AFC Women's Asian Cup
The 26-year-old midfielder has become a lynchpin for Japan, guiding both club and country with composure and tactical intelligence.
Takahashi first donned the Japan jersey at U14 level in 2013 and her journey has been defined by steady progression. She won multiple domestic accolades with Urawa Reds Ladies – the Nadeshiko League 2020, the Empress’s Cup 2021, the WE League and WE League Cup in the 2022-23 season - among them.
On the international stage, she played a key role in Japan’s FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup campaign in 2018, contributed to the EAFF E-1 Football Championship victory in 2022 and helped Japan lift the SheBelieves Cup in 2025.
After being recognised with the AFC Women’s Player of the Year award in 2025, the Urawa Reds Ladies midfielder, who is featuring in her second AFC Women’s Asian Cup, is ready to keep Japan’s momentum going in their final Group C fixture against Vietnam.
After being recognised with the AFC Women’s Player of the Year award in 2025, the Urawa Reds Ladies midfielder, who is featuring in her second AFC Women’s Asian Cup, is ready to keep Japan’s momentum going in their final Group C fixture against Vietnam.
“Everyone in the team is ready to contribute whenever they are called upon. We have fought well over the last two matches and shown good teamwork. For the final group stage game, we want to come together as a team again, secure the victory and use that momentum to move forward to the next stage,” said Takahashi.
“For the team to secure the victory the defenders need to communicate constantly and maintain a high level of concentration. That will be crucial, and we want to continue doing that consistently.”
“For the team to secure the victory the defenders need to communicate constantly and maintain a high level of concentration. That will be crucial, and we want to continue doing that consistently.”
Takahashi started in Japan’s opening game against Chinese Taipei and despite being frustrated for long spells, her vision in the second half helped break the deadlock in the 61st minute with her deft pass setting up Momoko Tanikawa for the goal.
“In our first match, we struggled a bit before we were able to score. Competing in Asia comes with many challenges and we need to continue preparing for them.
“It’s most important to focus fully on each individual match and secure the victory in front of us. That is what we want to prioritise and do well.”
“In our first match, we struggled a bit before we were able to score. Competing in Asia comes with many challenges and we need to continue preparing for them.
“It’s most important to focus fully on each individual match and secure the victory in front of us. That is what we want to prioritise and do well.”
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