1. Overview
Masujiro Nishida (西田 満寿次郎Nishida MasujiroJapanese) was a pioneering figure in early Japanese association football, known for his dual role as both a player and a manager. He notably served as the manager for the Japan national football team during their inaugural international matches at the 1923 Far Eastern Championship Games. His playing career included time as a goalkeeper for Osaka SC. This article details his early life, playing and coaching careers, the circumstances of his death, and his lasting impact on the development of football in Japan. Some historical records also refer to him as 西田 満寿治郎Nishida MasujiroJapanese.
2. Early Life and Education
Masujiro Nishida's birth year remains unknown, but historical accounts indicate he passed away around 1924. He pursued his education at Meisei Commercial School in Osaka Prefecture. During his time there, he was an active member of the school's football club, continuing his involvement until 1916. In that same year, Nishida notably served as the captain of the Meisei Commercial School football team. Among his schoolmates were Fukusaburo Harada, who was in the same academic year, and Kiyoo Kanda, who was one year his junior; both would later become significant figures in Japanese football.
3. Playing Career
Nishida played as a goalkeeper during his football career. He was affiliated with Osaka SC, a prominent club in early Japanese football. Osaka SC was largely founded by graduates of Nishida's alma mater, Meisei Commercial School. During that era, the club was a significant hub for talent, with many players who would go on to represent the Japan national football team also playing for Osaka SC.
4. Coaching Career
In 1923, Masujiro Nishida was appointed manager of the Japan national football team. His primary responsibility was to lead the team in the Football at the 1923 Far Eastern Championship Games, which were held in Osaka. The Japan national team assembled for this tournament was predominantly composed of players from Osaka SC, many of whom, like Nishida himself, were alumni of Meisei Commercial School.
The 1923 Far Eastern Championship Games marked a historic milestone for Japanese football, as the matches played there were the first official International A Matches for the Japan national team. Under Nishida's management, Japan participated in two matches during the competition:
- On May 23, 1923, Japan faced the Philippines, resulting in a 1-2 loss.
- The following day, May 24, 1923, Japan played against the Republic of China (now commonly referred to as China), losing 1-5.
Japan concluded the tournament with two losses, finishing in last place among the three participating teams. The squad that Nishida managed included players such as Fukusaburo Harada, Usaburo Hidaka, Shizuo Miyama, Toshio Hirabayashi, Kiyoo Kanda, Setsu Sawagata, Naemon Shimizu, Kikuzo Kisaka, Ryuzo Shimizu, Shiro Azumi, Shunpei Inoue, Yoshio Fujiwara, Ryoju Kamoshita, and Tatsu Tabe.
5. Death
Masujiro Nishida's life concluded around 1924. According to the recollections of Kiyoo Kanda, a fellow alumnus of Meisei Commercial School and a player on the 1923 Japan national team, Nishida succumbed to an illness. Kanda's account suggests that Nishida's death occurred just a few months after the conclusion of the 6th Far Eastern Championship Games, where he had managed the national team.
6. Legacy and Impact
Masujiro Nishida holds a significant place in the early history of Japanese football. His appointment as the first manager of the Japan national football team for their inaugural International A Matches at the 1923 Far Eastern Championship Games established a foundational precedent for the national team's future international participation. Beyond his managerial role, his contributions as a goalkeeper for Osaka SC and his involvement with Meisei Commercial School's football program were crucial in nurturing talent and establishing the sport's infrastructure in Japan during its nascent stages. The fact that the core of the early national team was drawn from his school and club affiliations highlights his direct and indirect influence on the development of Japanese football.