Yoshika Matsubara

is a former Japanese football player and manager. He is the current manager of Iwate Grulla Morioka from 2023. Matsubara is the CEO of Felice Mondo Inc., football instructor (Gyosei International School General Manager of Astra International course), and Vice Chairman of the J.League Players OB Party.

Born in Hamamatsu, Shizuoka Prefecture, Matsubara spent time playing with CA Penarol of Uruguay upon graduating from Tokai University Shoyo Senior High School. He joined J1 League team Júbilo Iwata in 1994 upon his return to Japan, then making a series of moves starting with Shimizu S-Pulse, JEF United Ichihara, Rijeka of Croatia, Delemont of Switzerland, Shonan Bellmare, Progreso of Uruguay, Avispa Fukuoka, Defensor Sporting of Uruguay, Okinawa Kariyushi FC and Shizuoka FC. Playing for a total of 12 different clubs during his playing career.

Matsubara also represented the Japan U-23 National team, and was part of the 1996 Summer Olympics team which famously defeated the Brazil which included players such as Rivaldo, Roberto Carlos and Bebeto.

After announcing his retirement in 2005, he established Felice Mondo Inc. as the CEO of the company. He also holds the positions of General Manager of the Gyosei International School Astra International football program, and Vice Chairman of the J.League Players OB Party.

Early life

Born in Hamamatsu, Matsubara was influenced by his older brother Shinya Matsubara in his start to football. Shinya captained his school team, and Matsubara was often drawn to watch some of his games.

Shinya moved to Argentina in his second year of high school and signed a professional football contract. Following in his older brothers footsteps, Matsubara sought advice to travel to Argentina himself, but was turned down. After graduating from high school, Matsubara attended university but left shortly after enrolling to reconsider his future. Although Matsubara had represented Japan as a member of the national U17 team, as the J1 League had not been established at the time, he had no particular desire to become a professional football player. It was Kazuyoshi Miura who helped change his mind.

Upon Kazutoshi Miura's triumphal return from Brazil, Matsubara watched one of Miura's games. What he saw that day inspired Matsubara to want to become a professional player. In his pursuit to sign for a professional club, Matsubara participated in trials at his local clubs Shimizu S-Pulse, and Yamaha Motors (Now Júbilo Iwata), clubs which were on the brink of joining the J1 League at the time. Matsubara was unsuccessful however, and instead decided to travel abroad to find a club after being recommended by Masakuni Yamamoto of the Japan Football Association, who was putting together a team to compete in the 1996 Summer Olympics at the time.

Playing career

Starting in Uruguay, Matsubara moved to Europe to play in Switzerland, Croatia and Germany before making his way back to South America to experience football in Brazil and Argentina. After returning to Japan to play for several clubs in the J1 League, Matsubara retired from football after completing a spell at Shizuoka FC as player manager.

Personal life

Out of all the countries Matsubara visited, Uruguay left the biggest influence on his life. He learnt Spanish during his time in Uruguay, and now also speaks English, Italian and Portuguese. He continues to play football for fun with other ex-J.Leaguers under a team called FC Infinitos. Matsubara credits Mr. Tagawa, principle of Gyosei International School of making an enormous impression on his life away from football.

Matsubara has been a big fan of Diego Maradona since early childhood, and still keeps a picture of Maradona and himself on his wall.

After his brother returned from Argentina, Shinya joined professional team Shimizu S-Pulse. This move set up a rare sibling derby match up when Shimizu S-Pulse played Matsubara's team Júbilo Iwata in the reserve league. His brother now works in Hamamatsu for the Shizuoka Prefecture Football Association, and will work as a coach for Hamamatsu University from 2013.

Post-retirement

After retiring as a professional player, Matsubara struggled searching for a second career at first. Ultimately he chose to stay working in the world of football however, as a way of giving something back to the sport which made him so successful. Founded on the philosophy of teaching children in a relaxed manner and taking time to concentrate on building character, Matsubara opened his first Football school in 2005, aiming to offer the best children's coaching in the country.

Later in 2009, Matsubara established FELICE MONDO Inc. The company has expanded in recent years, establishing football schools in Roppongi (Tokyo), Urayasu (Chiba) and Kisarazu (Chiba). Club teams were also established in Roppongi (junior) and Urayasu (junior youth).

Matsubara was also involved in the revitalization project of Gyosei International School through football, establishing the Astra International football course, and taking the position of General Manager. By testing his own management skills and establishing relationships with people from different backgrounds and industries, he has gained many supporters and contributors to his project. He has a long-term vision of community development through football education across Japan, with his ultimate dream of Japan hosting and winning the world cup. In order to achieve his dream, he has placed importance on improving links with the rest of the world to improve the quality of Japan's youth, and developing the quality of the J.League as a whole.

2005: Opens FELICE Football School
2009: Established FELICE MONDO INC. (transition from Felice Football School) Position of CEO
Takes position of Gyosei International School General Manager of Astra International course. Takes position of Vice Chairman of the J.League Players OB Party.
Becomes player advisor of TAKE ACTION F.C Foundation.

Felice Mondo

Felice Mondo name means "happy world" in Italian. A name which Derives from the concept of creating a happy world by playing football. As well as operating a number of football schools in the Kanto region, the company holds football tournaments in Kisarazu City (in cooperation with the city), with over 3,000 athletes participating annually. As a guest, Matsubara has invited former Japan national team manager Philippe Troussier

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