J.League Cup | Other | Total | ||||||||
| 1997 | Tataragakuen High | - | - | - | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | |||||
| 2000 | Oita Trinita | J2 League | 6 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 1 | |
| 2001 | 22 | 8 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 24 | 9 | |||
| 2002 | 33 | 6 | - | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 36 | 6 | ||||
| 2003 | J1 League | 26 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 29 | 5 | ||
| 2004 | 24 | 8 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 28 | 9 | |||
| 2005 | 21 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 25 | 6 | |||
| 2006 | 29 | 12 | 5 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 36 | 13 | |||
| 2007 | 30 | 8 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 36 | 11 | |||
| 2008 | 16 | 0 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 21 | 2 | |||
| 2009 | 21 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 22 | 4 | |||
| 2010 | J2 League | 18 | 3 | - | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 19 | 3 | |||
| 2011 | FC Tokyo | J2 League | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | ||
| 2012 | Oita Trinita | J2 League | 32 | 5 | - | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 33 | 5 | ||
| 2013 | J1 League | 28 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 30 | 5 | ||
| 2014 | J2 League | 24 | 3 | - | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 26 | 4 | |||
| 2015 | 22 | 3 | - | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 22 | 3 | ||||
| 2016 | J3 League | 8 | 1 | - | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 1 | |||
| Career total | 365 | 75 | 25 | 8 | 18 | 4 | 8 | 2 | 418 | 87 | |||
- Other column includes appearances in the Pan-Pacific Championship (2009), J1 Promotion Play-off (2012), and J2/J3 Play-offs (2015).
- No official appearances as a special designation player for Sanfrecce Hiroshima in 1999.
League Debut Dates and First Goals:
- J1 League Debut:** March 23, 2003, 1st Stage, Round 1 vs. Vegalta Sendai (at Sendai Stadium)
- First J1 Goal:** April 12, 2003, 1st Stage, Round 3 vs. Gamba Osaka (at Oita Sports Park General Recreation Area)
- J2 League Debut:** May 13, 2000, Round 12 vs. Montedio Yamagata (at Yamagata Park Stadium)
- First J2 Goal:** May 21, 2000, Round 14 vs. Shonan Bellmare (at Hiratsuka Stadium)
- J3 League Debut:** May 22, 2016, Round 10 vs. Cerezo Osaka U-23 (at Kincho Stadium)
- First J3 Goal:** May 22, 2016, Round 10 vs. Cerezo Osaka U-23 (at Kincho Stadium)
6.2. National Team Statistics
Takamatsu played for the Japan U-23 national team and earned caps for the senior Japan national team.
Japan U-23 National Team Appearances and Goals:
- 17 appearances, 3 goals (2003-2004)
Senior Japan National Team Appearances:
| Japan national team | ||
|---|---|---|
| Year | Apps | Goals |
| 2006 | 1 | 0 |
| 2007 | 1 | 0 |
| Total | 2 | 0 |
Specific Senior National Team Matches:
| No. | Date | City | Stadium | Opponent | Result | Manager | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | November 15, 2006 | Hokkaidō | Sapporo Dome | Saudi Arabia | Won 3-1 | Ivica Osim | 2007 AFC Asian Cup qualification |
| 2. | August 22, 2007 | Ōita | Oita Sports Park General Recreation Area | Cameroon | Won 2-0 | Kirin Challenge Cup |