1. Overview
Hitoshi Matsushima, born on April 30, 1980, is a former Japanese professional footballer who played as a forward. Throughout his professional career, he was primarily associated with Shimizu S-Pulse and Ventforet Kofu. Notably, Matsushima holds the distinction of being the first J.League player to emerge from Obihiro, his hometown.
2. Personal Information
Hitoshi Matsushima (松島 仁Matsushima HitoshiJapanese) was born on April 30, 1980, in Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan. He holds Japanese nationality. Matsushima played as a forward during his career. His physical attributes include a height of 71 in (181 cm) and a weight of 154 lb (70 kg).
3. Playing Career
Hitoshi Matsushima's football journey began in his youth, progressing through school teams before turning professional. He later embarked on a professional career with two distinct clubs, where he contributed as a forward.
3.1. Youth Career
Matsushima attended Sapporo Shiritsu Hitsujigaoka Junior High School before continuing his education and football development at Tokai University Shoyo High School in Shizuoka Prefecture. After graduating from high school, he transitioned into professional football.
3.2. Professional Career
Matsushima's professional career spanned from 1999 to 2002, during which he played for Shimizu S-Pulse and Ventforet Kofu, primarily in the J.League.
3.2.1. Shimizu S-Pulse
In 1999, Hitoshi Matsushima joined Shimizu S-Pulse, a club in the J1 League, Japan's top professional football division. Despite being part of the squad for two seasons (1999 and 2000), his playing time was limited. He made only four appearances in league matches during his tenure with Shimizu S-Pulse.
3.2.2. Ventforet Kofu
In 2001, Matsushima moved to Ventforet Kofu, a club competing in the J2 League. His initial transfer was on a loan basis, which was then made permanent the following year. At Ventforet Kofu, he became a significant player, often utilized as a "super sub" due to his ability to impact games when coming off the bench. Over his two seasons with the club, he played in 51 league matches, scoring four goals.
3.3. Post-retirement Activities
Matsushima retired from professional football at the end of the 2002 season after leaving Ventforet Kofu. Following his retirement, he participated in the J.League Joint Tryouts in an attempt to find a new team, but he was not acquired by any club and subsequently stepped away from active professional play. In 2006, he returned to football by joining Tokachi Fair Sky FC (formerly Tokachi Fair Sky FC), a local club in his hometown region. Additionally, Matsushima has taken on coaching roles, working with the junior, junior youth, and youth teams at Obihiro FC, another football club based in Obihiro.
4. Statistics
The table below details Hitoshi Matsushima's career statistics in official matches across various competitions in Japan.
| Club performance | League | Cup | League Cup | Total | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Club | League | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals |
| Japan | League | Emperor's Cup | J.League Cup | Total | ||||||
| 1999 | Shimizu S-Pulse | J1 League | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| 2000 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 0 | ||
| 2001 | Ventforet Kofu | J2 League | 27 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 29 | 3 |
| 2002 | 24 | 1 | 2 | 0 | - | 26 | 1 | |||
| Total | 55 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 63 | 4 | ||
Matsushima's official match debut occurred on June 12, 1999, in a J.League Cup (then Nabisco Cup) match against Kyoto Purple Sanga at Nishikyogoku Athletic Stadium.