With defender Kanami Seki signing in Sweden, Japan's national team has now sent seven players abroad this offseason.
With defender Kanami Seki signing in Sweden, Japan's national team has now sent seven players abroad this offseason.
Following the World Championships in April, The Hockey News wrote on Japan's need to send players abroad to remain competitive on the international stage. That's exactly what the nation has done since with several members of their national program moving to Sweden and North America.
The most recent player to join that club was defender Kanami Seki who signed with HV71 in the SDHL. The 23-year-old blueliner had played the entirety of her career in Japan, but is now the seventh Japanese player to sign in Europe or North America this offseason.
Highlighting that group was the signing of sisters Akane Shiga and Aoi Shiga with the PHF's Buffalo Beauts. The future of the Shiga sisters, considered two of the best Japanese players, is unknown as they have yet to announce a new destination, and could remain in North America in hopes of cracking a roster spot in the new professional women's league.
Last year, only two players, Ayaka Hitosato and Haruka Toko played outside of Japan, both suiting up for Linkoping in the SDHL where they each had strong campaigns, and will again return to play this season. Toko had 27 points in 29 games up front.
Joining them in the SDHL this season are Hikaru Yamashita and Mei Miura, two other national team members who will both play for AIK.
Currently the only other member of Team Japan playing internationally is Chihiro Suzuki who plays USports hockey for the University of Guelph.
Hina Shimomukai, who has been a force for Japan's U-18 national team is set to play for the University of Vermont in the NCAA this season after spending last season with Shattuck St. Mary's.