It was a competitive debut to remember for Tōko Koga on Sunday afternoon.
Making her first appearance in the Barclays Women’s Super League, having joined us from Feyenoord in the summer, the 19-year-old Japan international put in an impressive performance alongside Clare Hunt to preserve a clean sheet as we ran out 1-0 winners over West Ham United.
And her excellent display was recognised by our very own Lilywhite fanbase as she was named our HSBC Player of the Match after our opening day win over our London rivals.
Beginning her career at JFA Academy Fukushima before moving abroad to join Feyenoord in 2024, where she spent two seasons in the Netherlands, she admitted it was a ‘dream’ to play in the WSL.
“I think the WSL is one of the best leagues in the world, and I wanted to compete in this league, so that’s why I wanted to come here and be part of this great club,” she told us, once again with a broad smile across her face as she answered.
“I know how popular Women’s football is in England with some fantastic attendances, so I have been looking forward to actually seeing that in person and also seeing our fans at our home ground, I have heard so many good things about them!”
This article continues in full below and has been taken from an exclusive interview with Toko in the latest edition of our Matchday Programme.
As we sat down on a summer’s day in Enfield, ready to embark on her first interview in English, she revealed a special meaning to her name ‘Tōko’ that comes from a 70-metre-tall tower called ‘Tower of Sun’ in her hometown, Osaka, an artefact that shows a core of life and celebration, and that certainly reflects the personality she has showcased so far at the Club.
The 19-year-old was an ever-present under new Head Coach Martin Ho throughout pre-season, starting and completing the full match in our friendlies against Sevilla, Arsenal and Southampton, where we went unbeaten in those three matches, winning the latter two.
Being part of the squad from the very start of pre-season followed by a training camp in southern Spain last month, has provided the opportunity for Tōko to feel at home and she was full of praise for how her new team-mates have helped her settled in.
“Everyone has been so kind since I’ve walked through the door and they have talked to me, making me feel so welcomed, and although it’s still early days at the Club, I have felt so comfortable.
“I have really enjoyed my time here so far,” she told us, reflecting on her first few weeks in north London. “We’ve had some tough training sessions throughout pre-season, preparing us for the tough season ahead.
“I feel I have been getting better and better after just a month or two here, my confidence has gone up and the team have worked really hard. The intensity has been very high, more than it was in the Netherlands.”
When asked what supporters can expect from her, she replied: “I like to buildup the play, I enjoy being on the ball and having possession, while just being aggressive and putting in strong tackles.”
And, while she has looked assertive at the back, partnering alongside Molly Bartrip and Clare Hunt in pre-season, she also has an eye for goal.
She netted three goals in the Vrouwen Eredivisie last term for Feyenoord, helping them to a fifth-place finish, before scoring the winning goal against the USWNT to help Japan claim the SheBelieves for the first time earlier this year.
When asked to reflect on her footballing journey when she was younger in Japan, it quickly became apparent how she developed her calmness in front of goal.
“I started playing football when I was six years old because my brother played, I also practiced with my father and brother every weekend, and I quickly fell in love with it,” she explained.
“When I was little, playing in a team, I actually used to play as a striker, scoring plenty of goals, then I joined JFA Academy Fukushima and I moved to a defender, and I have loved it ever since.
“When I used to play as a striker, I looked up to Lionel Messi for his skills and the goals.”
While she has needed to adjust to the new environment on the pitch and around her new team-mates, it has also been a big change off the pitch as she embarks on a new life in London.
“I'm getting used to it,” Tōko said. “I think London is a very lively city. There are a lot of tourists, but people of many different nationalities live in London, so it has a very diverse image.
“There are also many Japanese supermarkets and Japanese restaurants, so it's a very comfortable place to live.”
Having featured for Japan’s youth teams from Under-17 to Under-23 level, Tōko has cemented her spot in the senior squad since making her debut in April, 2024, against USA in the SheBelieves.
Racking up 19 caps to date, the defender has represented her nation on one of the biggest stages in international football, when she was named in Japan’s 2024 Olympic Games squad and started all four games for her nation in Paris.
“Ever since I started playing football, it has been my dream to wear the Japanese National Team jersey while also playing in the Olympics and the World Cup,” she told us.
“So, I never imagined I would achieve it so quickly, but I’m truly grateful and happy to have made that dream come true at the Paris Olympics. Having the opportunity to represent Japan is an honour that means so much to me.”