1. Personal Information
Taisuke Muramatsu was born on 16 December 1989, in Yaizu, Shizuoka, Japan. He stands at 69 in (176 cm) tall and weighs 161 lb (73 kg). Throughout his career, his primary playing position was defender, often deployed as a center-back, but also capable of playing as a defensive midfielder or right-back.
2. Youth Career
Muramatsu began his football development at a young age, starting with Yaizu Minami SSS from 1997 to 2001. He then moved on to Fujieda Higashi FC, where he played from 2002 to 2004. His youth career culminated at Shizuoka Prefectural Fujieda Higashi High School, where he played from 2005 to 2007. During his time at Fujieda Higashi High School, Muramatsu played a pivotal role in his team reaching the final of the National High School Soccer Championship in its 86th edition. His performance in the tournament earned him recognition as an outstanding player.
3. Professional Club Career
Muramatsu's professional career began after high school, progressing through several Japanese clubs, including loan spells, before his retirement in 2019.
He started his senior career in 2008 with Honda FC, a club in the Japan Football League (JFL). While playing for Honda FC, which operated under an amateur system at the time, Muramatsu balanced his football training with work at the Honda Motor Co., Ltd. Hamamatsu Factory, where he was involved in manufacturing automotive parts. During this period, he was selected for the Japan U-19 national team, becoming the first Honda FC player in 16 years to be chosen for a national youth team. He regularly featured in all matches of the AFC U-20 World Cup Asian Qualifiers. In the 2008 JFL season, he made his debut on April 27, appearing in seven league matches.
In 2009, Muramatsu transferred to Shonan Bellmare, which was then in J2. He quickly became a key player, starting in the opening match and appearing in 50 out of 51 league matches, missing only one due to accumulated yellow cards. His contributions helped Shonan Bellmare secure promotion to J1. In December 2009, he received his first call-up to the senior Japan national team for an Asian Cup qualifier against Yemen. However, he was diagnosed with influenza A and quarantined, preventing him from playing in the match.
Muramatsu moved to Shimizu S-Pulse in 2011. While primarily a center-back, he was also utilized in defensive midfield and right-back positions. In the 2012 season, he established himself as a regular starter in the single defensive midfielder role.
In June 2014, Muramatsu was loaned to Tokushima Vortis. During his spell at Tokushima, he primarily played as a center-back. He returned to Shimizu S-Pulse in 2015.
In 2016, he joined Vissel Kobe on a loan spell. He returned to Shimizu S-Pulse in 2017, but his playing opportunities were limited, leading to his departure from the club at the end of the season.
In 2018, Muramatsu transferred to Giravanz Kitakyushu in J3. He made 26 appearances for the club that season. Following the conclusion of the 2018 season, his contract was not renewed, and he announced his retirement from professional football on 9 February 2019.
3.1. Club Statistics
The following table details Taisuke Muramatsu's club statistics, including appearances and goals in league competitions, the Emperor's Cup, and the J.League Cup. Statistics are updated as of 23 February 2019.
Club | Season | League | Cup | League Cup | Total | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
Honda FC | 2008 | 7 | 0 | 2 | 0 | - | 9 | 0 | |
Shonan Bellmare | 2009 | 50 | 0 | 1 | 0 | - | 51 | 0 | |
2010 | 30 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 37 | 0 | |
Shimizu S-Pulse | 2011 | 19 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 24 | 0 |
2012 | 29 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 38 | 3 | |
2013 | 33 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 41 | 4 | |
2014 | 7 | 0 | - | 1 | 0 | 8 | 0 | ||
Tokushima Vortis | 15 | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | 15 | 0 | ||
Shimizu S-Pulse | 2015 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 0 |
Vissel Kobe | 2016 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 9 | 0 |
Shimizu S-Pulse | 2017 | 5 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 12 | 1 |
Giravanz Kitakyushu | 2018 | 26 | 1 | 0 | 0 | - | 26 | 1 | |
Career total | 229 | 8 | 15 | 0 | 31 | 1 | 275 | 9 |
4. International Career
Taisuke Muramatsu represented Japan at various youth levels throughout his career.
He was part of the Japan U-19 national team that participated in the AFC U-19 Championship 2008. In this tournament, he made four appearances, helping the team reach the quarter-finals. Muramatsu also played for the Japan U-20 national team and the Japan U-22 national team, including during the 2011 London Olympic Asia Second Qualifiers.
In July 2012, Muramatsu was selected for the Japan U-23 national team to compete in the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. During the tournament, he played one match as a right-back against Honduras. Japan ultimately finished in fourth place in the competition.
While he received a call-up to the senior Japan national team in 2009 for an AFC Asian Cup qualifier, he did not make an appearance due to illness.
4.1. International Statistics
The following table details Taisuke Muramatsu's appearances and goals in major international youth competitions.
Team | Competition | Category | Appearances | Goals | Team Record | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Start | Sub | |||||
Japan U-19 | AFC U-19 Championship 2008 | U-19 | 4 | 0 | 0 | Quarterfinal |
5. Awards and Honors
Muramatsu received individual and team accolades during his football career, particularly during his youth.
- National High School Soccer Championship Runner-up: 2007 (86th edition, with Fujieda Higashi High School)
- National High School Soccer Championship Outstanding Player: 2007
6. Post-playing Career
Following his retirement from professional football in February 2019, Taisuke Muramatsu transitioned into new endeavors. He has since become active as a talent and company employee. He also maintains a presence on Instagram.