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Yutaka Akita (秋田 豊, Akita Yutaka, born 6 August 1970) is a Japanese football manager and former player. He last played for Japan national team until 2003. He play as a Defender and set to manager of Kochi United from 2025.
Club career
Akita is a strong and physical centre-back, who is also arguably one of the best headers of the ball within the J1 League. One of the best defenders of his generation and 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 coaching career at Kyoto Sanga FC in 2008.
In July 2010, he became a manager as Hisashi Kato successor. However the club was relegated to J2 League and he resigned end of the season.
He signed with Tokyo Verdy in 2012. In November, he resigned and became a manager for FC Machida Zelvia. He was sacked in June 2013.
On 4 December 2019, Akita officially manager of Iwate Grulla Morioka from 2020 season. On 6 December 2021, Akita brought his club promotion to J2 League for the first time in their history after draw against Azul Claro Numazu 1-1 in final matchweek. Akita left from the club in 2022 season after his club relegated to J3 League from 2023.
On 22 December 2024, Akita announcement officially manager of newly promoted J3 club, Kochi United from 2025 season.
Career statistics
Club
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
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Saudi Arabia
Kazakhstan
Argentina
