1. Overview
Hisashi Jogo (城後 寿Jōgo HisashiJapanese, born April 16, 1986) is a Japanese professional footballer who plays as a midfielder or forward for Avispa Fukuoka in the J1 League. Born in Kurume, Fukuoka Prefecture, Jogo has dedicated his entire professional career to Avispa Fukuoka since his debut in 2005, earning him the affectionate title of "Bandiera" (franchise player) and "Mr. Avispa" by fans and media. He has also served as the team captain, demonstrating significant leadership and consistent performance throughout his extensive tenure with the club across both J1 and J2 Leagues. His career highlights include winning the J.League Cup with Avispa Fukuoka in 2023 and achieving over 400 appearances for the club.
2. Early Life and Youth Career
Hisashi Jogo's early life and youth career were marked by his passion for football combined with an unexpected talent in track and field.
2.1. Birth and Childhood
Jogo was born on April 16, 1986, in Kurume, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan. He began his football journey at a young age, joining the local youth football club, Minami FC Tortoise Jr., affiliated with Kurume Municipal Minami Elementary School (1993-1998), followed by Valentia FC (1999-2001). During his time at Kurume Municipal Mutayama Junior High School, Jogo also participated in the school's track and field club. Demonstrating a remarkable athletic versatility, he achieved a notable fourth-place finish in the javelin throw at the Junior Olympics, competing against other middle school athletes. Despite his success in track and field, he continued to attend soccer practices after his track training, showcasing his dedication to both sports. Jogo's parents are also strong supporters of Avispa Fukuoka.
2.2. High School Football Career
Jogo's football career advanced significantly during his attendance at Nagasaki Prefectural Kunimi High School, a prestigious football powerhouse renowned for producing professional players. During his tenure, he played alongside notable teammates, including Kazuma Watanabe and Yuto Fujita from the same year, and Soma Hirayama, Hokuto Nakamura, Shingo Hyodo, and Kentaro Seki, who were one year his senior.
In his second year, Kunimi High School won the 82nd National High School Soccer Championship in 2003, a major achievement. In his third year, Jogo became a central figure for the team, contributing significantly to their journey to the best four teams in the tournament. During the second round of that championship, he notably scored a hat-trick against Kashima Gakuen. Furthermore, Jogo experienced consecutive victories in the All Japan High School Athletic Federation Football Tournament (Inter-High School Football Championship) in both 2003 and 2004, cementing his reputation as a promising young talent before turning professional.
3. Club Career
Hisashi Jogo's professional football career is largely defined by his unwavering loyalty and significant contributions to Avispa Fukuoka, where he has spent his entire playing career since 2005.
3.1. Avispa Fukuoka
Jogo's journey with Avispa Fukuoka spans over two decades, seeing him evolve from a promising rookie into a revered leader and indispensable player for the club.
3.1.1. Professional Debut and Early Years (2005-2010)
Hisashi Jogo officially joined Avispa Fukuoka in 2005 after graduating from Kunimi High School. In his debut professional season, he saw limited action but gradually earned more playing time starting from 2006, his second year with the club. A significant setback occurred in 2009 when he suffered a severe anterior cruciate ligament injury in his left knee during the second round of the Emperor's Cup against Ehime FC, which forced him to miss a substantial period of play. Despite this major injury, Jogo made a strong comeback the following year. Upon his return, he formed an effective two-top strike partnership with Tetsuya Okubo, re-establishing himself as a key offensive player for Avispa Fukuoka. A memorable moment in 2010 was his game-winning goal in the 88th minute (43rd minute of the second half) against JEF United Chiba on September 12, which propelled Avispa Fukuoka into third place, a promotion-contending position in the J2 League.
3.1.2. Key Player and Captaincy (2011-2019)
During the 2011 season, when Avispa Fukuoka was in the J1 League, Jogo initially struggled after scoring two goals against Yokohama F. Marinos in the 10th matchday (which was the fifth match of the season due to the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami). However, he regained his form significantly, contributing to a comeback victory against Kawasaki Frontale in the 20th matchday with another two goals. Despite the team's eventual relegation, Jogo finished as the second-highest scorer for Avispa Fukuoka with seven goals, behind Hideya Okamoto (8 goals). In the 2012 season, following the club's return to the J2 League, Avispa Fukuoka struggled, finishing 18th. Yet, Jogo stood out, playing in 41 matches and scoring a team-high 12 goals. His strong performance attracted offers from multiple clubs, including Sanfrecce Hiroshima, but he chose to remain loyal to Avispa Fukuoka. His dedication was further recognized in 2015 when he was appointed as the team captain. On February 24, 2019, Jogo marked a significant milestone, achieving his 400th career appearance for Avispa Fukuoka in the season opener against FC Ryukyu.
3.1.3. Later Career (2020-present)
Hisashi Jogo continued to be an integral part of Avispa Fukuoka from 2020 onwards. He played a role in the club's successful return to the J1 League and maintained his presence in the squad. As of the end of 2024, Jogo continued to renew his contract with Avispa Fukuoka, embarking on his 21st professional season with the club. This sustained career underscores his resilience and enduring value, even after overcoming severe injuries earlier in his career.
3.2. Club Statistics
The table below details Hisashi Jogo's professional club career statistics as of the end of the 2024 season.
| 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 | |||||||
| 2005 | Avispa Fukuoka | J2 League | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | - | - | 2 | 0 | ||
| 2006 | J1 League | 25 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 33 | 4 | |
| 2007 | J2 League | 16 | 2 | 2 | 0 | - | - | 18 | 2 | |||
| 2008 | 27 | 2 | 1 | 0 | - | - | 28 | 2 | ||||
| 2009 | 38 | 5 | 1 | 0 | - | - | 39 | 5 | ||||
| 2010 | 21 | 8 | 3 | 1 | - | - | 24 | 9 | ||||
| 2011 | J1 League | 31 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | - | 33 | 7 | ||
| 2012 | J2 League | 41 | 12 | 2 | 2 | - | - | 43 | 14 | |||
| 2013 | 35 | 5 | 0 | 0 | - | - | 35 | 5 | ||||
| 2014 | 40 | 9 | 0 | 0 | - | - | 40 | 9 | ||||
| 2015 | 42 | 8 | 1 | 0 | - | 2 | 0 | 45 | 8 | |||
| 2016 | J1 League | 33 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 8 | 2 | - | 42 | 8 | ||
| 2017 | J2 League | 26 | 2 | 2 | 1 | - | 2 | 0 | 30 | 3 | ||
| 2018 | 24 | 6 | 2 | 1 | - | - | 26 | 7 | ||||
| 2019 | 36 | 6 | 1 | 0 | - | - | 37 | 6 | ||||
| 2020 | 25 | 1 | - | - | - | 25 | 1 | |||||
| 2021 | J1 League | 12 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 3 | - | 18 | 3 | ||
| 2022 | 6 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 6 | 1 | - | 16 | 2 | |||
| 2023 | 9 | 0 | 5 | 1 | 3 | 0 | - | 17 | 1 | |||
| 2024 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | - | 3 | 0 | |||
| Career total | 508 | 83 | 31 | 7 | 29 | 6 | 6 | 0 | 574 | 96 | ||
The 'Other' column in the table includes appearances in the J.League Promotion/Relegation Play-offs.
Key milestones in Jogo's professional career include:
- Official match debut:** October 9, 2005, in the Emperor's Cup 3rd round against Sagawa Printing SC at Osaka Nagai 2nd Athletic Field.
- J. League debut:** April 2, 2006, in J1 Matchday 6 against Kyoto Purple Sanga at Kyoto Nishikyogoku Athletic Park Stadium.
- First J. League goal:** April 29, 2006, in J1 Matchday 10 against Kashima Antlers at Kashima Soccer Stadium.
4. National Team Career
Hisashi Jogo also represented Japan at the youth international level. He was a member of the U-20 Japan national team in 2005, and subsequently, he played for the U-21 Japan national team in 2006.
5. Honours
Avispa Fukuoka
- J.League Cup: 2023
6. Notable Incidents and Anecdotes
Throughout his career, Hisashi Jogo has been involved in several memorable and unique incidents:
- Accidental Goalkeeper:** On June 1, 2013, during a J2 League match against Roasso Kumamoto, Avispa Fukuoka's goalkeeper, Yuichi Mizutani, suffered an injury. As all substitution slots had already been used, Jogo, typically a midfielder or forward, put on Mizutani's goalkeeper uniform and played as the team's goalkeeper for the remainder of the match.
- Admiration from Cicinho:** Cicinho, a former Spain U-21 international, cited Hisashi Jogo as one of the reasons he was eager to play football in Japan. Their mutual respect was evident when they exchanged jerseys and took a photograph together during a match against FC Gifu on July 2, 2017.
- "King Jogo Day" Postponement:** A special event named "King Jogo Day" was planned for April 16, 2016, a match against Nagoya Grampus, to celebrate Jogo's birthday. However, the event was postponed due to the impact of the 2016 Kumamoto earthquakes. It was later rescheduled and successfully held on June 2, the alternative match date.
7. Playing Style and Position
Hisashi Jogo primarily plays as a midfielder or forward. Standing 72 in (183 cm) (170 lb (77 kg)), his dominant foot is his right. Known for his versatility and commitment, he has been deployed in various offensive and central midfield roles throughout his career, contributing to both goal-scoring and playmaking for Avispa Fukuoka.
8. Assessment and Legacy
Hisashi Jogo's impact on Avispa Fukuoka and Japanese football is profound, largely due to his exceptional loyalty and enduring performance. As a true "bandiera" (flag-bearer) who has played exclusively for Avispa Fukuoka since his professional debut in 2005, he has become synonymous with the club. He is affectionately known by supporters and media as "King Jogo" and "Mr. Avispa," titles that underscore his iconic status and leadership within the team. His consistent contributions, longevity, and refusal of offers from other clubs highlight his deep connection to Avispa Fukuoka, making him a symbol of the club's history and identity. His legacy is one of unwavering dedication and a significant positive influence on his team.