First Japanese Player To Make AFL Debut
May 10, 2006 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
New York Dragons News Release
Mutsumi Takahashi will become the first Japanese player in Arena Football League history when his New York Dragons play at Dallas on Friday night, May 12.
The 5-5, 171-pound Takahashi, whose position is Offensive Specialist, has spent the last three seasons (2004-2006) on the Dragons' International Practice Squad and is expected to see playing time when New York faces the Dallas Desperadoes at the American Airlines Center.
"It is very exciting for me and my country to be the first Japanese player in the 20-year history of the AFL," said Takahashi. "I've waited a long time for this and I can't wait to get out there."
Takahashi's teammates and coaches are equally proud to be part of his big moment.
"Mutsumi has been coming to practice every day for three years, always going full speed," said Dragons veteran lineman Marcus Owen. "There is nothing more gratifying then seeing him get on the field after all his hard work."
"Mutsu is a guy that has been part of the organization for three years and has done everything we have asked of him to put himself in a situation to play," said Dragons head coach Weylan Harding. "He has earned the right to get out on the field. Myself, the coaching staff and the entire organization are really looking forward to this opportunity he has."
Takahashi was born on January 25, 1977 in Kanagwa, Japan. He started playing football in high school when his teacher told him to attend a practice and watch. After that first day, his teacher told him to bring a jersey and practice clothes to participate the next day. He hasn't stopped playing football since.
In 1995 Takahashi attended Nihon University and became a starter the following season in his sophomore year. He was named Most Valuable Offensive Player in the 1998 college All-Star game. When home in Japan during the Dragons' offseason, Takahashi now coaches football at Otemon University.
Takahashi came to the United States in 2003 to play for the af2 Cincinnati Swarm. Takahashi said he wanted to develop more as a player and he felt playing in the United States would give him that opportunity.
"Being here has given me great experience and allowed me to learn from many of the top receivers in the league like Kevin Swayne, Will Holder and Mike Horacek and a legendary quarterback in Aaron Garcia," he said.
Japan does not currently have professional football leagues, only amateur leagues. Takahashi explained that the amateur leagues don't allow for proper development of players the way leagues do in the United States because the schedule isn't as intense. Takahashi hopes to make a difference for his country and for the children there.
"My goals and dreams would be to give kids hope because I'm smaller than all the other players and I come from somewhere that football isn't as big, but I love the game and now I want to prove that I can do it," said Takahashi. "I want to help football get big in Japan and I think this will be good for my people and my country."
In the off-season Takahashi heads back to Japan where his wife Asuka and two-year old son Yosei reside.
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