Kenichi Uemura (上村 健一, Uemura Kenichi, born April 22, 1974) is a former Japanese football player and manager. He played for the Japan national team.
Uemura was born in Yatsushiro on April 22, 1974. After graduating from Matsunaga High School, he joined J1 League side Sanfrecce Hiroshima in 1993. He broke into the first team in the first season. His first league appearance came on July 4, 1993 against Verdy Kawasaki at Kawasaki Todoroki Stadium. He scored his first professional goal on July 24, 1993 against Urawa Reds at Hiroshima Stadium. He played in many matches as defender from his first season, except at times when he was injured.
After 11 year's long service at Sanfrecce Hiroshima, he moved to Cerezo Osaka in 2004, then Tokyo Verdy (2005–2006). After a brief spell at YSCC Yokohama, he joined Rosso Kumamoto (later Roasso Kumamoto) in 2007. He damaged his knee ligaments three times and experienced seven operations. These injuries have affected his form. Uemura retired from professional football after the 2008 season.
1993-2004 |
| Sanfrecce Hiroshima | Appearances | Japanese J1 League | 2000 | 28 |
| Sanfrecce Hiroshima | Appearances | Japanese JLeague Cup | 2000 | 3 |
| Sanfrecce Hiroshima | Goals | Japanese J1 League | 2000 | 6 |