nikkansports.com was a Japanese footballer. A Japanese international, he spent his entire career with Mitsubishi Motors.

Club career Taguchi was born in Akita on February 14, 1955. After graduating from high school, he joined Mitsubishi Motors in 1973. In 1973, the club won the champions at Japan Soccer League and Emperor's Cup. In 1975, he debuted as a starting goalkeeper for Japan national team, replacing established starter Kenzo Yokoyama.National-Football-Teams.com

In 1978, he was part of one of the club's most successful seasons, winning the Japanese treble; Japan Soccer League, JSL Cup and Emperor's Cup. The club also won 1980 Emperor's Cup, 1981 JSL Cup and 1982 Japan Soccer League. He retired in 1984. He played 161 games in the league. He was selected Best Eleven 8 times included for 7 years in a row (1977-1983).sakigake.jp/news

National team career On September 8, 1975, Taguchi debuted for Japan national team against South Korea. In 1977, he became a regular goalkeeper and played at 1978 World Cup qualification, 1978 Asian Games and 1980 Summer Olympics qualification. From 1982, he became a captain and played at 1982 Asian Games and 1984 Summer Olympics qualification. He played 59 games for Japan until 1984.Japan National Football Team Database

Coaching career Following his retirement from playing career, Taguchi worked as a coach for several high school teams, including those at and .sponichi.co.jp

On November 12, 2019, Taguchi died of respiratory failure in Tokyo at the age of 64.hochi.newssanspo.com

Club statistics

Club performance League Season Club League Apps GoalsJapan League1973Mitsubishi MotorsJSL Division 110197400197516019761801977180197818019791801980180198118019821801983180198400Total1610

National team statistics

Japan national teamYearAppsGoals1975101976301977501978130197980198040198140198280198390198440Total590

References

External links

Japan National Football Team Database