Akira Narahashi (名良橋 晃,Narahashi Akira; born November 26, 1971) is a Japanese former professionalfootballer who played as aright-back. He earned 38 caps for theJapan national team between 1994 and 2003, including three games at the1998 FIFA World Cup.[1]
Narahashi was born inChiba on November 26, 1971. After graduating from Chiba Eiwa High School in 1990, he joinedFujita Industries (laterBellmare Hiratsuka,Shonan Bellmare) playing in theJapan Soccer League Division 2. In 1992, Japan Soccer League was folded and the club joined new leagueJapan Football League. The club won the champions in 1993 and was promoted toJ1 League. In 1994, the club wonEmperor's Cup. In Asia, the club also won1995 Asian Cup Winners' Cup.
Narahashi moved toKashima Antlers in 1997. The presence ofJorginho at Kashima propelled his decision to move as he aspired to learn the trade under the Brazilian international full back. In 2000, the club won all three major title in Japan;J1 League,J.League Cup andEmperor's Cup first time inJ.League history. The club won J1 League three times,J.League Cup three times andEmperor's Cup two times. From the mid-2000s, his opportunities to play decreased. At the end of the 2006 season, Kashima announced that they wouldn't renew his contract.
Narahashi returned to Bellmare in February 2007 but was released in August 2007. On February 1, 2008, he announced his retirement from professional football.[2]
After2002 FIFA World Cup, in October, Narahashi was selected Japan by new managerZico for the first time in four years. He was also selected Japan for2003 FIFA Confederations Cup, but he did not play in the match. He played 38 games for Japan until 2003.[1]
