# Japanese players in English Championship

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/japanese-players-in-english-championship
> Updated: 2026-09-03T21:53:41.000Z. Sources: 2. Developments: 2.

Japanese players have established a presence in the English Championship during the early stages of the 2026 season.

In mid-August, Bristol City manager Michael Skubala confirmed that forward Yuyu Hirakawa was available for selection for the season opener against Millwall after recovering from pre-season injuries. 

By early September, Hirakawa’s impact became evident during Matchday 5, where he scored a decisive stoppage-time goal to secure a 2-1 comeback victory for Bristol City against Burnley. Other Japanese players also featured in league action, including Reo Hatate, who made his debut for Burnley, and Kuki Matsuki, who appeared as a substitute for Southampton.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-03: Japanese players shine in English Championship action

Japanese players Yu Hirakawa and Reo Hatate featured in the Championship, with Hirakawa scoring a dramatic stoppage-time winner for Bristol City against Burnley.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/japanese-players-shine-in-english-championship-action

### 2026-08-14: Yuyu Hirakawa available for Bristol City Championship opener

Japanese forward Yuyu Hirakawa is available for selection for Bristol City's EFL Championship opener against Millwall following a recovery from injury.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/yuyu-hirakawa-available-for-bristol-city-championship-opener

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Cite as: Japanese players in English Championship. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/japanese-players-in-english-championship