is a Japanese footballer who plays as a forward for club Bristol City and the Japan national team.
Early life Hirakawa was born in Kashima, Saga. He played youth football for Meirin JSC, FC Revona and Saga Higashi High School. He played university football for Yamanashi Gakuin University.
Career
Machida Zelvia In September 2021, it was announced that Hirakawa would join J2 League club Machida Zelvia as a designated special player, whilst playing for the football team of Yamanashi Gakuin University. He made his debut for Machida on 5 December 2021 against Albirex Niigata. He scored his first goal for the club on 13 March 2022, scoring in the 20th minute against Fagiano Okayama. He was part of the Machida team that won the 2023 J2 League.
In April 2024, Hirakawa won his first Monthly MVP award for his performances at the start of the 2024 J1 League season.
Bristol City On 9 July 2024, Hirakawa joined EFL Championship club Bristol City on a season-long loan.
On 24 February 2025, Hirakawa joined City on a permanent deal until June 2028. On 9 August, he made his debut for the club in a 4–1 win against Sheffield United in the league.
Hull City (loan) On 19 January 2026, Hirakawa joined fellow Championship club Hull City on loan until the end of the season. He made his debut the following day, in the 3–0 win away to Preston North End.
On 23 May 2026, Hirakawa's deflected cross was converted by Oli McBurnie to secure promotion for Hull City to the Premier League.
International career
On 4 April 2024, Hirakawa was called up to the Japan U23 squad for the 2024 AFC U-23 Asian Cup.
Career statistics Club
+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competitionClubSeasonLeagueNational cupLeague cupOtherTotalDivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsMachida Zelvia2021J2 League1000——102022J2 League16200——1622023J2 League35622——3782024J1 League1820010—192Total70102210—7312Bristol City 2024–25EFL Championship3621000203922025-26EFL Championship2411021--2722026-27EFL Championship51--10—61Total654302120725Hull City (loan)2025–26EFL Championship7010—20100Career total1421462314015517
Honours Machida Zelvia J2 League: 2023
Japan U23 AFC U-23 Asian Cup: 2024
Hull City EFL Championship play-offs: 2026
Individual J1 League Monthly MVP: February/March 2024
References
External links