when he played the full 90 minutes against RC Lens in the first round of the Coupe de France, as the club exited the competition. He made his league debut for FC Metz in a 3–2 loss against Paris Saint-Germain on 18 April 2017. In a 1–1 draw against Toulouse on 15 May 2017 he played a vital role with his impressive saves, including saving a penalty. At the end of the 2016–17 season, Kawashima had played five league games during his maiden season in France. Ahead of the 2017–18 season, Kawashima announced his intention to stay at Metz for another season. Kawashima started the 2017–18 season on the bench, with Didillon preferred as the first choice goalkeeper. However, following the club's first three defeats, Kawashima played his first match of the season, and made some impressive saves in a 1–0 loss against SM Caen on 26 August 2017. He was then sent off in the 50th minute for a professional foul on Adama Diakhaby in a 3–1 loss against AS Monaco on 21 January 2018. After serving a one match suspension, he returned to the starting lineup in a 2–1 win over OGC Nice on 27 January 2018. Over the next two months, Kawashima's performance earned him the club's Player of the Month award for February and March. Kawashima reassured his team with a series of excellent displays and as a result, he cemented himself as the club's number one as they fought relegation. His form for Metz earned him a recall to the Japanese national team, where he went on to reclaim the number one jersey. Despite missing out due to injury and appearing as an unused substitute in a number of matches during the 2017–18 season, Kawashima made a total of 31 appearances in all competitions. At the end of the 2017–18 season, upon expiry of his contract, he was released by the club. Strasbourg In August 2018, free agent Kawashima joined Ligue 1 side RC Strasbourg on a season-long contract. International career Kawashima represented the Japan U20 side impressing in the AFC Youth Championship and being named Goalkeeper of the Tournament despite losing 1–0 to South Korea U20 in the final. Kawashima was called up to the senior team for the first time in March 2007. He initially appeared as an unused substitute, including at the Asian Cup. On 17 February 2008, Kawashima made his senior