Tsuneyasu Miyamoto, also known as "Tsune-sama," is the new president of the Japan Football Association. He will appear live on Good Morning Japan on March 28th and discuss how he will face the challenges facing Japanese soccer and how he envisions the future.



The challenges that new chairman Miyamoto talked about


were "measures to increase the number of athletes" and "strengthening the management base."

[Full text of the inaugural press conference] Tsuneyasu Miyamoto becomes the new president of the Japan Football Association

Appointment of “unprecedented staff”

Chairman Miyamoto has been appointed as the 15th president of the Japan Football Association.



His career history can be described as ``unusual'' when compared to past presidents.

[Past chairman alumni (age at time of appointment)]


▽10th president: Mr. Saburo Kawabuchi, 65 years old


▽11th president: Mr. Motoaki Inukai, 66 years old


▽12th president: Mr. Junji Ogura, 71 years old


▽13th president: Mr. Kuniya Ohito 67 years old


▽ 14th generation: Kozo Tajima 58 years old

Until now, people in their 50s to 70s have been appointed to the post, but Miyamoto, at 47, is the youngest chairman after the war. I was a high school student when the J League started in 1993.

World Cup Japan-Korea Tournament (2002) President Miyamoto is front row right

He played an active role with Gamba Osaka and other teams, and participated in the World Cup twice as a representative of Japan.



He became famous for wearing a black face guard and was also a team captain.

Popular for its “Batman” style

He is the first president to hold the title of a former professional player.



After retiring, he studied sports history and business administration at the FIFA Masters graduate school run by FIFA, and gained experience as a manager at Gamba Osaka.



We asked Miyamoto about his honest feelings after taking office as Chairman.

President Tsuneyasu Miyamoto


: ``Of course I feel a sense of responsibility, but I can honestly say that I am looking forward to it.We hope to bring a lot of joy and energy to the people through soccer at the 2002 and 2022 World Cups.'' We were able to do so. We would like to continue to provide that kind of value.”

As a manager rather than a leader

After retiring, Chairman Miyamoto chose the career of a manager, while many people choose to become leaders.



We asked him how he would use his past experiences and learnings to lead the association.

President Tsuneyasu Miyamoto


: ``I want to value the worldview I've seen as a player and the perspective of how to strengthen Japanese soccer, and I think there are things I can say about how to promote players.'' Also, from a coach's point of view.Since I've been working as a coach, I think I can also comment on what to do about the coach's license and how to develop the team.''

What soccer can do for society

Visit to areas affected by the Noto Peninsula Earthquake (March 2024)

Chairman Miyamoto is trying to confront various social issues in his position as the leader of the soccer world.



In March, we toured areas affected by the Noto Peninsula Earthquake and interacted with children.

Chairman Tsuneyasu Miyamoto


: ``At the site, temporary housing has been built on areas where artificial turf was laid. It is no longer an environment in which soccer can be played, and opportunities are being lost. I think this is something that the Japan Football Association should also work on.The children also smiled as they moved their bodies."

Listen carefully to the voices of supporters

For this appearance, we asked supporters what they expected from Chairman Miyamoto.



Then, various voices were heard.

Supporter


: ``I know the era of the Doha Tragedy.I want Mr. Miyamoto to take the lead and push the Japanese national team even higher.''

Supporter


: “I want soccer to be more exciting, so I would like to see more soccer broadcasts on TV.”

Supporter


: “I want more and more children to love soccer.”

World Cup Qatar (2022)

Chairman Tsuneyasu Miyamoto


: ``It's been more than 30 years since the J.League was established, and we're at a time when many national team players are finally going overseas.In order to continue to be a strong Japanese national team, we need to make sure to strengthen the training years. I think we have to do this.I also want to increase the number of terrestrial TV broadcasts of the Japanese national team for both men and women, and I think we should do that.With the skyrocketing cost of broadcasting rights and the weak yen, it is difficult to do so. It won't be easy, but I want to make sure everyone can see the Japanese national team playing."

Competitor population, management review... facing numerous issues

President Miyamoto expressed his determination to tackle the many issues surrounding the Japanese soccer world.

One of these is measures to increase the number of players.



The number of professional and amateur soccer players registered with the Japan Association has increased with the opening of the J League and the Japan-Korea World Cup.



However, since 2014, there has been a gradual downward trend due to the declining birthrate and the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.



Furthermore, with the Tokyo Olympics attracting attention to urban sports, sports are becoming more diverse than just baseball and soccer.

Chairman Tsuneyasu Miyamoto


: ``We would like to increase the number of registered children under the age of 9 through creative means.What we would like to put particular emphasis on is increasing the number of girls.Currently, there are over 800,000 registrants in Japan. Of these, only about 50,000 are women. To that end, I would like to work towards hosting the 2031 Women's World Cup in Japan. I would like to further increase the momentum for women's soccer."

“JFA House” sold

Strengthening the management base of the Japan Football Association is also an urgent issue.



Due to the spread of the new coronavirus and other factors, the association's fiscal year 2022 financial results were in the red.



Although the company subsequently returned to profitability through the sale of the 11-story building it owned, JFA House, it is now important to strengthen its earnings pillars for the future.

Chairman Tsuneyasu Miyamoto: ``


We would like to review our marketing and aim to increase profits by, for example, rolling out our content in Southeast Asia.Also, it is important for us to give back to society what we have gained.'' The Japan Association cannot do anything on its own, and together with the J League, WE League, Nadeshiko League, Futsal and Beach Soccer, and the soccer associations in 47 prefectures, we are working together to realize the joy that soccer brings to society. I want to make you feel better.”

The Japan Football Association has embarked on a journey under the leadership of an “unusual” young leader.



As a former professional player known to many supporters, what kind of steering will he show?



``I don't want you to call me chairman. I'm just Tsune-san, just like before,''



Chairman Miyamoto says, and we are paying attention to his ``new image of chairman.''