is a Japanese former footballer who plays as a forward.
A mainstay of the J2 League, Sakano made 290 appearances in that league and played in over 370 career matches.
Career
On 16 July 2012, Urawa Reds announced that Sakano would be joining the team in the 2013 season. He made his professional debut for Urawa Red Diamonds in the AFC Champions League group-stage against Chinese Super League side Guangzhou Evergrande on 26 February 2013 in which he came on as a 59th-minute substitute for Márcio Richardes. Sakano then made his J. League Division 1 debut on 2 March 2013 against Sanfrecce Hiroshima, in which he came on as a 73rd-minute substitute for Shinzo Koroki.
On 25 December 2014, Sakano was announced at Tochigi SC on a one year loan deal.
On 7 January 2016, Sakano was announced at Ehime on a loan deal.
On 24 December 2016, Sakano was announced at Montedio Yamagata on a permanent transfer. During the 2017 season, he enjoyed a "happy rivalry" between himself and Yuji Senuma, who were both close to becoming the top scorer. On 19 December 2017, he signed a contract extension with the club for the 2018 season.
On 16 July 2019, Sakano was announced at Matsumoto Yamaga on a permanent transfer.
On 7 January 2022, Sakano was announced at Tokyo Verdy on a permanent transfer.
On 10 October 2023, Sakano was announced at FC Imabari on a permanent transfer.
On 13 January 2025, Sakano announced his retirement after an 11 year playing career.
Coaching career
On 14 January 2025, Sakano was announced as a coach for Urawa Reds' U18 team.
Career statistics Club .Nippon Sports Kikaku Publishing inc./日本スポーツ企画出版社, "J1&J2&J3選手名鑑ハンディ版 2018 (NSK MOOK)", 7 February 2018, Japan, (p. 195 out of 289)Nippon Sports Kikaku Publishing inc./日本スポーツ企画出版社, "2016J1&J2&J3選手名鑑", 10 February 2016, Japan, (p. 176 out of 289)Nippon Sports Kikaku Publishing inc./日本スポーツ企画出版社, "J1&J2&J3選手名鑑 2014 (NSK MOOK)", 14 February 2014, Japan, (p. 56 out of 290)
ClubSeasonLeagueLeague CupCupAFCTotalDivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals Urawa Red Diamonds2013J.League Div 1900021401512014001110–21Tochigi SC2015J2 League416–10–426Ehime FC20164212–21–4413Montedio Yamagata20174213–20–44132018399–34–42132019217–10–227Matsumoto Yamaga 2019J1 League1321000–1422020J2 League429–00–4292021333–00–333Tokyo Verdy 20221030010–11320232030010–213FC Imabari 2022J3 League1650000–16520242731010–293 Career total35575311784037984
References
External links
Profile at Montedio Yamagata