Sugimoto was born in Kobe on December 4, 1926. After graduating from Kwansei Gakuin University, he joined Hankyu Railways in 1948. He also played for Kwangaku Club (All Kwangaku) which was consisted of his alma mater Kwansei Gakuin University players and graduates. At the club, he won 1950, 1953 and 1955 Emperor's Cup.