Shunichiro Okano 1931 – 2017

Biography

Shunichiro Okano was born on August 28, 1931, in Tokyo, Japan, during a transformative period in his nation’s history. He would go on to dedicate much of his life to association football, becoming a notable figure in the sport both as a player and as a manager. His career spanned decades, allowing him to contribute to the development of Japanese football during pivotal years for the sport in the country.

Throughout his life, Okano remained connected to Tokyo, the city of his birth. He worked tirelessly within the football community, sharing his knowledge and passion for the game with players and aspiring athletes. His dual roles as both competitor and coach reflected his deep commitment to advancing the sport at multiple levels.

Shunichiro Okano passed away on February 2, 2017, in his native Tokyo at the age of 85. He died of lung cancer after a life devoted to football and his community. His legacy remains rooted in the contributions he made to Japanese football during his extensive career as a player and manager.