Koichi Oita

was a Japanese football player. He played for the Japan national team.

Biography
Oita was born in Tokyo Metropolis on April 9, 1914. In 1936, when he was a Tokyo Imperial University student, he was selected the Japan national team for 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin. At this competition, on August 4, he debuted against Sweden. Although he was a midfielder, he played as a defender. Japan completed a come-from-behind victory against Sweden. The first victory in Olympics for the Japan and the historic victory over one of the powerhouses became later known as "Miracle of Berlin" (ベルリンの奇跡) in Japan. In 2016, this team was selected Japan Football Hall of Fame. On August 7, he also played against Italy. He played 2 games for Japan in 1936.

After retirement, in 1947, Oita became a manager for new club Sumitomo Metal and managed until 1956.

September 11, 1996, Oita died of heart failure in Bunkyo, Tokyo at the age of 82.

Statistics
Japan National Football Team Database

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References

Other websites

Japan Football Hall of Fame (Japan team at 1936 Olympics) at Japan Football Association

Category:1914 births
Category:1996 deaths
Category:Footballers from Tokyo Prefecture
Category:Japan international footballers
Category:Footballers at the 1936 Summer Olympics