The J.League has announced that RB Omiya Ardija defender Rion Ichihara has temporarily left the team in order to complete procedures for a transfer to an overseas club. The club statement makes it clear that the move is being made with a transfer abroad in mind, and that further details will be released once everything is formally agreed.
Preparing for a move to Europe
According to the official release from RB Omiya and the J.League, Ichihara is leaving the squad so that he can focus on paperwork and preparations related to a transfer to a club outside Japan. The destination club has not yet been disclosed, but several European sides are reported to be interested in the 20-year-old centre-back.
For RB Omiya, losing a key defender at this stage of the pre-season is far from ideal, but it also underlines the club’s reputation for developing players capable of making the step to Europe.
Player profile: Rion Ichihara
| Name | Rion Ichihara |
| Position | Defender (centre-back) |
| Date of birth | 7 July 2005 |
| Place of birth | Saitama City, Saitama (Japan) |
| Height / Weight | 187cm / 81kg |
| Preferred foot | Right |
| Current club | RB Omiya Ardija |
Youth career and club history
- Omiya Ryusei SSS
- Omiya Ardija Junior
- Omiya Ardija U-15
- Omiya Ardija U-18
- RB Omiya Ardija (J.League debut in 2023, full promotion in 2024)
Ichihara made his J.League debut while still in high school and quickly established himself as one of Omiya’s brightest academy products. By the 2025 season he had become a regular starter, combining physical presence with calmness on the ball and strong aerial ability.
Captain of Japan’s U-23 national team
On the international stage, Ichihara has long been a key figure for Japan’s youth national teams. He has represented his country from U-15 level upwards, and in 2025 captained Japan at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile. Most recently, he wore the armband for the U-23 Japan side that defended their title at the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026, starting all five matches as captain.
Standing 187cm tall, he is strong in aerial duels and one-on-one defending, but also comfortable stepping into midfield and playing accurate long passes from the back. His leadership and communication are frequently highlighted as major assets.
What this means for RB Omiya and Japanese football
For RB Omiya, Ichihara’s departure – even temporarily – is a significant loss, as he had already become a cornerstone of their back line and a symbol of the club’s academy. At the same time, the move reflects a wider trend of J.League players heading to Europe at a younger age to accelerate their development.
If the transfer is finalised, Ichihara will have the chance to test himself in a new environment and to showcase the quality of Japanese defenders on the European stage. In the longer term, both RB Omiya and the national team could benefit from the experience he gains overseas.
Official comment and next steps
In its official statement, RB Omiya noted that further information — including Ichihara’s own comments — will be released once the move is formally completed. Until then, fans are eagerly awaiting confirmation of his new club and league.
Related video and social media
Updates on Ichihara’s future and his performances can be followed via RB Omiya Ardija’s official website, YouTube channel and X (Twitter) account.
