Osaka: Kunishige Kamamoto, widely regarded as the greatest striker in Japanese soccer history, passed away from pneumonia at a hospital in Osaka Prefecture, western Japan. He was 81.

According to Philippines News Agency, Kamamoto made a significant mark at the 1968 Mexico Olympics by scoring seven goals, which propelled the Japanese national soccer team to secure their first Olympic bronze medal. Born in Kyoto Prefecture, Kamamoto began his soccer journey in elementary school and continued to develop his skills through high school and university.

After graduating from Yamashiro High School in Kyoto, Kamamoto attended Waseda University in Tokyo, where he emerged as the top scorer in the university soccer league in the Kanto region for four consecutive years. He joined Yanmar in the Japan Soccer League (JSL) in 1967, which later became the Japan Professional Football League, or J.League. During his 17 seasons in the JSL, Kamamoto played in 251 games and set a record by scoring 202 goals, claiming the scoring title seven times.

Kamamoto’s national team career began in 1964, and he participated in both the Tokyo Olympics of that year and the Mexico Games in 1968. Over his international career, he played in 76 “A” matches and scored 75 goals, maintaining the record for the most goals scored by a Japanese male player. His signature style included sharp shots from the right side of the goal, earning him a reputation for the “right 45-degree” finish.

After retiring as a soccer player in 1984, Kamamoto transitioned to coaching, serving as the head coach of Gamba Osaka in the J.League. He also held various administrative roles, including vice president of the Japan Football Association from 1998 and was inducted into the Japan Football Hall of Fame in 2005. Beyond soccer, Kamamoto ventured into politics in 1995 and was elected to the House of Councillors as a member of the Liberal Democratic Party.

In recent years, Kamamoto’s health had been deteriorating, and he was receiving medical treatment.