was a Japanese football player and manager. He played for the Japan national team.
Club career Tanaka was born in Saitama on November 2, 1955. After graduating from Meiji University, he joined Nippon Kokan (later NKK) in 1978. The club won the champions at 1980 JSL Cup and 1981 Emperor's Cup. From 1985, the club won the second place for three years in a row and won the champions 1987 JSL Cup. He retired in 1988.
International career On July 15, 1982, Tanaka debuted for the Japan national team against Romania. In November, he played at 1982 Asian Games. In 1983 and 1984, he played at 1984 Summer Olympics qualification. He played 20 games and scored 3 goals for Japan until 1984.Japan National Football Team Database
Coaching career After retirement, Tanaka started coaching career at NKK in 1989. In 1993, he became a manager for Japan U-20 national team. At 1995 World Youth Championship, he led U-20 Japan to advanced to the quarter-finals. In 1995, he signed with Nagoya Grampus Eight and became a coach. In November 1997, he became a manager as Carlos Queiroz successor. He was sacked in April 1999. In 2001, he signed with J2 League club Shonan Bellmare and managed the club until 2002.
In 2016 Tanaka was appointed manager of Matsue City FC, renamed FC Kagura Shimane.
Death Tanaka died from acute myeloid leukemia on May 26, 2026, at the age of 70.田中孝司さん死去、70歳 サッカー日本代表&U-20日本代表監督として活躍
Playing statistics
Club + Appearances and goals by club, season and competitionClubSeasonLeagueDivisionAppsGoalsNKK1978Japan Soccer League Division 118019791611980Japan Soccer League Division 219811982Japan Soccer League Division 11801983Japan Soccer League Division 21984Japan Soccer League Division 11801985–861501986–872201987–882201988–89140Total1431
International + Appearances and goals by national team and yearNational teamYearAppsGoalsJapan198260198383198460Total203
Managerial statistics J.League Data Site
Team From To RecordG W D L Win %Nagoya Grampus Eight19981999Shonan Bellmare20012002Vegalta Sendai20032006Matsue City20162020Total
References
External links
Japan National Football Team Database