Masami Ihara

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Ihara debuted for Japan on January 27, 1988, while still a student at the University of Tsukuba, against the United Arab Emirates. After his debut, he became a regular player, featuring in the 1990 FIFA World Cup qualification and the 1990 Asian Games. In 1992, Japan won the AFC Asian Cup for the first time. However, at 1994 FIFA World Cup qualification, Japan failed to qualify. After that, Ihara became captain for Japan and played at the 1995 King Fahd Cup and 1996 AFC Asian Cup. In 1997, at 1998 World Cup qualification, Japan achieved qualification for the 1998 FIFA World Cup for the first time. During the 1998 World Cup in France, the veteran sweeper's experience was crucial to Japan's survival in their first World Cup appearance, forming a flat back three defence with strong centre-back Yutaka Akita as well as speedy fullbacks Eisuke Nakanishi (or strong centre-back Norio Omura). Young Marinos goalkeeper, Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi was Japan's first choice goalkeeper at the time. After the 1998 World Cup, he played at the 1999 Copa América. This competition was his last game for Japan. He played 122 games and scored 5 goals for Japan until 1999.

In Their Own Story

Ihara's international career was defined by Japan's first World Cup qualification. After the heartbreak of failing to qualify for the 1994 FIFA World Cup, Ihara became captain. The turning point came in 1997, when Japan achieved qualification for the 1998 FIFA World Cup for the first time. At the tournament in France, the veteran sweeper's experience was crucial to Japan's survival in their first World Cup appearance, forming a flat back three defence with strong centre-back Yutaka Akita as well as speedy fullbacks Eisuke Nakanishi (or strong centre-back Norio Omura). His final appearance for Japan came at the 1999 Copa América, ending a national team career of 122 games and 5 goals.

Reader's Guide

Masami Ihara's career with the Japan National Team is defined by his role as captain and his record of 122 appearances. Debuting on January 27, 1988, against the United Arab Emirates, he became a regular player through the 1990 FIFA World Cup qualification and the 1990 Asian Games. He was part of the team that won the AFC Asian Cup for the first time in 1992. After Japan failed to qualify for the 1994 FIFA World Cup, Ihara became captain. He led the team at the 1995 King Fahd Cup and the 1996 AFC Asian Cup. His most significant achievement was captaining Japan to their first-ever qualification for the 1998 FIFA World Cup. At the tournament in France, he played as a sweeper in a flat back three. His last games for Japan were at the 1999 Copa América. He finished with 122 caps and 5 goals, a record that stood until surpassed by Yasuhito Endo on October 16, 2012.

Did You Know?

• Ihara debuted for Japan on January 27, 1988, while still a student at the University of Tsukuba.
• He was captain of the Japan national team for more than a decade in the 1990s.
• His record of 122 national team appearances was surpassed by Yasuhito Endo on October 16, 2012.
• He played his last game for Japan at the 1999 Copa América.
• Ihara scored 5 goals in 122 appearances for Japan.