On Thursday 8 September, West Ham United Women announced the signing of 24-year-old Japan international, Honoka Hayashi.
The 24-year-old attacking midfielder joined the Hammers on a two-year-contract for an undisclosed fee from Swedish Damallsvenskan side AIK Fotboll.
Hayashi became Paul Konchesky’s 12th signing of what has been a busy summer for the Women’s team, who now prepare for the Barclays Women’s Super League campaign to get underway after last weekend’s postponements following the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
The campaign will now begin at Chigwell Construction Stadium, with Everton making the trip down from Merseyside to east London this Sunday afternoon at 3pm, and Hayashi is hoping to get off to the best possible start in Claret and Blue.
“I’m very excited to join West Ham United and I’m really looking forward to getting started for my new team,” she told whufc.com.
“The Barclays Women’s Super League is a division that I’ve always wanted to play in, particularly as the league has grown over the last couple of years and as many of my international team-mates have made moves to clubs here in England.
“When I received the offer from West Ham, I was really moved. The natural reaction for me was to choose to come and play here, and it’s an exciting opportunity that I’m really looking forward to.”
Hayashi will link up with her compatriot, Risa Shimizu, who joined West Ham United at the end of August.
The pair have played together on several occasions for the Japan national team, with the duo representing their country at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, and most recently at the 2022 EAFF E-1 Football Championships, where Japan were crowned champions for the fourth time.
Hayashi is looking forward to playing alongside Shimizu, which will see them both represent Japan on the biggest stage for their new domestic team.
“I never got the opportunity to play with Risa when we were both playing in Japan, so I didn’t ever expect that opportunity to come, particularly here in England,” she observed.
“But, for sure, I’m excited to play on the big stage with a fellow compatriot, I hope that people back in Japan get behind us too!”
Hayashi arrives in east London with a reputation of being a very technical player – the Hammers' new No19 usually lines up as an attacking midfielder for her country – and one who can excite the crowd with her skills.
And she is hoping her talents and work-rate will endear her to the West Ham fans from day one as she begins her career in England.
“As a player, I would say that I’m very alert, I like to be very technical on the ball, receiving it in tight spaces and making things happen,” she confirmed.
“I want to be able to provide my teammates with support in all areas of the pitch. I’m the sort of player that will give my all to the team so that we have the best possible chance of succeeding.
“I want to win lots of matches here at West Ham United and I hope to have the support of the fans along the way!”
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