Toko Gakuen High School DF Hagihara and Niigata University of Health and Welfare DF Shiraishi Set to Join FC Imabari

FC Imabari have announced that defender Kei Hagihara of Toko Gakuen High School will join the club for the 2026/27 season (January 2027), while defender Ren Shiraishi of Niigata University of Health and Welfare will join for the 2027/28 season (January 2028). The club also announced that both players have been registered as 2026/27 JFA/J.League Special Designated Players.

Both players commented through the club:

Hagihara:

“I’m very happy and proud to have the opportunity to take on a new challenge with such an exciting club as FC Imabari. I am where I am today thanks to everyone who has supported me along the way. I’ll always carry that gratitude with me and keep pushing myself to improve, with the aim of becoming a player people want to support both through my performances and as a person. To all our fans and supporters, I’ll embrace the responsibility that comes with being a member of the club and give everything I have to help drive this great challenge forward. Thank you for your support!”

Shiraishi:

“I’m delighted to be able to begin my professional career at a wonderful club like FC Imabari, fulfilling a dream I’ve had since childhood. I’ll always be grateful to my family, teammates, staff and everyone who has supported me along the way. I’ll give everything I have to help FC Imabari win. To everyone connected with FC Imabari, thank you for your support.”