Shuzo Matsuoka

Be mooooooooore passionate! (もっと、熱くなれよぉおおおおおおおお！！！, Motto, atsuku nare yo~ooooooooo!!!)

Shuzo Matsuoka (松岡修造, Matsuoka Shūzō) is a retired Japanese professional tennis player, sports commentator, and entertainer, perhaps best known for his appearance at the Wimbledon quarter-finals in 1995. Since his retirement, Matsuoka has become a popular television sports commentator and gourmet reporter in Japan. He hosts the "Shuzo Challenge", an annual tennis camp for young children run by the Japan Tennis Association.

Shuzo is mostly known for his motivating and energetic character and his unique messages airing through TV commercials and his official web site have been one of the most popular subjects for MAD videos on Nico Nico Douga since 2008.

Brief Biography

 * 1967: Born in Tokyo, Japan
 * 1977: Started playing professional tennis
 * 1984: From Keio High School, he transferred to Yanagawa High School (Fukuoka Prefecture), a prestigious tennis school
 * 198X: After meeting world-renowned coach Bob Brett, he dropped out of high school and moved to Florida by himself
 * 1986: He graduated from the Palmer Academy in Florida. In the same year, he made his debut as a professional tennis player
 * 1988: He made it into the Top 100 tennis player world ranking
 * 1992: In April, he became the first Japanese male professional to win an ATP Tour title at the Korean Open. In June, he was the runner-up at the Stella Artois Grass Court Championships, raising his world ranking to a personal best of 46th. However, in the same year, he was forced to take a three-month medical leave due to a viral disease
 * 1993: In March, he returned from the illness and finished in the top eight in five tournaments. However, he finished below 100th in the world rankings
 * 1994: His world ranking remained below 100, and he continued to struggle
 * 1995: Became the first Japanese male tennis player in 62 years to finish in the top eight at the Wimbledon Championships
 * 1998: He retired that spring

His career after retirement is omitted.

Shuzo Matsuoka on Nico Nico Douga
Shuzo Matsuoka is a tennis player with solid skills and an illustrious career, but his image on Nico Nico Douga is very different from that.

It all started with "[Shuzo Matsuoka Cheering Message to Nico Nico Users [Enthusiasm] ]" posted at the beginning of 2008.

At the beginning of the video, Shuzo Matsuoka talks about his personal theme for New Years, which wasn't that funny, although it was very passionate of him. However, the image of Shuzo suddenly running up to the camera from a distance, cheering mysteriously, "Do your best, do your best, you can do it, you can do it," with the closing words, "Even Beijing is doing its best!" was truly surreal, it being hard to understand at first glance. The video that followed was also surreal with its overly passionate tone and strange situation, although the words were heartfelt and good. His mischievous appearance at the end of the video, after the cold pun, showed that he was no longer a great representative of the Japanese tennis world.

As a result of this indescribable surrealism, his existence became a topic of conversation on Nico Nico Douga, and various videos (materials) documenting his activities began to be uploaded by volunteers, which gradually led to the creation of MADs based on his videos. Eventually, after the summer of 2008, "Xepher - SHUZOMix", "Hot knows...", and "Matsuoka Douga Meteor Shower" were uploaded, the popularity and fame of the MAD material increased rapidly. Along with "Shuzo Technique! English Word and Four-Character Idiom Dojo" and "Shuzo's Home Visit!", his popularity accelerated further.Since then, through the release of his new video messages and his appearances on TV shows and commercials, the number of videos used as MAD material has increased further, and the range of Shuzo MADs has expanded day by day.

Initially, the MADs emphasised the surrealism of his words, actions and performances, but now there are a number of so-called "legitimate MADs" which emphasise his honest thoughts and heartfelt messages of support. On 1 May 2009, "Hot knows..." became the first Shuzo Matsuoka video to reach one million views. There are countless other MAD videos that have become hits on Nico Nico Douga, and the related video, which is filled with only his passion, is known as "Matsuoka Tenmangu" and is secretly popular among job hunters and people who are preparing for the big day.

On October 22, 2009, in a column in the December issue of Tennis Magazine (on sale October 21, 2009), Matsuoka himself finally mentioned the existence of many MADs on Nico Nico Douga and condoned them.

Furthermore, on 26 October 2009, a column entitled "Shuzo Matsuoka's 'hot' MAD video: 'Energizing' and popular on the Internet" appeared at the top of Yahoo! Japan."'Rather than getting angry or anything like that, I watch it thinking, 'It's really well done'. I'd like to give kudos for the elaborate editing, and for the not-so elaborate editing, I hope they could do better. I want to thank them for working so hard on them. I think they should make something more intense so that everyone can make a great works.'"As shown in the above comment, Matsuoka himself is tolerant of the existence of MAD videos that use his images and voice as material, and seems to be pleased rather than angry. He actually watches them and personally evaluates them.

His videos, which are always passionate and sometimes surreal, can be seen as a symbol of "energy" and "passion" on Nico Nico Douga. His way of life has never changed, and that's probably why he is loved by so many Nico Nico users. Even today, he regularly uploads new video messages on his official website, and appears in various commercials and programs, bringing energy and laughter not only to Nico Nico Douga, but to his fans all over Japan.

TV Programs

 * [HV] News Station, Sports Corner Anchor
 * (Mon.) - (Fri.) *21:54 - 23:10 TV Asahi *May not appear on some days.


 * [HV] Shuzo Matsuoka's Gourmand! Banzai - 11th reporter since 2000.
 * (Mon.) 21:54-22:00 Fuji Television Network, Inc., Courtesy of Kikkoman Corporation


 * [HV] [New] Shuzo Matsuoka's Passion Charge: Hot Blooded! Serious Support Group Main Host
 * (Sat.) 19:00 - 19:57 TV Asahi (title program)

Shuzo Matsuoka seems to have decided that he will only appear in a variety show once a year. And when he does appear as a guest, it's usually from an unpredictable place. Since 2010, Shuzo and the comedy duo Tunnels have competed in the "Dream Showdown! I'm the Tunnels' King of Sports" every year, but Shuzo has won every time.

Commercial Appearances

 * Nintendo: Nintendo 3DS "Mario Tennis Open" May, 2012 ⇒ 1
 * Nintendo: Nintendo 3DS "Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games" March, 2012 ⇒ 1 / 2
 * P&G: Febreze March, 2012
 * Braun: Oral-B Denta-Pride February, 2012 ⇒ 1 / 2
 * Glasses Market November, 2011 ⇒ 1 / 2
 * Nintendo: Wii "Rhythm Heaven Fever" July, 2011
 * FUJIYAKUHIN April, 2011 ⇒ 1
 * Asahi Beer: Double Zero July, 2010
 * SCEI PSP "Everybody's Tennis Portable" February, 2010 ⇒ 1
 * Panasonic: Lamdash ES-LA92 May, 2009 ⇒ 1
 * Lotte: Coolish Nodogoshi Paradise May, 2009 ⇒ 1
 * Mitsubishi Pencil: uni Nano Dia 2009 ⇒ 1 / 2
 * Benesse: Shinken Seminar Elementary School Courses November, 2008 ⇒ 1
 * Konaka Menswear: 2001~ ⇒ 1
 * One Day Manager Event: July 4, 2009 ⇒ 1 / 2 / 3


 * Shiseido: uno May, 2007
 * Seiwa Construction: 2007~ ⇒ 1
 * Nintendo: Wii March, 2007 ⇒ 1

Shuzo Matsuoka as a Tennis Player and Coach
His passion for tennis is rooted in the hot-blooded spirit he developed as a player. He is often treated like a celebrity on Nico Nico Douga, but in reality he is a major figure in the Japanese tennis world and has left behind some extraordinary achievements.

Shuzo's father was also a tennis player and represented Japan in the Davis Cup and was formerly ranked third in the All Japan Rankings, but because of the family business he decided not to play tennis after graduating from university.

Encounters with Tennis
At the age of eight, he started playing tennis with his older brother under the influence of his older sister. At the time, Shuzo was out of shape for a tennis player and misbehaved somewhat, but his older brother was in better shape and had a better sense of the game. In later years Matsuoka himself said that it was his brother, rather than him, who had the potential to be a world class player.

He was told that he had no talent and that he wanted to show it back, and while he was aware of this, his passion for tennis grew with his inferiority complex, and he knocked on the door of the Sakurada Club, a prestigious tennis club.

His efforts to devote himself to tennis, even ignoring the school principal's advice to balance his studies, finally paid off when he won the National Junior High School Tennis Championship.

When he entered Keio High School, Shuzo temporarily gave in to the temptation of playing mahjong, but one day he suddenly asked himself, "I don't know if this is what I want, I thought I wanted to be a better tennis player, I don't know if I want to go to university with no goals and then just go into the workforce".

After an intense struggle, he said: "I can't go on like this. I want to play tennis. I want to be strong. I want to be strong. This is one hell of a pampering". He decided to leave Keio High School and transfer to Yanagawa High School, a prestigious tennis school, in order to retrain himself, despite the opposition of his parents and others.

From here, Shuzo Matsuoka's life begins to take an unexpected turn.

Yanagawa High School, The Home of the Heart
The training at Yanagawa High School was very Spartan, but Shuzo welcomed it, as he was willing to go through the rigours.

In 1984 he was torn between competing in the junior section of Wimbledon and the Inter-High, but he decided to return the favour to his teacher and schoolmates by competing in the Inter-High, winning all the singles, doubles and team competitions. In this way, Shuzo's hometown became an irreplaceable part of his life.

In 1985, the same thing happened again, but this time he chose to go to Europe, despite the objections of his coach and mother, he fought reasonably well against the world and had a fruitful trip.

Even at this time Shuzo still did not think he would become a professional tennis player. However, one day, while on leave from school, he was approached by a coach at the Sakurada Club who said, "One of the world's greatest tennis coaches (Bob Brett) is coming to Japan, would you like him to watch you practice?".

Yes, it was actually Coach Brett who happened to be on the European tour and saw Shuzo's tennis talent. After watching Shuzo practice, Coach Brett sent him a message as soon as he returned to Japan: "Come to America tomorrow. If you stay in Japan you will never be strong enough".

Come to America
In November 1985, the young Shuzo began to play tennis with foreign players at an American tennis club.

In order to overcome the language barrier, he eliminated all Japanese books, magazines and any other Japanese language except for dictionaries. While many Japanese could not master English even after years of study, Shuzo overcame the language barrier in a few months. Shuzo Matsuoka is a truly admirable man who is not afraid to face his own difficulties.

He had graduated from a local high school and was planning to go to university with a scholarship when Shuzo asked him, "Why don't you try out for a professional match? Shuzo asked himself "Would you like to try your hand at a professional match?".

Even Shuzo was upset by this and said that he hadn't won a professional match yet, but then he added: "Don't have any trivial fears! You can do it for five years. If you are lucky, Shuzo has the power to become one of the top 100 in the world (this prediction came true)". He qualified for the lowest category on the ATP tour. This was open to anyone, but Shuzo, who had no ATP points, had to win seven consecutive qualifying matches to qualify for the main draw and earn points.

Contrary to his expectations, Shuzo was able to win the qualifying round and earn 8 ATP points. Brett recommended that he not go to college and become a professional player, and after much deliberation, Shuzo decided to become a professional player. His father readily agreed, but his mother was vehemently opposed. In the end, however, Shuzo's enthusiasm won her over.

A Breakthrough as a Professional Tennis Player
Matsuoka became a professional tennis player, but his parents refused to give him any financial support, so he was financially strapped and often had trouble finding food to eat because of the tight budget.

At the time, Asian tennis players were even rarer than they are now, and as an unknown player, he had no one to practice with. Even though he desperately begged for a partner, no one would take him. However, Matsuoka didn't let that deter him, and with a single-minded desire to become stronger, he approached players who were hitting the wall, and although he was rejected by many, if he was lucky enough to be accepted, he would put in more than his best effort to practice because he wanted them to be happy that it was good practice.

In this way, Matsuoka's practice became known for its high quality, and he was accepted as a practice partner, which in turn became a practice for himself, and his tennis level improved dramatically.

He played mainly in lower tour events until 1988, when his coach, Brett, signed a contract with Boris Becker and he became his new coach.

In January 1988, Matsuoka qualified for the Australian Open and made his first appearance at the Grand Slam, a tournament coveted by tennis players all over the world. In April, Matsuoka, then ranked 271st in the world, achieved a remarkable victory over world No. 7 Miloslav Mečíř.

Matsuoka went on to win his first Grand Slam title at the U.S. Open, and also participated in the Seoul Olympics. As a result of his various successes, Matsuoka's ranking skyrocketed to 82nd, and he became the top Japanese player in the JTA rankings, attracting attention as a "world-class Japanese tennis player".

In 1989, Matsuoka became the first Japanese player in 13 years to win a singles title on the tour, and the first doubles champion on the tour.

Injury and Recovery
However, it was the first madness for Matsuoka, who had beaten the odds himself, being forced to temporarily leave the tour due to meniscus injuries in both knees. By 1990, his ranking had dropped to 181st, and he suffered three more torn ligaments, putting his life in danger, but his indomitable fighting spirit brought him back in 1991. However, with his indomitable fighting spirit, he came back in 1991 and won a match against Pete Sampras, who was ranked 9th in the world at that time.

In 1992, he participated in the Korean Open and won it. He was the first ever Japanese men's singles champion, and until Kei Nishikori came along, the only one in history to do so.

In June, he was also been a frequent upsetter on the tour, including a win over Stefan Edberg, then ranked No. 2 in the world.

With this success, he achieved his highest ranking of 46th in the world, which was the highest ranking of any Japanese player until Kei Nishikori.

However, he contracted mononucleosis again and had to be hospitalized for a long time.

Shuzo Matsuoka's Highlights from Wimbledon 1995
Perhaps his most famous achievement as a professional tennis player was his last eight finish in the 1995 Wimbledon Championships. This was the first time in 62 years that he had achieved this feat in Japanese men's tennis, and it is a glorious achievement that shows that he was one of the best tennis players in Japan. During his professional career, he was plagued by repeated injuries and illnesses, but he was able to overcome these adversities and win with honour, which shows that his ability and passion for tennis were genuine.

Matsuoka was so moved by his victory, especially in the fourth round, that he ran around the court to express his joy and then collapsed on the grass to look up at the sky. It was an emotional moment for everyone, but it was also a glorious one, as he had to endure countless hardships, sometimes lending himself to them.

In the quarter-finals, he faced Pete Sampras on Court 1 at Wimbledon, winning the first set but losing the next three to fall short of the semi-finals.

Injuries, Retirement, and Post-retirement
Since then, however, he has been plagued by injuries again and his ranking has slumped. In particular, there was a shocking scene at the U.S. Open after Wimbledon, where he collapsed due to a separation of the flesh, and his painful appearance was shown as no one could touch him until he was disqualified due to a flaw in the rules.

This led to a revision of the medical timeout rule as the "Shuzo Matsuoka Rule". Later, this rule was amended again and is still in effect today.

He retired in 1998.

Since retiring from tennis, he has been focusing on coaching juniors and nurturing their successors, and is a member of several tennis-related organizations. Kei Nishikori has also participated in the "Shuzo Challenge", and his ability has been highly regarded by Shuzo Matsuoka since that time.

He has repeatedly said that Kei Nishikori is "not of the same calibre" as him, and has also humbly referred to him as "the 46th ranked player". At the time of the Shuzo Challenge, Nishikori was his pupil, but Matsuoka has said that he is now his master, and has declared himself a "master-disciple reversal". In 2012, he was nominated and appointed as the Deputy Director of the Japan Tennis Association's Strengthening Division and Director for his achievements in junior coaching.

Matsuoka married former TV Tokyo announcer Emiko Taguchi in 1998, and has three children. His father, Isao Matsuoka, is chairman of Toho Co., Ltd., the Japanese film studio known for its Godzilla movies as well as numerous Akira Kurosawa films.

Playstyle
He was a so-called "big server" who excelled in the fast developing grass court. He was also a forward serve-and-volley player, and if his serve was good, even the top players would have a hard time against him.

On the other hand, he had a hard body, poor stamina, and mental weaknesses. Also, because of the above style of play, he was not very good at clay courts.

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For more information → Shuzo Material Link

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