DF 5 TAKAHASHI Hana
One of the most physical players in the country, she has both power and speed and is dominant in one-on-one situations.
Primarily a centre-back, she can also play as a striker.
She has risen to prominence in the national team for her age group, becoming a mainstay at Urawa and made her debut for Nadeshiko Japan in 2019.
She was sidelined with an ACL injury to her right knee at the end of 2022, but after a gruelling period of rehabilitation she returned to the squad and helped the team to a top-eight finish at last summer's Women's World Cup.
She brings a lot of energy to the team both on and off the pitch and is praised by coach Ikeda, who says that her cheerfulness is always a positive factor for the team.