Meiji University's Hinata Kawai to join Cerezo Osaka in January 2027

Cerezo Osaka are pleased to announce that Hinata Kawai will join the club from Meiji University for the 2026/27 season (from January 2027).

Comments

“I’m Hinata Kawai from Meiji University, and I will be joining Cerezo Osaka in 2027. I am very happy to be able to wear this Sakura jersey that I love so much once again. In the eight years since I first stepped into Cerezo Osaka’s Elite Class as a fifth-grader, this has been a place where I have been able to grow both as a soccer player and as a person. This time, I will fight with the determination to repay the kindness I have received by becoming a player who can contribute to Cerezo Osaka. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to my family, friends, teammates, and coaches who have continued to support me more than anyone else at all times, to everyone who has been involved with me, and to Meiji University, where I was able to have irreplaceable experiences in such a wonderful environment. To everyone who has supported me since my academy days, and to everyone at the Hanasaka Club, let’s fight together again! I’m home!”

Profile

Date of Birth
April 23, 2004

Place of Birth
Osaka

Height / Weight
176cm / 70kg

Position
Defender

Number
35

Shirt Name
KAWAI

Career
Tsukahara Sun Club
Cerezo Osaka Elite Class Osaka West Course
Cerezo Osaka West U-15
Cerezo Osaka U-18
Meiji University

Playing Style
The MVP of the Denso Cup (regional competition), he is a player who leads the defensive line with his strength in one-on-one situations and his sharp reading of the game. Primarily a center back, he can also play as a fullback or defensive midfielder.