Toshio Iwatani

Toshio Iwatani (岩谷 俊夫, Iwatani Toshio, October 24, 1925 – March 1, 1970) was a Japanese football player. He played for the Japan national team.

Toshio Iwatani

Personal information
Full name	Toshio Iwatani
Date of birth	(1925-10-24)October 24, 1925
Place of birth	Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
Date of death	March 1, 1970(1970-03-01) (aged 44)
Place of death	Chuo, Tokyo, Japan
Position(s)	Forward
Youth career
	Kobe Daiichi High School
1943–1947	Waseda University
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
	Osaka SC
National team
1951–1956	Japan	8	(4)
Honours Representing Japan Asian Games 1951 New Delhi Team
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only

Biography

Iwatani was born in Kobe on October 24, 1925. After graduating from Waseda University, he played for Osaka SC. Osaka SC won the 2nd place at Emperor's Cup 3 times (1951, 1952 and 1953).

In March 1951, Iwatani was selected Japan national team for Japan team first game after World War II, 1951 Asian Games. At this competition, on March 7, he debuted against Iran. On march 9, at 3rd place match, he scored 2 goals against Afghanistan and Japan won the match 2-0. He also played at 1954 Asian Games. In June 1956, at 1956 Summer Olympics qualification, he played as captain against South Korea and Japan finished with one win and one defeat. After the qualifiers, he takes part in drawing of lots as captain and got won the qualification to 1956 Summer Olympics. However, in November, he was not selected Japan team for Olympics. He played 8 games and scored 4 goals for Japan until 1956.

On March 1, 1970, Iwatani died of brain tumor in Chuo, Tokyo at the age of 44. In 2006, he was selected Japan Football Hall of Fame.

Statistics

Japan national team
Year	Apps	Goals
1951	3	2
1952	0	0
1953	0	0
1954	2	2
1955	2	0
1956	1	0
Total	8	4

Other websites

• Toshio Iwatani at National-Football-Teams.com
• Japan Football Hall of Fame at Japan Football Association