Heart of Midlothian Football Club is pleased to announce the signing of Japanese international forward Kyosuke Tagawa from FC Tokyo.
The 24-year-old moves to Tynecastle Park on a three-year deal for an undisclosed six-figure fee, subject to international clearance.
Capped at every level of Japan’s national side from U17s up to the full national team, Kyosuke boasts vast J-League experience as well as a season on loan in Portugal’s top flight.
He made his J-League debut for Sagan Tosu in 2017 and would go on to score eight goals in 59 appearances before making the move to FC Tokyo in 2019.
After 79 appearances and 10 goals in the capital, he would spend last season on loan Portuguese outfit CD Santa Clara, where he scored seven goals in 42 appearances.
Kyosuke’s talents have been recognised on the international arena too. Capped for Japan’s U17s, U18s and U19s, he was selected for the 2017 U20s World Cup in South Korea. He featured twice as Japan reached the knockout stage but were eliminated by Venezuela.
Multiple caps for Japan’s U21s and U23s followed before he received a first call up to the full national team, where he would go on to score once in two appearances.
Kyosuke now joins his compatriot Yutaro Oda at Hearts to continue his footballing journey at Tynecastle.
Speaking to the Official Hearts Website, Head Coach Frankie McAvoy said: “We’ve been targeting a forward for a while now so we’re delighted to get Kyosuke in.
“He’s scored goals in Japan and Portugal, and for the national team, and we believe he can come in and do the same for Hearts.
“Having Yutaro here will definitely help him to settle in quickly and we’re looking for him to hit the ground running, which he’s more than capable of doing.”
Technical Director Steven Naismith said: “Kyosuke is a talented player and you just need to look at his rise through the ranks of Japan’s national set up for proof of that.
“He can play in all forward positions, so his addition gives his us some top quality squad depth.
“The squad is now beginning to take shape and everyone is looking forward to welcoming Kyosuke and starting the season positively.”
Sporting Director Joe Savage said: “We’re delighted to get this deal done and bring Kyosuke to Hearts.
“These types of transfers can take a lot of time and work so I have to thank everyone involved for making it happen.
“We’ve had success in the Japanese market with Yutaro so when the chance came up to bring Kyosuke’s talents to Tynecastle, we jumped at it because he’s an exciting player and one we feel will improve our squad.
“Our supporters have really taken to Yutaro and I’m sure they will do the same with Kyosuke.”
