Hiroshige Yanagimoto


Hiroshige Yanagimoto is a former Japanese football player. He played for Japan national team.

Club career

Yanagimoto was born in Higashiosaka on October 15, 1972. After graduating from high school, he joined Mazda in 1991. He played as regular player at right side-back. The club won the 2nd place at 1994 J1 League, 1995 and 1996 Emperor's Cup. In 1999, he moved to his local club Gamba Osaka. He moved to rival team, Cerezo Osaka in 2003. The club won the 2nd place at 2003 Emperor's Cup. He retired end of 2006 season.

International career

In January 1995, Yanagimoto was selected for the Japan national team for the 1995 King Fahd Cup. At this competition, on January 8, he debuted against Argentina. After debut, he became a regular player at right side-back. In 1996, he played in all matches included 1996 Asian Cup. However at 1998 World Cup qualification in March 1997, he got hurt and subsequently dropped from the national team. He had played 30 games for Japan until 1997.

Career statistics

Club

International

Personal life

Yanagimoto married Japanese actress, Atsuko Okamoto, in July 2005, but divorced in July 2017.