1. Overview
Yasuaki Oshima (大島 康明Ōshima YasuakiJapanese), born on September 1, 1981, is a Japanese professional football manager and former player. Throughout his playing career, Oshima primarily played as a midfielder and forward, representing notable Japanese clubs such as Vissel Kobe, Tokushima Vortis, and Giravanz Kitakyushu. He made significant contributions, including being a key player in the promotion of Tokushima Vortis to the J2 League. After retiring as a player, Oshima transitioned into coaching, holding various supportive roles before taking on full managerial responsibilities. His managerial career includes a successful tenure with Kagoshima United FC, which he guided to promotion to the J2 League, and his subsequent appointment as manager of FC Gifu.
2. Playing Career
Yasuaki Oshima's playing career spanned over a decade, marked by his development through youth systems, professional debut, and significant contributions to several clubs in the JFL and J.League.
2.1. Early Life and Youth Career
Oshima was born on September 1, 1981, in Kobe, Hyōgo Prefecture, Japan. He began his football journey within the youth system of Vissel Kobe, one of the prominent clubs in his local region. From 1994 to 1996, he played for Vissel Kobe Junior Youth, further advancing to Vissel Kobe Youth from 1997 to 1999, where he honed his skills and prepared for a professional career.
2.2. Professional Playing Career
Oshima's professional playing career, where he primarily played as a midfielder and forward, saw him contribute to several teams, notably achieving promotions for his clubs.
2.2.1. Vissel Kobe and Tokushima Vortis
Oshima joined J1 League club Vissel Kobe from their youth team in 2000. However, he did not make any appearances for the senior team during his spell until 2001. In March 2001, he moved to Japan Football League (JFL) club Otsuka Pharmaceutical (later renamed Tokushima Vortis). At Otsuka Pharmaceutical, he quickly established himself as a regular player and became a prolific goal scorer. He finished second in the JFL goal scorer rankings in both the 2003 and 2004 seasons. The club also achieved success, winning the JFL championships in 2003 and 2004, which led to their promotion to the J2 League starting from 2005. Oshima remained with Tokushima Vortis through their transition into the J2 League. While his opportunities to play decreased after 2005, he continued to feature in many matches. He scored Tokushima Vortis's first-ever J.League goal in a match against Vegalta Sendai on March 5, 2005, at Sendai Stadium. By 2009, his playing time became very limited.
2.2.2. Giravanz Kitakyushu and Retirement
In September 2009, Oshima made a loan move to JFL club New Wave Kitakyushu (later renamed Giravanz Kitakyushu). He played in numerous matches for the club during this period, and like with Tokushima Vortis, he was part of another promotion-winning side, as New Wave Kitakyushu earned promotion to the J2 League from 2010. Oshima continued to play as a regular for Giravanz Kitakyushu in 2010. However, his playing opportunities gradually diminished from 2011 onwards. He ultimately retired from professional football at the end of the 2012 season. Over his professional playing career, Oshima made 250 appearances and scored 85 goals. He stood at 70 in (177 cm) tall and weighed 143 lb (65 kg) during his playing days.
3. Managerial Career
Following his retirement as a player, Yasuaki Oshima embarked on a career in football coaching and management, progressing through various roles from youth development to leading professional teams.
3.1. Coaching Activities
Oshima began his coaching career at his former club, Tokushima Vortis. From 2013 to 2014, he served as a school coach, focusing on grassroots football development. In 2015, he transitioned to a junior youth coach role within the club. In 2016, he moved to Kataller Toyama, where he worked as a coach for the top team. His journey continued in 2017 when he joined Kagoshima United FC. He served as a top team coach for Kagoshima United from 2017 to 2020. From 2021 to August 2023, he held the position of top team head coach at the club. During this period, he also had a brief stint as caretaker manager from May to July 2021.
3.2. Kagoshima United FC
On August 22, 2023, Oshima returned to Kagoshima United FC as the official manager. Under his leadership, Kagoshima United achieved promotion to the J2 League in the 2023 season, finishing in second position after a crucial 1-1 draw against Gainare Tottori on December 2, 2023. This achievement marked a significant milestone in his managerial career. However, his tenure as manager of Kagoshima United concluded on May 27, 2024, when he was dismissed following a series of unfavorable results in the J2 League.
3.3. FC Gifu
On December 10, 2024, Yasuaki Oshima was appointed as the new manager of FC Gifu. He is set to lead the club starting from the 2025 season.
4. Statistics
This section provides a comprehensive overview of Yasuaki Oshima's official match statistics throughout his professional playing and managerial careers, presented in detailed table formats.
4.1. Player Statistics
The following table details Yasuaki Oshima's club performance during his professional playing career.
| Club performance | League | Cup | League Cup | Total | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Club | League | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals |
| Japan | League | Emperor's Cup | J.League Cup | Total | ||||||
| 2000 | Vissel Kobe | J1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2001 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
| 2001 | Otsuka Pharmaceutical | JFL | 27 | 13 | 3 | 1 | - | 30 | 14 | |
| 2002 | 17 | 4 | 3 | 2 | - | 20 | 6 | |||
| 2003 | 21 | 19 | 2 | 1 | - | 23 | 20 | |||
| 2004 | 29 | 20 | 1 | 2 | - | 30 | 22 | |||
| 2005 | Tokushima Vortis | J2 | 20 | 5 | 0 | 0 | - | 20 | 5 | |
| 2006 | 23 | 2 | 1 | 0 | - | 24 | 2 | |||
| 2007 | 20 | 1 | 1 | 1 | - | 21 | 2 | |||
| 2008 | 26 | 5 | 1 | 0 | - | 27 | 5 | |||
| 2009 | 2 | 0 | - | - | 2 | 0 | ||||
| 2009 | New Wave Kitakyushu | JFL | 9 | 5 | 0 | 0 | - | 9 | 5 | |
| 2010 | Giravanz Kitakyushu | J2 | 34 | 7 | 2 | 0 | - | 36 | 7 | |
| 2011 | 14 | 4 | 2 | 0 | - | 16 | 4 | |||
| 2012 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | 8 | 0 | |||
| Career total | 250 | 85 | 16 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 266 | 92 | ||
4.2. Managerial Statistics
The following table summarizes Yasuaki Oshima's managerial record by club and tenure.
| Team | From | To | League | Cup | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | Pts | G | W | D | L | J.League Cup | Emperor's Cup | |||
| Kagoshima United FC | 28 May 2021 | 3 July 2021 | 7th | 10 | 6 | 3 | 1 | 2 | - | Round 2 |
| 22 August 2023 | 27 May 2024 | 2nd (2023) | 28 | 15 | 8 | 4 | 3 | - | - | |
| 22 August 2023 | 27 May 2024 | 18th (2024) | 14 | 17 | 3 | 5 | 9 | Round 2 | - | |
| FC Gifu | 10 December 2024 | Present | ||||||||
Notes:
- The 2021 record reflects Oshima's tenure as caretaker manager.
- The 2023 record reflects his tenure starting from August. The rank is the final season position.
- The 2024 record reflects his tenure up to his dismissal on May 26. The rank and statistics are as of the time of his dismissal.
5. Honours
Yasuaki Oshima has achieved significant team honors during his career as both a player and a manager.
- Promotion to J2 League (2023): As manager of Kagoshima United FC.
6. Assessment and Legacy
Yasuaki Oshima's career in Japanese football has been characterized by his consistent contribution to team success, both as a player and later as a manager. As a forward, he was a reliable goal-scorer, notably finishing second in the JFL's top scorer rankings for two consecutive seasons (2003, 2004). His presence was instrumental in the promotion of both Tokushima Vortis (then Otsuka Pharmaceutical) and Giravanz Kitakyushu from the JFL to the J2 League, demonstrating his ability to perform under pressure and help elevate his teams. He also holds the distinction of scoring Tokushima Vortis's inaugural J.League goal.
Transitioning into management, Oshima continued to show his capacity for fostering team advancement. His most significant achievement as a manager was guiding Kagoshima United FC to promotion to the J2 League in the 2023 season. This rapid success after taking the helm in August 2023 underscored his tactical acumen and leadership capabilities. While his subsequent dismissal from Kagoshima United in May 2024 due to a string of poor results highlights the inherent challenges of football management, his ability to secure promotion earlier demonstrated his positive impact on the club's trajectory. His appointment to FC Gifu for the 2025 season suggests continued recognition of his potential to lead and develop teams within the Japanese professional football structure.