Tsukasa Hosaka

1. Overview

Tsukasa Hosaka (保坂 司_{Hosaka Tsukasa}^Japanese, March 3, 1937 - January 21, 2018) was a prominent Japanese football player, manager, and politician. Born in Kofu, Yamanashi Prefecture, Hosaka made significant contributions to Japanese football as a goalkeeper for Furukawa Electric (now JEF United Chiba), where he helped secure multiple Emperor's Cup titles. He also represented the Japan national team, earning 19 caps and participating in key international tournaments. Beyond his playing career, Hosaka transitioned into management, coaching his hometown club Kofu SC, and later entered politics, serving as a member and speaker of the Yamanashi Prefectural Assembly. His dedication to both sports and public service left a lasting impact on his community and the broader Japanese football landscape.

2. Early life and education

Tsukasa Hosaka was born on March 3, 1937, in Kofu, Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan. He was the 22nd generation heir to "Kofubou Zaboan" (古湯坊 坐忘庵), a traditional ryokan (Japanese inn) located in Sekisuiji Onsen in Kofu. Despite his family's traditional business, Hosaka developed a passion for football. He began playing the sport in his third year at Yamanashi Prefectural Kofu Daiichi High School. Initially, he played as a winger but later transitioned to the goalkeeper position. In the same year he switched positions, he achieved success, helping his team secure a runner-up finish in the 9th National Sports Festival.

Following high school, Hosaka continued his football career at Meiji University, where he joined the university's football club. He quickly established himself as a key player, becoming a starter from his first year. Hosaka maintained a playing height of 69 in ^{(175 cm)} and a weight of 150 lb ^{(68 kg)} during his career.

3. Playing career

Tsukasa Hosaka's playing career spanned both club and international football, primarily as a dedicated goalkeeper.

4. Post-playing career

Following his retirement as a football player, Tsukasa Hosaka embarked on a multifaceted career that included coaching and political service.

5. Personal life and death

Details about Tsukasa Hosaka's personal life reveal his deep connection to his family's traditional business and the circumstances of his passing.

6. Legacy

Tsukasa Hosaka's legacy is marked by his versatile contributions across Japanese football, local governance, and cultural heritage. As a pioneering goalkeeper, his instrumental role in Furukawa Electric's Emperor's Cup victories helped elevate the status of corporate football teams in Japan. His 19 appearances for the national team, including participation in World Cup qualifiers and the Asian Games, cemented his place in the nation's football history. Despite the unfortunate injury that prevented him from playing in the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, his dedication to the sport was evident.

Beyond the pitch, Hosaka's transition into coaching with Kofu SC demonstrated his commitment to nurturing local talent and developing the sport at a regional level. His public service as a member and later speaker of the Yamanashi Prefectural Assembly showcased his dedication to community development and civic engagement, providing leadership and advocacy for the citizens of Yamanashi. Even after his national political bid, his return to lead his family's traditional ryokan, "Kofubou Zaboan", underscored his enduring connection to the cultural and economic fabric of his hometown. Hosaka's life reflects a rare blend of athletic excellence, political service, and cultural stewardship, contributing significantly to both the sporting and social spheres of Japan.

7. Career statistics