Rikuto Hashimoto is widely considered one of Japan’s most exciting football talents, and one of the best young players in Japan. He is a predominantly left-footed attacker who is usually deployed on the right wing. He is also known for his excellent dribbling ability, as well as his explosive acceleration and shooting skills from his left foot. He is still a teenager player, but he is physically fit enough to compete on the professional stage. 

He was born to a Bangladeshi father and a Japanese mother. He has been a member of Tokyo Verdy since he joined the Tokyo Verdy under-12 squad. He used to play for both the Tokyo Verdy under-18 squad and under-15 squad as a result of his great performance. 

In 2021, he made his J.league debut at the opening game of the season. At the age of 15 years, 10 months and 26 days, he became the third-youngest player in J.league history, and the youngest player ever to make his debut in J2 league. 

He has been called up to each Japanese national youth team squad since under-13 squad. Recently he participated in the SBS Cup International Youth Football Tournament as a member of the Japanese under-16 squad.

His potential is immeasurable, and he is attracting attention as a player who will carry the Japanese national team in the future.

2020 U16 Japan