After graduating from Meiji University, he joined Japan Soccer League club Mitsubishi Motors in 1966.

On May 28, 1961, during Rōnin for university, Sugiyama debuted for Japan national team against Malaya.

[1] At 1964 Summer Olympics, he played 3 games and scored 2 goals against Argentina and Ghana.

At 1968 Summer Olympics, he played 6 matches and assisted 5 goals and Japan won bronze medal.

[3] In 2005, Sugiyama was selected Japan Football Hall of Fame.