Yutaka Akita

is a Japanese football manager and former player who played as a defender. He is currently manager of club Kochi United.

He played for Japan national team until 2003.

Club career Akita is a strong and physical centre-back. A 10-year stalwart for the Kashima Antlers since 1993, Akita left Kashima in early 2004 to move back to his native Nagoya, signing for hometown team Nagoya Grampus Eight. He moved to J2 League side Kyoto Sanga FC at the beginning of the 2007 season. In November 2007, he announced his retirement from the game. Akita won the champions J1 League 4 times, J.League Cup 3 times and Emperor's Cup 2 times at Kashima Antlers. He was selected Best Eleven 4 times.

International career On 24 October 1995, Akita debuted for Japan national team against Saudi Arabia. He played at 1996 Asian Cup. He became a regular from the middle of 1997 and at 1998 World Cup qualification in 1997, Japan won the qualify for 1998 World Cup first time Japan's history. He played at 1998 World Cup and 1999 Copa América. He played full-time in all matches at both competitions. In 2002, he was selected Japan for the first time in 3 years. He was also selected Japan for 2002 World Cup, but he did not play in the match. After 2002 World Cup, he became a regular player again under new manager Zico. On 8 June 2003, the match against Argentina is his last game for Japan. Although he was a member of Japan for 2003 Confederations Cup in June, he did not play in the match. He played 44 games and scored 4 goals for Japan until 2003.

Managerial career After retirement, Akita started his coaching career at Kyoto Sanga FC in 2008.In July 2010, he became manager, succeeding Hisashi Kato. However the club was relegated to J2 League and he resigned at the end of the season.

He signed with Tokyo Verdy in 2012. In November, he resigned and became manager of FC Machida Zelvia. He was sacked in June 2013.

On 4 December 2019, Akita was officially announced as manager of Iwate Grulla Morioka from the 2020 season. On 6 December 2021, Akita gained promotion to the J2 League for the first time in their history after the club drew against Azul Claro Numazu 1-1 in the final matchweek. Akita left the club in 2022 season after his club was relegated to the J3 League.

On 22 December 2024, Akita was officially announced as manager of newly promoted J3 club Kochi United.

Career statistics

Club

International + Appearances and goals by national team and year

Honours Player Kashima Antlers J1 League: 1996, 1998, 2000, 2002 J.League Cup: 1997, 2000, 2002 Emperor's Cup: 1997, 2000

Individual J1 League Best Eleven: 1997, 1998, 2000, 2001 Selected to AFC All Star Team: 1998

Manager Iwate Grulla Morioka J3 League runner-up: 2021