Football: Former Japan Inamoto retires at 45

Football: Former Japan Inamoto retires at 45

Former Japan midfielder Junichi Inamoto smiles with a bouquet after announcing his retirement at a press conference in Tokyo on Dec. 4, 2024. The 45-year-old played for Japan in three consecutive football World Cups, starting with the 2002 tournament co-hosted by Japan and South Korea when he scored two goals.

Football: Former Japan Inamoto retires at 45

Football: Former Japan Inamoto retires at 45

Former Japan midfielder Junichi Inamoto announces his retirement at a press conference in Tokyo on Dec. 4, 2024. The 45-year-old played for Japan in three consecutive football World Cups, starting with the 2002 tournament co-hosted by Japan and South Korea when he scored two goals.

Football: Former Japan Inamoto retires at 45

Football: Former Japan Inamoto retires at 45

Former Japan midfielder Junichi Inamoto announces his retirement at a press conference in Tokyo on Dec. 4, 2024. The 45-year-old played for Japan in three consecutive football World Cups, starting with the 2002 tournament co-hosted by Japan and South Korea when he scored two goals.

Football: Former Japan Inamoto retires at 45

Football: Former Japan Inamoto retires at 45

Former Japan midfielder Junichi Inamoto announces his retirement at a press conference in Tokyo on Dec. 4, 2024. The 45-year-old played for Japan in three consecutive football World Cups, starting with the 2002 tournament co-hosted by Japan and South Korea when he scored two goals.

Football: Former Japan Inamoto retires at 45

Football: Former Japan Inamoto retires at 45

Former Japan midfielder Junichi Inamoto announces his retirement at a press conference in Tokyo on Dec. 4, 2024. The 45-year-old played for Japan in three consecutive football World Cups, starting with the 2002 tournament co-hosted by Japan and South Korea when he scored two goals.

Football: Former Japan Inamoto retires at 45

Football: Former Japan Inamoto retires at 45

Former Japan midfielder Junichi Inamoto announces his retirement at a press conference in Tokyo on Dec. 4, 2024. The 45-year-old played for Japan in three consecutive football World Cups, starting with the 2002 tournament co-hosted by Japan and South Korea when he scored two goals.

Football: Former Japan Inamoto retires at 45

Football: Former Japan Inamoto retires at 45

Former Japan midfielder Junichi Inamoto announces his retirement at a press conference in Tokyo on Dec. 4, 2024. The 45-year-old played for Japan in three consecutive football World Cups, starting with the 2002 tournament co-hosted by Japan and South Korea when he scored two goals.

Japan tune up for Austria friendly

Japan tune up for Austria friendly

KLAGENFURT, Austria - Japan midfielders Junichi Inamoto (L) and Daisuke Matsui practice in preparation for their friendly match against Austria in Klagenfurt, Austria, on Sept. 6.

Western Sydney Wanderers beat Kawasaki Frontale in ACL

Western Sydney Wanderers beat Kawasaki Frontale in ACL

SYDNEY, Australia - Shinji Ono (21) of Australia's Western Sydney Wanderers is challenged by Junichi Inamoto of Japan's Kawasaki Frontale during the first half of a Group H game in the Asian Champions League at Parramatta Stadium in Sydney, Australia, on March 19, 2014. Sydney won 1-0.

Japan lose to Paraguay

Japan lose to Paraguay

PRETORIA, South Africa - Japan defender Yuichi Komano (3) is consoled by midfielder Junichi Inamoto (20) after Japan's loss against Paraguay in a World Cup second-round match at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria, South Africa, on June 29, 2010. Komano missed Japan's third spot kick, resulting in a 5-3 penalty shootout loss.

Japan brace for Paraguay match in round of 16

Japan brace for Paraguay match in round of 16

GEORGE, South Africa - Japan midfielders Yasuhito Endo (foreground) and Junichi Inamoto relax during a practice session in George, South Africa, on June 26, 2010, to prepare for a World Cup round of 16 match against Paraguay.

Japan overpower Denmark to cruise into last 16

Japan overpower Denmark to cruise into last 16

RUSTENBURG, South Africa - Denmark's Dennis Rommedahl (C) and Japan's Junichi Inamoto (20) vie for the ball in the second half of a World Cup Group E match at Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg, South Africa, on June 24, 2010. Japan beat Denmark 3-1 to advance to the second round of the tournament.

Inamoto in Japan World Cup squad

Inamoto in Japan World Cup squad

KAWASAKI, Japan - Japan midfielder Junichi Inamoto speaks about the upcoming World Cup finals in South Africa during a press conference in Kawasaki on May 10, 2010, after being picked as one of the 23 members of the national team.

Japan suffer crushing defeat to Serbia

Japan suffer crushing defeat to Serbia

OSAKA, Japan - Japan midfielder Junichi Inamoto and Serbia defender Milovan Milovic (6) tussle for the ball during the first half of a friendly at Nagai Stadium in Osaka, Japan, on April 7, 2010. Japan suffered a crushing 0-3 defeat.

Kawasaki beaten again in Asian Champions League

Kawasaki beaten again in Asian Champions League

TODOROKI, Japan - Kawasaki Frontale midfielder Junichi Inamoto (C) fights for the ball with Beijing Guoan midfielder Huang Bowen (L) in a snowy Todoroki Stadium in Kawasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture, on March 9, 2010. Kawasaki, last year's quarterfinalists, were condemned to a second straight Group E defeat in the AFC Champions League, going down 3-1 to the Chinese team.

S. Korea beat Japan 3-1 in East Asia championship

S. Korea beat Japan 3-1 in East Asia championship

TOKYO, Japan - Japan midfielder Junichi Inamoto (R) fights for the ball with South Korea midfielder Kim Bo Kyung in the first half of the match in the East Asian championship at National Stadium in Tokyo on Feb. 14, 2010. South Korea ended Japan's hopes of their first East Asian title with a 3-1 win.

Japan-Venezuela friendly ends in 0-0 draw

Japan-Venezuela friendly ends in 0-0 draw

OITA, Japan - Japan midfielder Junichi Inamoto (8) tackles Venezuela midfielder Alejandro Guerra in the first half of an international friendly at Kyushu Oil Dome in Oita Prefecture on Feb. 2, 2010. The game ended in a goalless draw.

Inamoto reckons Kawasaki switch key to World Cup chances

Inamoto reckons Kawasaki switch key to World Cup chances

KAWASAKI, Japan - Kawasaki Frontale midfielder Junichi Inamoto (R) speaks during a press conference beside the club's manager Tsutomu Takahata at Todoroki Stadium in Kawasaki on Jan. 15, 2010. Inamoto said his move back to the J-League from French club Rennes will be crucial to his chances of playing in a third consecutive World Cup finals.

Midfielder Inamoto back in Japan

Midfielder Inamoto back in Japan

KAWASAKI, Japan - Japan midfielder Junichi Inamoto wearing the Kawasaki Flontale jersey kicks the ball during a photo opportunity at Todoroki Stadium, the club's home stadium, in Kawasaki on Jan. 15, 2010.

Inamoto reckons Kawasaki switch key to World Cup chances

Inamoto reckons Kawasaki switch key to World Cup chances

KAWASAKI, Japan - Kawasaki Frontale midfielder Junichi Inamoto speaks during a press conference at Todoroki Stadium, the club's home stadium, in Kawasaki on Jan. 15, 2010. The 30-year-old said his move back to the J-League from French club Rennes will be crucial to his chances of playing in a third consecutive World Cup finals.

Inamoto hopes reunion with Antonetti can revive Japan career

Inamoto hopes reunion with Antonetti can revive Japan career

RENNES, France - Japanese midfielder Junichi Inamoto holds his shirt for Rennes during a press conference there on July 1 after joining the French club.

Japan brace for match against Colombia

Japan brace for match against Colombia

SAITAMA, Japan - Frankfurt midfielder Junichi Inamoto practices on June 4 in preparation for Japan's Kirin Cup match against Colombia at Saitama Stadium on June 5. Kyodo)

Inamoto leaves West Brom for Galatasaray

Inamoto leaves West Brom for Galatasaray

ISTANBUL, Turkey - Japanese World Cup midfielder Junichi Inamoto poses in a Galatasaray shirt in Istanbul on Sept. 1 after leaving West Bromwich Albion of England to join the Turkish club.

Japan beaten by Brazil 4-1 in World Cup Group F match

Japan beaten by Brazil 4-1 in World Cup Group F match

DORTMUND, Germany - Brazil midfielder Kaka (L) and Japan midfielder Junichi Inamoto contend for the ball during the first half of their World Cup Group F match at Westfalenstadion in Dortmund, Germany, on June 22.

Japan vs. Brazil in World Cup

Japan vs. Brazil in World Cup

DORTMUND, Germany - Japan's Junichi Inamoto (L) and Brazil's Juninho Pernambucano vie for the ball during the first half of the World Cup Group F match between Japan and Brazil at FIFA World Cup Stadium in Dortmund on June 22.

Japan vs. Brazil in World Cup

Japan vs. Brazil in World Cup

DORTMUND, Germany - Japan's Junichi Inamoto (R) and Brazil's Ronaldo (C) compete for the ball during the first half of the World Cup Group F match between Japan and Brazil at FIFA World Cup Stadium in Dortmund on June 22. At left is Japan's Keisuke Tsuboi.

Japan vs. Brazil in World Cup

Japan vs. Brazil in World Cup

DORTMUND, Germany - Japan's Junichi Inamoto (R) and Akira Kaji block Brazil's Ronaldinho during the first half of the World Cup Group F match against Brazil at FIFA World Cup Stadium in Dortmund on June 22.

Japan vs. Croatia in World Cup

Japan vs. Croatia in World Cup

NUREMBERG, Germany - Japan's Junichi Inamoto passes the ball during the second half of the World Cup Group F match between Japan and Croatia at Franken-Stadion in Nuremberg on June 18. At right is Croatia midfielder Niko Kranjcar.

Japan vs. Croatia in World Cup

Japan vs. Croatia in World Cup

NUREMBERG, Germany - Japan's Junichi Inamoto (R) and Croatia's Niko Kranjcar vie for the ball during the second half of the World Cup Group F match between Japan and Croatia at Franken-Stadion in Nuremberg on June 18.

Scene of Japan practice in Bonn

Scene of Japan practice in Bonn

BONN, Germany - Japan defender Akira Kaji (L) and midfielder Junichi Inamoto practice in Bonn on June 15.

Japan tune up for World Cup finals

Japan tune up for World Cup finals

BONN, Germany - Japan striker Keiji Tamada (C) dribbles the ball chased by teammates Yasuhito Endo (L) and Junichi Inamoto (R) during their practice in Bonn on June 7 the team tunes up for the FIFA 2006 World Cup finals opening on June 9.

Japan beat Malta in final World Cup tune-up

Japan beat Malta in final World Cup tune-up

DUSSELDORF, Germany - Japan midfielder Junichi Inamoto makes a tackle during the second half of a friendly match at the LTU Arena in Dusseldorf, Germany, on June 4. Japan beat Malta 1-0 to conclude their preparations for the World Cup finals.

Zico's Japan arrive at World Cup base in Bonn

Zico's Japan arrive at World Cup base in Bonn

BONN, Germany - Japan defender Alessandro Santos (L) and midfielder Junichi Inamoto arrive at a hotel in Bonn on May 26 with their teammates to prepare for the 2006 World Cup finals.

Japan's World Cup team leaves for Germany

Japan's World Cup team leaves for Germany

NARITA, Japan - Japan striker Naohiro Takahara (L) and midfielder Junichi Inamoto (L) depart from Narita airport for Germany on May 26 to play in the 2006 FIFA World Cup finals.

Inamoto arrives at camp

Inamoto arrives at camp

NARAHA, Japan - Japan midfielder Junichi Inamoto is greeted by fans as he arrives at the J-Village on May 17 for his final training camp before departing for the World Cup finals in Germany.

(2)Japan book World Cup spot after 2-0 win over N. Korea

(2)Japan book World Cup spot after 2-0 win over N. Korea

BANGKOK, Thailand - Japan striker Atsushi Yanagisawa (13) joins his teammates Tsuneharu Miyamoto (5), Masashi Oguro (R) and Junichi Inamoto (29) in celebration after scoring an opener in the second half of their Asian zone qualifier against North Korea at Bangkok's Suphachalasai National Stadium on June 8. Japan beat North Korea 2-0 to become the first country to qualify for the 2006 World Cup finals.

(3)Japan tune up for Peru clash

(3)Japan tune up for Peru clash

NIIGATA, Japan - Japan defender Alessandro Santos (L) and midfielder Junichi Inamoto tussle for control of the ball during their practice at Niigata stadium on May 21, the day before their Kirin Cup opener against Peru on May 22.

Zico picks Inamoto, Takahara for Kirin Cup friendlies

Zico picks Inamoto, Takahara for Kirin Cup friendlies

TOKYO, Japan - Japan coach Zico speaks at a press conference in Tokyo on May 9. He has called up West Bromwich Albion midfielder Junichi Inamoto and Hamburg SV striker Naohiro Takahara for the upcoming Kirin Cup friendlies against Peru and the United Arab Emirates in Niigata and Tokyo on May 22 and 27.

(8)Germany vs. Japan in friendly in Yokohama

(8)Germany vs. Japan in friendly in Yokohama

YOKOHAMA, Japan - Japanese midfielder Junichi Inamoto breaks away as Germany's Gerald Asamoah looks on during the first half of a friendly at International Stadium Yokohama on Dec. 16.

Inamoto raring to go for Germany friendly

Inamoto raring to go for Germany friendly

YOKOHAMA, Japan - West Bromwich Albion midfielder Junichi Inamoto practices in Yokohama as Japan coach Zico watches on Dec. 15, the eve of a friendly match between Japan and Germany at International Stadium Yokohama on Dec. 16. Inamoto said later he is relishing making his international comeback in Japan's final game of the year against 2002 World Cup finalists Germany. ''We're playing in Japan against the 2006 World Cup hosts and for me this is an opportunity to show everyone that I am back.''

Japan midfielder Inamoto grateful to West Brom

Japan midfielder Inamoto grateful to West Brom

WEST BROMWICH, England - Japan midfielder Junichi Inamoto speaks to reporters in West Bromwich, England, on Sept. 14 about his transfer to English premier league club West Bromwich Albion.

(6)Ono strike earns Japan draw with England

(6)Ono strike earns Japan draw with England

MANCHESTER, England - England midfielder Paul Scholes tackles Japan midfielder Junichi Inamoto during the first half of their three-nation tournament soccer match at the City of Manchester Stadium in Manchester on June 1. Japan drew 1-1 with England.

(2)Japan shock Czech Republic

(2)Japan shock Czech Republic

PRAGUE, Czech Republic - Japan midfielder Junichi Inamoto tussles for the ball in the first half of a friendly match against the Czech Republic in Prague on April 28. Japan won by 1-0.

Inamoto joins Japan World Cup soccer team

Inamoto joins Japan World Cup soccer team

SINGAPORE - Japan midfielder Junichi Inamoto arrives at Singapore's Changi airport on March 29 to join the national soccer squad for the 2006 World Cup qualifier against Singapore.

Inamoto's strike seals shock win over Man Utd

Inamoto's strike seals shock win over Man Utd

MANCHESTER, England - Japan midfielder Junichi Inamoto (L) rejoices after scoring Fulham's third goal in the second half of a game against champions Manchester United in the English premier league on Oct. 25. Fulham beat the Manchester United 3-1.

(2)Takahara marks 2nd goal against Nigeria

(2)Takahara marks 2nd goal against Nigeria

TOKYO, Japan - Striker Naohiro Takahara is congratulated by teammate Junichi Inamoto after scoring his second goal in the first half of a friendly against Nigeria at National Stadium in Tokyo on Aug. 20. Japan beat Nigeria 3-0, giving coach Zico his first home win.

(2)Japan brace up for Nigeria friendly

(2)Japan brace up for Nigeria friendly

TOKYO, Japan - Fulham midfielder Junichi Inamoto (L) and Kyoto Purple Sanga Daisuke Matsui tussle for the ball during a practice at the National Stadium in Tokyo on Aug. 19 ahead of a Nigeria friendly on Aug. 20.

Inamoto on target as Fulham win premier league opener

Inamoto on target as Fulham win premier league opener

LONDON, Britan - Junichi Inamoto of English premier league club Fulham celebrates with teammates after the midfielder scored his first goal of the season in the opening game against Middlesbrough on Aug. 16. Fulham won 3-2.

(2)Japan go down 2-1 to France at Confederations Cup

(2)Japan go down 2-1 to France at Confederations Cup

SAINT ETIENNE, France - Japan midfielder Junichi Inamoto (L) competes for the ball with France captain Robert Pires in the second-half of a Confederations Cup Group A match against France to book their place in the last four in Saint Etienne on June 20. Japan was defeated by France 2-1.

(2)Japan ready for Confederations Cup game against France

(2)Japan ready for Confederations Cup game against France

LYON, France - Japan skipper Hidetoshi Nakata (lower) and midfielder Junichi Inamoto relax during their practice at a field on the outskirts of Lyon on June 19. Japan will face France in a Confederations Cup tournament match on June 20.