AC Nagano Parceiro Head Coach Hiroaki Nagashima Prepares for Derby Against Former Club

April 24, 2026 – AC Nagano Parceiro head coach Hiroaki Nagashima is set to face his former club Tochigi SC in an upcoming J3 League fixture, marking a personal milestone in his coaching journey across multiple Japanese professional clubs.

Nagashima, who served as head coach of Tochigi SC from June 2024 through the 2025 season, returned to the role of head coach with AC Nagano Parceiro in March 2026. His appointment in Nagano represents his fifth different club where he has worked alongside head coach Shinji Kobayashi, having previously collaborated with Kobayashi at Montedio Yamagata, Ventforet Kofu, Giravanz Kitakyushu, and Tochigi SC.

The upcoming match between AC Nagano Parceiro and Tochigi SC carries added significance as it pits Nagashima against the team he led just months ago. During his tenure at Tochigi SC, Nagashima worked under the head coach position, contributing to the team’s efforts in the J3 League throughout the 2024 and 2025 seasons.

Before his time at Tochigi SC, Nagashima accumulated extensive coaching experience across Japan’s football landscape. His career began in the early 1990s after retiring as a player, with early roles at the university level before moving into youth development positions at clubs including Otsuka FC Vortis Tokushima U-15, FC Tokyo U-15, and FC Tokyo U-18. He later served as head coach of Ventforet Kofu in 2016.

Born on March 22, 1967, in Kanagawa Prefecture, Nagashima played as a defender and midfielder during his playing days, which included a stint with Fujita Industries (the predecessor to Shonan Bellmare) from 1989 to 1991. Standing at 174 cm and weighing 65 kg, he was known for his versatility in midfield and defensive roles.

His coaching philosophy emphasizes player development and team cohesion, shaped by years of working closely with head coaches in various club environments. At AC Nagano Parceiro, he continues to support head coach Shinji Kobayashi in preparing the team for J3 League competition.

The derby match against Tochigi SC represents more than just a regular league fixture for Nagashima. It offers a chance to measure his team’s progress against a familiar opponent while facing a club where he recently held a leadership position.

As the J3 League season advances through April 2026, both AC Nagano Parceiro and Tochigi SC aim to strengthen their positions in the standings. Matches between familiar rivals often carry additional motivation, particularly when former staff members return to face their previous clubs.

For Nagashima, the encounter provides an opportunity to reflect on his coaching path, which has spanned multiple regions and club cultures across Japanese professional football. His experience at Tochigi SC contributes to the broader narrative of his career, which includes stints at five different clubs working in tandem with head coach Shinji Kobayashi.

The match will be closely watched by supporters of both clubs, especially those interested in the personal narratives that unfold alongside the competitive action on the pitch. As Nagashima prepares to lead AC Nagano Parceiro against his former team, the fixture adds a layer of human interest to the ongoing J3 League season.

AC Nagano Parceiro’s upcoming fixtures will continue to be monitored as the club seeks to build momentum under the guidance of head coach Shinji Kobayashi and his staff, including head coach Hiroaki Nagashima.

Fans can follow official club channels for updates on match schedules, team news, and further developments as the 2026 J3 League season progresses.