Why the Japanese market is set to become bigger and bigger for the WSL

There are now nine Japanese internationals playing across six WSL clubs, a marked rise from the zero at the start of 2021. Those who coach them offer an insight into what makes them special...

Yui Hasegawa has fast become one of the best midfielders in Europe at Manchester City. Image: Sportimage

Before Mana Iwabuchi joined Aston Villa in 2021, only three Japanese players had graced the Women’s Super League in its 10-year history.

Iwabuchi was the first Japanese international to play in England’s top division for seven years, since Yukari Kinga and Shinobu Ohno both played for Arsenal, along with Yüki Nagasato at Chelsea.

Now, there are nine, at least since Leicester City signed Linköping duo Saori Takarada and Yuka Momiki early in the current January window.

Rarely now is there a transfer window that passes by without a Japanese import.

In 2022, West Ham United brought in Honoka Hayashi and Risa Shimizu, and they were joined in East London last summer by WE League scoring sensation, Riko Ueki. The Hammers also played home to Yui Hasegawa before she departed for Manchester City.

Last January, Liverpool swooped for Fuka Nagano from North Carolina Courage, before Manchester United brought in World Cup Golden Boot winner Hinata Miyazawa almost immediately after the tournament’s conclusion.

Chelsea too signed Maika Hamano, the youngest and potentially most exciting player on the list, loaning her straight out to eventual Swedish champions Hammarby where she didn’t take long to light up the Damallsvenskan before picking up a shoulder injury.

All of Hasegawa, Miyazawa, Hayashi, Shimizu, Ueki, Hamano and Nagano were a part of Japan’s World Cup squad which caught the eye so much down under last summer, their possession-based style of play one of the most interesting to watch of the tournament. Particularly in how they deployed their use of rotational midfielders and attackers, which certainly brought the best out of Miyazawa.

It’s testament to the talent within the Nadeshiko right now that Momiki didn’t even make the cut. The attacking midfielder scored 15 goals in the Damallsvenskan last season and assisted seven more, giving her a total of 22 goal contributions from 24 games, but their attacking talent in bundles meant she didn’t make the cut.

“Yuka is a superb player technically,” said Leicester City head coach, Willie Kirk. “She stands at only five feet tall, but despite her small frame she makes up for it in determination and effort.

“She’s not scared to make a tackle – a few of her teammates have found that out already! She adds tactical flexibility for us because she can play in the ten, she can play in the wide area, she’s very good on the ball and finds passes a lot of players can’t even see, let alone complete.”