Hidetoshi Nakata

Hidetoshi Nakata made an immediate impact upon joining J1 League side Bellmare Hiratsuka in 1995, notably helping the club secure the 1995 Asian Cup Winners’ Cup with the decisive winning goal in the final. His consistent high performance earned him a place in the J.League Best XI in 1997. Nakata’s exceptional talent quickly garnered international attention, leading to his transfer to Perugia in Italy’s Serie A after the 1998 FIFA World Cup, making him only the second Japanese player in the league. During his inaugural season in Italy, he demonstrated his scoring prowess by netting 10 goals, marking his highest single-season tally.

In 2014, he achieved certification as a ‘Master of Sake,’ deepening his expertise. In 2015, he established JAPAN CRAFT SAKE COMPANY to raise global awareness of Japanese sake. He has visited numerous breweries and developed his own line of sake, along with an educational app, ‘Sakenomy.’ His endeavors also extended to him becoming a Global Ambassador for Special Olympics in 2014. Nakata’s endeavors as a cultural entrepreneur continue, bridging traditional Japanese artistry with global audiences.

He actively engages in the fashion world, having modeled for Calvin Klein and being a regular at runway shows. His ongoing work with JAPAN CRAFT SAKE COMPANY reinforces his commitment to showcasing Japanese traditions, leveraging his global recognition to promote cultural understanding and elevate Japanese heritage worldwide.