Naoki Imaya
Japanese association football player and manager
About Naoki Imaya
Born 1980. Naoki Imaya is an Australian and Japanese association football player and association football coach.
is a Japanese football manager and former footballer who played as a midfielder or forward. He currently manager of club, Tochigi City FC.
Career As a child he moved to Sydney Australia with his parents at age 10. He played for various Australian clubs before moving to Switzerland. He played in the first season of the A-League with the New Zealand Knights before returning to NSW state league football with Marconi Stallions.
In July 2007 he signed a contract with VfB Lübeck, a traditional club from Lübeck in the federal state of Schleswig-Holstein playing in the 3rd German Regionalliga Nord. He was released by the club after six months due to financial problems.
Managerial career Imaya is now coaching football to young children in Japan and no longer pursuing a professional career. He worked as an English interpreter for Japanese side Yokohama F. Marinos under Australian manager Ange Postecoglou.
On 12 November 2021, Imaya announcement officially appointed manager of Tochigi City FC in the Kantō Soccer League Division 1 from 2022. On 26 November 2023, Imaya brought his team winning 2023 Japanese Regional Football Champions League after defeat Tsukuba FC 0–4 in final matchweek of RCL and promotion to Japan Football League from 2024 season. On 17 November 2024, Imaya brought his team secure champions of 2024 Japan Football League and promotion to J3 League for the first time in history from next season after defeat Atletico Suzuka 6–0 in matchweek 29 at Kanseki Stadium Tochigi as final home game, return to third tier after 11 years absence. On 23 November 2025, Imaya brought his team secure promotion to J2 League for the first time in history from next season after defeat Nagano Parceiro 3–0 in matchweek 37 at City Football Station as final home game and ended in third tier at one year.
Managerial statistics . TeamFromToRecordGWDLWin %Tochigi City FC1 February 2022presentTotal
Honours Manager Tochigi City FC Kantō Soccer League Div. 1: 2022 Japanese Regional Football Champions League : 2023 Japan Football League : 2024
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Important facts
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Frequently asked questions
Who is Naoki Imaya?
Japanese association football player and manager
When was Naoki Imaya born?
Naoki Imaya was born on 18 June 1980 in Hyōgo Prefecture.
What is Naoki Imaya's occupation?
Naoki Imaya is an association football player and association football coach.
What nationality is Naoki Imaya?
Naoki Imaya is Australian and Japanese.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Naoki Imaya. https://biography.guide/naoki-imaya/
MLA: "Naoki Imaya." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/naoki-imaya/.
Chicago: "Naoki Imaya." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/naoki-imaya/.
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