Hikaru Kitagawa

is a Japanese professional footballer who plays as a defender for Women's Super League club Everton and the Japan national team.

Club career Kitagawa was born in Kanazawa on May 10, 1997. After graduating from JFA Academy Fukushima, she joined Urawa Reds in 2015. She played as regular right side back from first season. However her opportunity to play decreased from 2017. In September 2018, she moved to Albirex Niigata.

On 19 August 2024, Kitagawa was announced at BK Häcken, becoming the first Japanese player to play for the club.

In July 2025, Kitagawa signed for Women's Super League club Everton. On her debut for the club, she scored against Manchester City in the 82nd minute on 24 September 2025.

International career Kitagawa played for Japan U-17 national team at 2014 U-17 World Cup and Japan U-20 national team at 2016 U-20 World Cup. Japan won the championship in 2014 and took third place in 2016. In 2017, she was selected by the Japan national team for the 2017 Algarve Cup. On March 1, she played against Spain. She played five games for Japan in 2017.

On 14 June 2024, Kitagawa was included in the Japan squad for the 2024 Summer Olympics.

Kitagawa was part of the Japan squad that won the 2025 SheBelieves Cup.

Career statistics Club

International

Scores and results list Japan's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Kitagawa goal.

Honours INAC Kobe Leonessa Empress's Cup: 2023

U17 Japan AFC U-16 Women's Championship: 2013 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup: 2014

Japan U20 AFC U-19 Women's Championship: 2015

Japan AFC Women's Asian Cup: 2026 EAFF E-1 Football Championship: 2022 SheBelieves Cup: 2025