1. Early life and education
Misao Tamai was born on December 16, 1903, in Hyogo Prefecture, Japan. He was the eldest son of Shūkichi Tamai, the founder of Tamai Steamship. His engagement with football began early in his life, as he started playing the sport while attending Meiji Gakuin Junior High School.
In 1922, Tamai enrolled in the First Waseda Higher Academy and joined the Waseda University Football Club, marking a pivotal step in his football journey. During his time at Waseda, he received direct coaching from Chou Din, a Burmese international student, in 1923, which significantly influenced his development as a player. In 1924, he furthered his education by entering the Faculty of Political Science and Economics at Waseda University, all while continuing his active participation in the football club. His dedication contributed to the club's success, including winning the Kanto University Football League championship.
2. Football career
Misao Tamai had a notable career as a football player, first at the club level and then representing his country on the international stage.
2.1. Club career
Tamai played club football for Waseda WMW, a team primarily composed of players and graduates from Waseda University. During his time with the club, he played alongside many individuals who also became members of the Japan national team, including Shigeyoshi Suzuki, Haruo Arima, Tamotsu Asakura, Shigeru Takahashi, Shojiro Sugimura, Nagayasu Honda, Ko Takamoro, and Michiyo Taki.
2.2. National team career
In August 1927, while still a student at Waseda University, Misao Tamai was selected to represent the Japan national team for the 1927 Far Eastern Championship Games held in Shanghai.
He made his international debut for Japan on August 27, 1927, during this competition, playing against the Republic of China. In this match, Tamai also scored his first and only international goal. Two days later, on August 29, he played against the Philippines, a match that resulted in Japan's first victory in an International A Match. Tamai played a total of two games and scored one goal for Japan in 1927.
2.3. Career statistics
Misao Tamai's international career statistics for the Japan national team are as follows:
| Japan national team | ||
|---|---|---|
| Year | Apps | Goals |
| 1927 | 2 | 1 |
| Total | 2 | 1 |
His appearances for the national team at the 1927 Far Eastern Championship Games include:
| No. | Date | Host City | Stadium | Opponent | Result | Tournament |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | August 27, 1927 | Shanghai | Republic of China | L 1-5 | Far Eastern Championship | |
| 2. | August 29, 1927 | Shanghai | Philippines | W 2-1 | Far Eastern Championship |
The goal he scored for the national team was:
| No. | Date | Host City | Stadium | Opponent | Result | Tournament |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | August 27, 1927 | Shanghai | Republic of China | L 1-5 | Far Eastern Championship |
3. Business career
Beyond his contributions to football, Misao Tamai built an extensive career in the business sector, particularly within the maritime industry and related fields, taking on various executive and leadership roles.
3.1. Early business activities
Following his graduation from university in 1928, Tamai began his professional career at Kobe Marine & Fire Insurance, which is now part of Aioi Nissay Dowa Insurance. He worked there until April 1935, when he resigned from the company following the death of his father, Shūkichi Tamai. In May 1935, he officially joined Tamai Steamship, the company founded by his father, and immediately assumed the position of its second president.
3.2. Executive and leadership roles
Misao Tamai's leadership in the shipping industry continued and expanded over the decades. After stepping down as president of Tamai Steamship in October 1947, he was re-appointed to the role in January 1951. In November 1955, he took on another significant leadership position, becoming the president of Daido Kisen. He later transitioned to the role of chairman for Daido Kisen in June 1978.
His influence extended to broader industry associations. In November 1958, he became the chairman of the Hanshin Area Shipowners' Conference of the Japan Shipowners' Association (JSA). Concurrently, from December 1958, he served as the Vice-Chairman and Standing Director of the JSA, roles he held until May 1970. Furthermore, in February 1959, Tamai was appointed as a member of the Shipping and Shipbuilding Rationalization Council, a position he maintained until May 1970.
4. Public and administrative roles
In addition to his business ventures and football involvement, Misao Tamai dedicated a significant portion of his life to public and administrative service, contributing to various civic organizations and leading football's development in Japan.
4.1. General public service
Tamai held several key public service positions that contributed to the civic and economic life of Kobe and Hyogo Prefecture. In November 1964, he was appointed Vice-President of the Kobe Chamber of Commerce and Industry. From December 1966, he served as a member of the Hyogo Prefectural Public Safety Commission, a role he performed until December 1972. In May 1971, he assumed the presidency of Kobe International House, a prominent cultural and convention center in Kobe.
4.2. Football administration
Misao Tamai's commitment to football extended far beyond his playing days, as he became a pivotal figure in football administration in Japan. His leadership roles within regional and national football organizations were extensive:
- In 1931, he became the Hyogo Branch Manager of the Kansai Football Association.
- He was appointed President of the Hyogo Prefectural Football Association in 1939.
- From 1957, he simultaneously held the positions of President of the Kansai Football Association and Vice-President of the Japan Football Association (JFA). He served as the JFA Vice-President until 1976.
- In 1970, Tamai became the first president of the Kobe Football Club, which was notable as the first incorporated football organization in Japan.
5. Awards and honours
Misao Tamai received numerous awards and honours throughout his life and posthumously, recognizing his distinguished contributions across his diverse careers.
- 1966: He was awarded the Blue Ribbon Medal (藍綬褒章, Ranju Hōshō) by the Japanese government.
- 1974: He received the Order of the Rising Sun, Third Class, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon (勲三等旭日中綬章, Kun-san-tō Kyokujitsu Chūjushō).
- 1979 (posthumous): He was posthumously granted the Senior Fourth Rank (正四位, Shō-shii).
- 2006: He was inducted into the Japan Football Hall of Fame, acknowledging his significant impact on Japanese football.
6. Death
Misao Tamai died on December 23, 1978, at the age of 75. He passed away due to acute heart failure at Kobe Ekisaikai Hospital in Ikuta Ward, Kobe, which is now part of Chūō Ward, Kobe.
7. Legacy
Misao Tamai left a multifaceted legacy through his extensive contributions to Japanese football, business, and public service. As a footballer, he was part of the pioneering generation of the Japan national team, scoring a significant goal in Japan's international debut. His leadership in football administration, including his long tenure as JFA Vice-President and his role in establishing the Kobe Football Club, laid foundational groundwork for the sport's development in Japan.
In the business world, as the head of Tamai Steamship and Daido Kisen, and through his involvement with the Japan Shipowners' Association, he played a crucial role in the Japanese shipping industry, contributing to its growth and rationalization efforts. His service in civic roles, such as with the Kobe Chamber of Commerce and the Hyogo Prefectural Public Safety Commission, further underscored his commitment to community and regional development. Tamai's career exemplifies a life dedicated to leadership and progress across various influential sectors in Japan.