Eiji Kawashima facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Eiji Kawashima
川島 永嗣

Kawashima with Japan at the 2018 World Cup
Personal information
Full name	Eiji Kawashima
Date of birth	(1983-03-20) 20 March 1983 (age 42)
Place of birth	Yono, Saitama, Japan
Height	1.85 m (6 ft 1 in)
Position(s)	Goalkeeper
Team information
Current team	Júbilo Iwata
Number	1
Youth career
1995–1997	Yononishi Junior High School
1998–2000	Urawa Higashi High School
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
2001–2003	Omiya Ardija	45	(0)
2004–2006	Nagoya Grampus Eight	17	(0)
2007–2010	Kawasaki Frontale	114	(0)
2010–2012	Lierse	53	(0)
2012–2015	Standard Liège	68	(0)
2015–2016	Dundee United	16	(0)
2016–2018	Metz	34	(0)
2018–2023	Strasbourg	26	(0)
2024–	Júbilo Iwata	9	(0)
International career
2002–2003	Japan U20	13	(0)
2008–2022	Japan	95	(0)
Medal record Representing  Japan AFC Asian Cup Winner 2011 Qatar
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 15 November 2022

Eiji Kawashima (川島 永嗣, Kawashima Eiji, born 20 March 1983) is a Japanese professional footballer. He plays as a goalkeeper for J1 League club Júbilo Iwata.

Kawashima played for several clubs in Japan, including Omiya Ardija, Nagoya Grampus Eight, and Kawasaki Frontale. In 2010, he moved to Europe to play for Lierse S.K. in Belgium. He then played for another Belgian club, Standard Liège, and later for Dundee United in Scotland. From 2016 to 2023, he played in France for Metz and Strasbourg. In 2024, he returned to Japan to play for Júbilo Iwata.

Eiji Kawashima also represented the Japan national team in many major tournaments. He played in the 2010, 2014, and 2018 FIFA World Cups. He earned over 90 appearances for his country. He was also part of the team for the 2022 FIFA World Cup before he stopped playing for the national team.

About Eiji Kawashima

His Early Life

Eiji Kawashima was born in Yono, Saitama, Japan. When he was young, he looked up to a famous goalkeeper named Sergio Goycochea. Eiji went to Yononishi Junior High School and Urawa Higashi High School.

Playing for Clubs in Japan

Kawashima started his professional football journey at Omiya Ardija in the J2 League. He played 41 games for them over three years. During this time, he even had a tryout with a big Italian club, Parma.

In 2004, he moved to Nagoya Grampus Eight in Japan's top league, the J1 League. He competed with another experienced goalkeeper, Seigo Narazaki. Eiji played 17 games for Nagoya Grampus Eight.

Time at Kawasaki Frontale

In 2007, Eiji Kawashima joined Kawasaki Frontale. This was a big move, as his transfer fee was one of the highest in the J.League at the time. He quickly became the team's main goalkeeper.

He helped Kawasaki Frontale do well in the 2007 AFC Champions League, where they finished first in their group. He also helped them reach the final of the 2007 J.League Cup. In 2008 and 2009, his team finished as runners-up in the league. In 2009, Eiji was recognized for his great play and good sportsmanship. He was named in the J. League Best Eleven and won the Individual Fair-Play award. He played 148 games for Kawasaki Frontale.

Moving to Europe: Lierse S.K.

After playing in the 2010 World Cup, Kawashima moved to Europe. He joined Lierse S.K. in Belgium in 2010. He signed a two-year contract. Eiji said he wanted to play in a more competitive environment to improve his skills.

He quickly became Lierse's main goalkeeper. Even though the team had a tough start, Eiji made many impressive saves. In his first season, he played 30 games and was named the club's Player of the Season. He won this award again in the 2011–12 season.

A Difficult Moment with Fans

In August 2011, during a match, some fans made upsetting comments towards Kawashima. These comments were about a natural disaster that had happened in Japan. Eiji was very sad about this. The referee even stopped the game for a few minutes.

After the match, the club whose fans made the comments apologized. They said the comments were wrong and unacceptable. The football association also apologized to Eiji and the Japanese ambassador. Later, the club formally apologized to Kawashima. Eiji accepted their apology, saying that while fans can create atmosphere, there are limits to what they should say. This event showed the importance of respect in sports.

Playing for Standard Liège

In 2012, Kawashima moved to another Belgian club, Standard Liège. He quickly became their starting goalkeeper. He helped the team compete for the league title in the 2012–13 and 2013–14 seasons. He was nominated for Goalkeeper of the Year three times during his time in Belgium.

In the 2014–15 season, Eiji faced some challenges and lost his spot as the main goalkeeper. He left the club when his contract ended, looking for more opportunities to play.

Time in Scotland and France

In 2015, Eiji joined Dundee United in Scotland. He played 16 games for them, but the team was unfortunately relegated from the top league. He left the club at the end of the season.

In 2016, Kawashima signed with Ligue 1 side Metz in France. He started as a backup goalkeeper but eventually became the team's number one. His strong performances helped the team fight against relegation. He played 31 games for Metz.

In August 2018, Eiji joined Strasbourg, another club in France's top league. He played for Strasbourg until 2023.

Return to Japan: Júbilo Iwata

In 2024, Eiji Kawashima returned to Japan and joined Júbilo Iwata. He continues his professional football career there.

Playing for Japan

Youth and Senior Team Debut

Eiji Kawashima played for the Japan U20 team. He was named the best goalkeeper at the 2002 AFC Youth Championship.

He was first called up to the senior team in 2007. He made his senior debut in February 2008 in a match against North Korea.

FIFA World Cup Appearances

Kawashima saving a penalty from Frank Lampard in a friendly match between Japan and England in 2010.

In May 2010, Kawashima was chosen for Japan's squad for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. He became the team's first-choice goalkeeper. In a friendly match against England, he made many great saves, including stopping a penalty kick from Frank Lampard. Japan won their first World Cup match on foreign soil against Cameroon. They reached the Round of 16 but lost to Paraguay in a penalty shoot-out.

Kawashima also played in the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil and the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. In the 2018 World Cup, he was the first-choice goalkeeper and even captained the team in one match. Japan made it to the Round of 16 in 2018.

Kawashima playing in goal for Japan in 2010.

AFC Asian Cup Success

In December 2010, Kawashima was selected for the 2011 AFC Asian Cup. He played a key role in the tournament. In the semi-final against South Korea, he saved two penalty kicks, helping Japan reach the final. In the final, Japan won 1–0, and Eiji kept a clean sheet, meaning he didn't let any goals in. He was named Man of the Match in the final.

He also played in the 2015 AFC Asian Cup, where Japan reached the quarter-finals.

Retirement from International Football

Eiji Kawashima was part of Japan's squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. After the tournament, he announced his retirement from playing for the national team in December 2022. He earned 95 caps (appearances) for Japan.

How Eiji Kawashima Plays

Eiji Kawashima is known for being a very agile and quick goalkeeper. He is also a strong leader on the field, often guiding his defenders. People who have worked with him describe him as a very professional and disciplined athlete. He is always open to learning and improving.

Eiji Kawashima's Life Off the Field

Eiji Kawashima at a product launch event in 2011.

Eiji Kawashima is very talented with languages. Besides his native Japanese, he can speak English, Dutch, French, Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish. He believes it's important for a goalkeeper to be able to communicate well with his team.

He is also interested in fashion. Outside of football, Eiji has helped with programs to improve language skills for Japanese athletes. He has also been involved in helping children with disabilities.

In September 2014, Eiji shared that he got married. In December 2015, he became a father for the first time when his wife gave birth to their son, Kensei.

Honours and Awards

Strasbourg

• Coupe de la Ligue: 2018-19 (a French League Cup)

Japan

• AFC Asian Cup: 2011 (a major Asian football tournament)

Individual Awards

• J.League Best Eleven: 2009 (named one of the best players in the Japanese league)
• J.League Individual Fair-Play Award: 2009 (recognized for his good sportsmanship)

Images for kids

• 

  Kawashima during a match against Brazil in 2013.

See also

In Spanish: Eiji Kawashima para niños