Masahiko Inoha

Masahiko Inoha (伊野波 雅彦, Inoha Masahiko; born 28 August 1985) is a Japanese former professional footballer who plays as a centre-back or full-back.

Inoha was educated at and played for Kagoshima Jitsugyo High School and Hannan University. He was on trial with several J. League clubs before the graduation from his high school but failed to convince any club to sign him. He decided to continue his study and football at Hannan University. When he was at the university, he was a member of the Japan team that won the 23rd Universiade football competition held in İzmir, Turkey.

His good form in the Kansai university League was recognised by Japan's youth team coach Kiyoshi Okuma who included him in the squad for the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship finals.

He signed with F.C. Tokyo after a successful trial and he took a leave of absence from the university with which he is still enrolled as of April 2008. Manager Alexandre Gallo immediately established him as a starting member in his midfield.

He received a call-up twice in 2006 for the national squad. Then he was a late replacement for injured Ryuji Bando for the 2007 AFC Asian Cup finals but did not play in the competition.

He was transferred to the reigning J. League champions Kashima in 2008. He was a key member of Japan's Under-23 team, however he failed to join the U-23 squad to compete in the Beijing Olympics football competition.