1. Overview
Masao Nozawa (野澤 正雄Nozawa MasaoJapanese) was a prominent Japanese football player who made significant contributions to the sport during its early developmental stages in Japan. A skilled halfback, he was instrumental in the success of his high school and university teams, leading them to national championships and league titles. His career culminated in his selection for the Japanese national team in 1930, where he played a key role in Japan's historic first international tournament victory at the Far Eastern Championship Games. Nozawa is also notable for being one of three brothers, alongside Akira Nozawa and Nobuaki Nozawa, who represented Japan internationally, a unique achievement in Japanese football history.
2. Early Life and Education
Masao Nozawa was born in Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. His academic and early football journey began at Hiroshima Higher Normal School Affiliated Junior High, which is now Hiroshima University Affiliated High School. In 1925, he transitioned to the newly established Old System Hiroshima High School, now part of Hiroshima University's Faculty of Integrated Arts and Sciences. Following his high school education, Nozawa pursued higher studies at Tokyo Imperial University (now the University of Tokyo), where he enrolled in the Faculty of Agriculture. Throughout his educational career, he actively participated in football, laying the groundwork for his future national team career.
3. Football Career
Masao Nozawa's football career progressed from his formative years in school to his participation in the national team, marked by significant achievements and contributions at each level.
3.1. High School Football
At Old System Hiroshima High School, Masao Nozawa quickly distinguished himself as a talented player and leader. Serving as a halfback (HB) and captain, he guided his team, composed of first and second-year students, to remarkable success. In 1926, he led them to a runner-up finish in the 3rd National High School Association Football Tournament (Inter-High), a competition organized by Tokyo Imperial University for old system high schools. Two years later, in 1928, Nozawa captained his team to victory in the 5th tournament, securing the championship. His team was renowned for its "red shirts," a nickname derived from their uniform color, and was feared by opposing teams. In the final match of the 1928 tournament, they defeated Old System Matsuyama High School, which included players like Takeo Wakabayashi, with a dominant score of 8-1. Nozawa's team from that year is widely regarded as the strongest in the history of the Inter-High tournament.
3.2. University Football
After his successful high school career, Nozawa continued to excel in football at Tokyo Imperial University. He joined the Tokyo Imperial University Association Football Club, where he played alongside notable figures such as Shigemaru Takenokoshi, Shiro Teshima, Takeo Wakabayashi, and Tadao Takayama. During his time there, the club achieved consecutive victories in the Kanto University League, contributing significantly to what is considered the "golden age" of Tokyo Imperial University football. Beyond his playing contributions, Nozawa also took on a coaching role, mentoring Shonan Junior High School alongside Takeo Wakabayashi.
3.3. National Team Career
In 1930, Masao Nozawa was selected for the All-Japan selection, which was the first national team to be meticulously formed by the Japan Football Association through an extensive selection process, rather than being a single club team.
3.3.1. 1930 Far Eastern Championship Games
Nozawa's national team debut came at the 9th Far Eastern Championship Games, held in Tokyo. On May 25, 1930, he played his first international match against the Philippines at Meiji Jingu Gaien Stadium, a game Japan won by a score of 7-2. Four days later, on May 29, he also participated in the match against the Republic of China at the same venue, which ended in a 3-3 draw. Playing as a halfback, Nozawa completed both matches. His contributions, alongside teammates like Shigemaru Takenokoshi, Shiro Teshima, Takeo Wakabayashi, and Teizo Takeuchi, were crucial in securing Japan's historic first international tournament victory. The team was coached by Shigeyoshi Suzuki.
4. Playing Style and Position
Masao Nozawa primarily played as a halfback, a position akin to a midfielder (MF) in modern football. He was highly regarded for his wide range of movement across the field, which allowed him to cover significant ground and contribute effectively to both defense and attack. He was also known for his ability to deliver precise and effective passes to his teammates in forward positions, such as Shiro Teshima, which was a key factor in his team's offensive success.
5. Statistics
Masao Nozawa's national team career was relatively brief but impactful, with all his appearances occurring in 1930.
| Japan national team | ||
|---|---|---|
| Year | Apps | Goals |
| 1930 | 2 | 0 |
| Total | 2 | 0 |
6. Personal Life and Family
Masao Nozawa came from a family with a strong connection to football. He had two younger brothers, Akira Nozawa and Nobuaki Nozawa. Both Akira and Nobuaki also pursued football careers and achieved international recognition. Akira Nozawa, like Masao, played for the Japan national football team. Nobuaki Nozawa played for Old System Matsuyama High School and Kyoto Imperial University. The fact that all three Nozawa brothers represented Japan in international football tournaments is a unique and remarkable achievement, believed to be unparalleled in the history of Japanese football.
7. Later Career
Information regarding Masao Nozawa's career after his active playing days is limited in historical records. His activities following his retirement from professional football are not widely documented.
8. Death
Masao Nozawa was born on August 26, 1906. He passed away on November 18, 1994.
9. Legacy and Evaluation
Masao Nozawa holds a significant place in the early history of Japanese football. His leadership as captain of Old System Hiroshima High School led to an Inter-High championship, and his contributions to Tokyo Imperial University's "golden age" solidified his reputation as a key player in the collegiate football scene. As a member of the first truly selected Japan national football team, he played a vital role in securing Japan's inaugural international tournament victory at the 1930 Far Eastern Championship Games. Beyond his individual achievements, the unique distinction of having three brothers-Masao, Akira, and Nobuaki-represent Japan internationally underscores the Nozawa family's profound and lasting impact on the development of Japanese football. His career exemplifies the pioneering spirit of early Japanese footballers who laid the foundation for the sport's future growth in the nation.