is a Japanese professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Ligue 1 club Strasbourg. Kawashima played in Japan for Omiya Ardija, Nagoya Grampus Eight and Kawasaki Frontale before joining Lierse S.K. in Belgium in 2010. He then played for another Belgian club, Standard Liège, from 2012 to 2015, and Dundee United in Scotland from 2015 to 2016. He represented Japan at the 2010, 2014 and 2018 FIFA World Cups, earning over 90 caps, and was also named in the final 26-player squad for the 2022 World Cup. Early life Born in Yono, Saitama, Japan, Kawashima began playing football and started to playing in the goalkeeper after he idolised Sergio Goycochea and saw a video of his performance, which touched him and since played in the goalkeeper position. He then joined Yononishi Junior High School and Urawa Higashi High School. Kawashima has an older brother and older sister. Club career Early career in Japan Kawashima started his professional career at Omiya Ardija in J2 League after graduating Urawa Higashi High School. On 6 April 2002, he made his Omiya Ardija debut. He went on to make 41 appearances for the side during his three-year spell. During his time at Omiya Ardija, Kawashima went on trial at Serie A side Parma. In 2004, Kawashima joined Nagoya Grampus Eight in Japan's J1 League. Over the three seasons, he competed with veteran goalkeeper Seigo Narazaki and served as the club's second choice goalkeeper. At times, Kawashima was given a chance of first team appearances, due to Narazaki suffered an injury. However, Kawashima himself suffered an injury concern after injuring his hand towards the end of the season and was sidelined for four weeks. He went on to make 17 appearances for the side. Kawasaki Frontale It was announced on 29 December 2006 that Kawasaki Frontale had signed Kawashima for a transfer fee of 150 million yen. The move was, at the time, the largest transfer fee for a player in the J.League. Kawashima made his Kawasaki Frontale debut as a starter in a 1–0 win over Kashima Antlers in the opening game of the season, keeping a clean sheet. He then made his AFC Champions League debut, in a 3–1 win over Arema. After establishing himself as a first choice goalkeeper he soon received praises for his performances. That season, Kawasaki Frontale became the first Japanese club to qualify for the 2007 AFC