Kobata was born in Saitama on November 24, 1946. After graduating from Meiji University, he joined Hitachi in 1969. In 1972, the club won Japan Soccer League and Emperor's Cup. The club also won 1975 Emperor's Cup. He retired in 1975. He played 99 games and scored 22 goals in the league. He was selected Best Eleven in 1970.