Makoto Tanaka

is a Japanese professional football manager and former player.

Tanaka spent the majority of his career with Júbilo Iwata, forming a part of the team's 'glory years' that won the club's first Asian Club Championship in 1999, and three Japanese league titles between 1997 and 2002. After leaving the club in 2008, Tanaka then had a stint with Avispa Fukuoka, before retiring at the end of the 2011 season. He was capped 32 times for the Japan national team and was part of the squad that won the 2004 AFC Asian Cup.

Club career Tanaka was born in Shizuoka on August 8, 1975. After graduating from Shimizu Commercial High School, he joined Júbilo Iwata in 1994. From 1997, he became a regular player as center back and central player in golden era in club history. The club won many title 1997, 1999, 2002 J1 League, 1998 J.League Cup and 2003 Emperor's Cup. In Asia, the club won the champions 1998–99 Asian Club Championship and the 2nd place 1999–00 and 2000–01 Asian Club Championship. He left the club end of 2008 season for generational change. He moved to J2 League club Avispa Fukuoka in 2009. The club won the 3rd place in 2010 and was promoted to J1 League. He announced his retirement at the end of the 2011 season having played over 500 in his career.

National team career In July 1996, Tanaka was selected for the Japanese U-23 team for the 1996 Summer Olympics. He played in all 3 of Japan's matches as they were eliminated in the group stage, despite two wins, including one against Brazil. It was known as the "Miracle of Miami" (マイアミの奇跡) in Japan.

On April 25, 2004, Tanaka debuted for the Japan national team against Hungary. At the 2004 AFC Asian Cup in China, he played all 6 matches as Japan won the title. He also represented Japan at the 2005 FIFA Confederations Cup. In 2006, he was called up for Japan's 2006 FIFA World Cup squad, but had to withdraw after sustaining a thigh injury prior to the tournament. In total, he played 32 matches for the national team.

Managerial career In December 2023, it was announced that Tanaka would be taking on his first managerial role with J2 League club Tochigi SC for the 2024 season. After only recording three wins in his first 15 league games in charge, Tanaka was dismissed in May 2024 after only three months in charge.

Career statistics Club

International + Appearances and goals by national team and year Total

National team 2004 Asian Cup (Champions) 2005 Confederations Cup

Honors and awards

Individual J1 League Best Eleven: 1998, 2002

Club Júbilo Iwata AFC Champions League: 1998–99 Asian Super Cup: 1999 J1 League: 1997, 1999, 2002 Emperor's Cup: 2003 J.League Cup: 1998 Japanese Super Cup: 2000, 2003, 2004

International Japan AFC Asian Cups: 2004