Eiji Kawashima

Early career in Japan

Kawashima started his professional career at Omiya Ardija in J2 League after graduating Urawa Higashi High School. On 6 April 2002, he made his Omiya Ardija debut. He went on to make 41 appearances for the side during his three-year spell. During his time at Omiya Ardija, Kawashima went on trial at Serie A side Parma.

Nagoya Grampus Eight

In 2004, Kawashima joined Nagoya Grampus Eight in Japan's J1 League. He made his debut for the club, starting the whole game, in a 3–1 win against Gamba Osaka in the J. League Cup match on 27 March 2004. Kawashima helped Nagoya Grampus reach the knockout stage of the J. League Cup after the club won four out of the five matches in the group stage. On 12 June 2004, Kawashima finally made his league debut for Nagoya Grampus and kept a clean sheet, in a 3–0 win against Urawa Red Diamonds. However in the quarter–finals of the J. League Cup, Kawashima received a straight red card in the 88th minute, as the club won 2–1 against Kashima Antlers. After serving a one match suspension, he returned as a starting keeper in the semi–finals of the J. League Cup against Urawa Red Diamonds, but Nagoya Grampus were out of the tournament following a 4–1 loss. At the end of the 2004 season, Kawashima made twelve appearances in all competitions. In the 2005 season, Kawashima stayed as a starter for Nagoya Grampus in the J. League Cup matches. However, he was unable to replicate the success of last season, as the club…

Kawashima represented the Japan U20 side impressing in the AFC Youth Championship and being named Goalkeeper of the Tournament despite losing 1–0 to South Korea U20 in the final. Kawashima was called up to the senior team for the first time by manager Ivica Osim on 19 March 2007. Five days later on 24 March 2007, he was included in the 18-man squad for the match against Peru but appeared as an unused substitute. Kawashima initially appeared as an unused substitute, including at the Asian Cup. On 17 February 2008, he made his Japan senior debut in a 1–1 draw against North Korea. He made another appearance for the Samurai Blue on 20 January 2009, in a 2–1 win over Yemen. By the end of 2009, Kawashima kept four clean sheets in three victories and one draw.

In May 2010, Kawashima was selected for the FIFA World Cup’s squad and was expected to serve as backup to Seigo Narazaki. In a friendly match on 30 May against England, he was the starting goalkeeper and produced many saves, denying Frank Lampard’s shot twice, including a penalty kick, and Wayne Rooney’s shot before eventually being beaten by two own goals. Afterwards, it was announced that Kawashima was selected to be the first choice goalkeeper for the FIFA World Cup ahead of Narazaki. He played his first Group E match against Cameroon on 14 June 2010, where Japan recorded its first World Cup win on foreign soil with a score of 1–0. Five days later, on 19 June 2010 between against the Netherlands, Kawashima was the…

At Lierse, Kawashima received praise from the club. CEO Neil De Kewler said of him: "The movement within the goal is quick, the processing of the ball on the line is skillful, furthermore, the player with the leadership that can lead the defense line", while technical director Root Kelzer said: "I can not think of any bad points about him, I will not have anyone who dislikes him, He is a very professional athlete, seriously and disciplinedly open for everyone, every time he looks up, he asks for a handshake with a friendly smile, not only as a player but also as an individual." Prior to signing for Dundee United, Manager Mixu Paatelainen said about him: "As for Eiji, he is quality. He is very agile and quick. He commands and is a leader behind the defence. He talks a lot and sometime demands better action from the defenders." Kawashima reflected on his time in Europe, learning to adapt the playing style and training in contrast to his home country.

Born in Yono, Saitama, Japan, Kawashima idolised Sergio Goycochea in his youth. He then joined Yononishi Junior High School and Urawa Higashi High School. Kawashima has an older brother and older sister.