As a native of the Miyagi Prefecture, the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake — which claimed the lives of nearly 16,000 people and caused $360 billion in damage — had a profound effect on Yui Hasegawa, and the uplifting tale of Japan capturing the 2011 Women’s World Cup in Germany only months later left an indelible mark on her.
Hasegawa was determined to do the same thing one day.
Now, as Japan begins its youth movement at the 2019 tournament, the 22-year-old represents the future of her national team’s midfield. Despite her tender age, Hasegawa already has 35 caps to go along with an impressive youth career that included a triumph at the 2014 U-17 World Cup.
And while the 2020 Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo represent a spectacular opportunity to achieve a gold medal dream on home soil, Hasegawa will be looking to emulate her idol Homare Sawa in leading her side to World Cup glory in France.
