East Bengal FC Women have signed experienced Japanese defender Hitomi Tanaka ahead of their upcoming AFC Women's Champions League group-stage campaign, as the club announced on Monday (September 21).
Tanaka becomes the first-ever Japanese female footballer to join an Indian club. The Yokohama-born player joins East Bengal from Dutch Eredivisie Vrouwen side Hera United Women.
The 29-year-old defender can also be deployed as a midfielder. Before moving to the Netherlands, Tanaka spent six years playing in Spain, representing clubs including CD Alba FF, Córdoba CF, CD Santa Teresa, CacereÑo Femenino, SE AEM and Sporting Club de Huelva.
East Bengal's AFC Women's Champions League campaign
East Bengal, two-time Indian Women's League champions, will compete in Group B of the AFC Women's Champions League.
Their group-stage matches will be played in Kolkata between November 1 and November 7, 2026.
The Kolkata-based side will face Ho Chi Minh City WFC of Vietnam, Hwacheon KSPO WFC of the Korea Republic and 4.25 SC of DPR Korea.
East Bengal head coach Anthony Andrews welcomed Tanaka's arrival and highlighted the experience she brings to the squad.
"We are very pleased to welcome Hitomi to East Bengal. She is a player with valuable experience, strong technical quality, and a professional mindset that aligns perfectly with the culture we are building at the club. Throughout our discussions, it was clear that she shares our ambition and desire to compete at the highest level. Her experience, leadership, and game intelligence will be a tremendous asset to the team, both on and off the pitch. "
Tanaka excited by East Bengal move
Tanaka said she was looking forward to joining the club and competing in the continental tournament.
"I am honored and excited to join East Bengal FC, a club with such a rich legacy and passionate fanbase. Playing in the AFC Women's Champions League for the best South Asian club is a prestigious challenge, and I am ready to give my absolute best to help the team succeed and make our supporters proud on the continental stage. "
