Mitsuo Ogasawara (小笠原 満男,Ogasawara Mitsuo; born 5 April 1979) is a Japanese former professionalfootballer who played as amidfielder.[3] He played forJapan national team.
Ogasawara was born inMorioka on 5 April 1979. After graduating from high school, he joinedJ1 League clubKashima Antlers in 1998. He debuted in April 1998 and played many matches as offensive midfielder from 1999. In 2000, he became a regular midfielder and Antlers won the champions all three major title in Japan;J1 League,J.League Cup andEmperor's Cup first time in J1 League history. AtEmperor's Cup Final, he scored two goals and contributed to won the champions. The club also won the champions2001 J1 League for two consecutiveyears. InFinal at2002 J.League Cup, he scored a winning goal and Antlers won the champions. He was also selected MVP award.[4] He was also selected Best Eleven award in J1 League for five consecutive years (2001-2005).
In August 2006, Ogasawara moved to Italy and signed withSerie A clubMessina Peloro on loan. However he could not play many matches.
In July 2007, Ogasawara returned to Antlers. He played many matches as defensive midfielder and Antlers won the champions inJ1 League for the first time in six years. Antlers also won the champions in2007 Emperor's Cup. Antlers won the champions in J1 League for three consecutive seasons (2007-2009). In 2009, he was selected MVP award. From 2010 season, Antlers won the champions2010 Emperor's Cup,2011,2012 and2015 J.League Cup. He was also MVP award in2015 J.League Cup.[4] In 2016, Antlers won the champions inJ1 League and qualified for2016 Club World Cup as host country champions. At Club World Cup, he played three matches and won the second place.[5] Antlers also won the champions in2016 Emperor's Cup. From 2017, his opportunity to play decreased.[3] In 2018, Antlers won the champions inAFC Champions League first Asian title in the club history. He retired end of 2018 season.[4]
After 2002 World Cup, Ogasawara played many matches as starting member under managerZico.[6] He was selected Japan for2003 Confederations Cup and2004 Asian Cup. At 2004 Asian Cup, although he played only 2 matches, Japan won the champions. In 2005, he was selected Japan for2005 Confederations Cup and played all 3 matches.[5] In 2006, he was selected Japan for2006 World Cup. Although he played 2 matches,[5] Japan was eliminated in the group stages.
After 2006 World Cup, Ogasawara was not selected Japan for generational change. In February 2010, he was selected Japan by managerTakeshi Okada. He played for Japan for the first time in 4 years.[6] He played 55 games and scored 7 goals for Japan until 2010.[6]
