1. Overview
Yusuke Omi (近江 友介Omi YusukeJapanese), born on December 26, 1946, in Tokyo, is a former Japanese football player. He primarily played as a forward, specifically on the left wing. Omi spent his entire professional club career with Hitachi, where he achieved significant success, including winning the Japan Soccer League and the Emperor's Cup in 1972. He also represented the Japan national team, making his debut in 1970 and participating in international tournaments such as the 1970 Asian Games. Throughout his brief but impactful international career, he played 5 matches and scored 1 goal for Japan.
2. Early Life and Background
Yusuke Omi's early life saw him move between several locations in Japan, shaping his formative years before his football career.
2.1. Childhood and Upbringing
Born in Tokyo on December 26, 1946, Omi's family relocated shortly after he began elementary school. He moved to Maebashi, Gunma Prefecture, and later, during his fourth year of elementary school, his family moved again to Urawa City (now Saitama City) in Saitama Prefecture.
2.2. School and University Career
Omi's football talent became evident during his school years. While attending Saitama Municipal Urawa High School, he served as the team captain in his third year. During this period, he played alongside notable teammates such as Noritaka Hidaka and Tamotsu Suzuki, contributing significantly to the team's victory in the 1965 National High School Soccer Championship. Following his high school graduation, Omi continued his academic and athletic pursuits at Hosei University, where he played football from 1966 to 1969.
3. Club Career
Yusuke Omi's professional club career was entirely dedicated to one team, Hitachi, where he played a pivotal role in their successes during the early 1970s.
3.1. Affiliated Clubs
Omi's club affiliations began during his youth and amateur years, leading into his professional tenure. He played for Saitama Municipal Urawa High School and Hosei University before joining his sole professional club. From 1970 to 1974, he was a key player for Hitachi, a prominent team in the Japan Soccer League.
3.2. Club Performance and Achievements
After graduating from Hosei University, Omi joined Hitachi in 1970. He played as a forward throughout his career with the club. His time at Hitachi was marked by significant team achievements. In 1972, Hitachi enjoyed a highly successful season, winning both the Japan Soccer League title and the Emperor's Cup. The following year, in 1973, the club continued its strong performance, securing second place in the Japan Soccer League and also winning the Emperor's Cup again. Omi retired from professional football in 1974. Over his career in the Japan Soccer League, he made 49 appearances and scored 8 goals.
4. National Team Career
Yusuke Omi's involvement with the Japan national football team was concentrated in 1970, during which he made several international appearances and participated in major tournaments.
4.1. National Team Debut and Participation
Omi was selected to represent the Japan national football team in 1970. His debut for the national team occurred on August 4, 1970, in a match against Thailand. All of his national team appearances during this period were under the management of coach Shun'ichiro Okano. In total, Omi played 5 international A matches for Japan in 1970, scoring 1 goal.
4.2. Participation in Major Tournaments
During his time with the national team, Yusuke Omi participated in two significant international competitions in 1970. He was part of the Japanese squad that competed in the 1970 Asian Games held in Bangkok, Thailand. Additionally, he played in the Merdeka Tournament in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
His international match appearances in 1970 were:
- August 4, 1970: vs. Thailand (0-0 draw) in Kuala Lumpur (Merdeka Tournament)
- August 8, 1970: vs. Indonesia (4-3 win) in Kuala Lumpur (Merdeka Tournament)
- August 10, 1970: vs. Singapore (4-0 win), where he scored his only international goal, in Kuala Lumpur (Merdeka Tournament)
- December 14, 1970: vs. Myanmar (2-1 win) in Bangkok (Asian Games)
- December 16, 1970: vs. Indonesia (2-1 win) in Bangkok (Asian Games)
5. Statistics
This section provides a comprehensive breakdown of Yusuke Omi's career statistics, encompassing both his club and national team performances.
5.1. Club Statistics
Yusuke Omi's club career was entirely spent with Hitachi in the Japan Soccer League Division 1.
| Club performance | League | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Club | League | Apps | Goals |
| Japan | League | |||
| 1970 | Hitachi | JSL Division 1 | 14 | 3 |
| 1971 | 11 | 3 | ||
| 1972 | 5 | 0 | ||
| 1973 | 8 | 0 | ||
| 1974 | 11 | 2 | ||
| Total | 49 | 8 | ||
5.2. National Team Statistics
Yusuke Omi's international career with the Japan national football team was brief, spanning only one year.
| Japan national team | ||
|---|---|---|
| Year | Apps | Goals |
| 1970 | 5 | 1 |
| Total | 5 | 1 |