Risa Kawai
“Malaysia’s Got My Heart” – Risa of Galaxi Girls Gets Personal
Hi Risa! Let’s start from the beginning—can you tell us a bit about yourself and take us back to that first spark? When and how did you fall in love with football? Hi, I’m Risa. I first fell in love with football about 12 years ago, when I was living in Penang, Malaysia. At the time, I was just playing casually with my younger brother, but something about the sport immediately clicked with me. The energy, the teamwork, and the joy of just being on the field captured my heart. From that very first kick, I knew this wasn’t just a hobby—it was something I truly loved. That passion has only grown stronger over the years, and football is now an inseparable part of my identity. This isn’t your first season with Galaxi Girls FC, so you’re no stranger to the team or the Malaysian football scene. Can you take us back to how it all began—how did you first connect with the club, and what brought you to Malaysia in the first place? After deciding to return to Malaysia for university, I knew I wanted to continue playing football seriously. I began researching local clubs and opportunities, and that’s how I found Galaxi. I reached out, and fortunately, they invited me to join one of their training sessions. From the first practice, I felt welcomed and challenged—it was exactly the kind of environment I was looking for. Malaysia has always held a special place in my heart. As I mentioned, I lived here before, and I’ve always felt a deep connection to this country. The people are warm and kind, the food is amazing, and even the weather suits me better than Japan. So when it came time to choose a university, it felt natural to come back to a place where I felt so at home.
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Despite the recent loss to Spicegals FC, we’ve noticed a real sense of growth and progress in the team this season. From your perspective, what’s different about Galaxi Girls this year, and how do you feel about the direction the team is heading? Compared to last season, I feel like everyone on the team has developed a stronger mindset. There’s a greater hunger to win, and the intensity of our training has definitely gone up. Personally, I’ve started to feel an even stronger desire and commitment to grow as a player—I make sure to touch base with football every single day. It’s truly at the center of my life now. Malaysia’s been your second home for a while now—how’s the experience been so far? Any favorite local food you can’t get enough of? And be honest—what’s one dish that still hasn’t won you over? Life in Malaysia has been incredibly fulfilling, both on and off the field. There’s something very special about being in a place where you feel comfortable and inspired every day. One of the things I’ve really enjoyed is exploring the local food scene—there are so many delicious dishes to try! My absolute favorite is mee goreng—it’s flavorful, comforting, and reminds me of why I love it here. That said, I still haven’t fully braved durian yet! I’ve had a few small tastes, but I think I need to build up a bit more courage to really dive in. It’s definitely on my list—I want to take on that “challenge” soon! You tend to be pretty quiet on the field—except, of course, when you’re calling for your signature long throw-ins! How would you describe your playing style, and do you see your quiet presence as part of your strength? Back in Japan, I served as both vice-captain and captain, so I was very vocal during matches. When I came to Malaysia, the language barrier naturally made me quieter on the pitch—but that actually gave me a new perspective on the game. It helped me become more aware of what’s happening around me, and I now really value playing with calm and composure. I think my strength lies in reading the game and making smart decisions. That said, I know how important key moments—like long throw-ins—can be, so I always try to make a strong impact when it matters most. My quietness isn’t a weakness—it helps me stay focused and analytical. But of course, if an opponent gets tough or pushes us, I won’t just sit back—I’ll fight back! (laughs)
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You’ve experienced the women’s game in both Japan and Malaysia—what differences stand out to you the most, whether it’s in the style of play, the pace, or the overall football culture? The differences between women’s football in Japan and Malaysia are quite striking. In Japan, the system is very disciplined and structured. Time is treated with extreme seriousness—if training started at 5 PM, most players would arrive by 3:30. We’d run about 4 kilometers of warm-ups before the actual session even began. The culture was intense, highly competitive, and very detail-oriented. Malaysia has a completely different vibe. Things are more relaxed and flexible, especially when it comes to time. And honestly, that’s something I appreciate. It’s less stressful, and I’ve found that this laid-back atmosphere allows me to play more freely. There’s room for joy and creativity, which is really important for me as a player. Each approach has its strengths, but I’ve learned to embrace the Malaysian way—it’s helped me find a better balance between competitiveness and enjoyment. When you’re not training or playing, how do you like to spend your time? Any hobbies or hidden talents we should know about? On days when we don’t have training, my focus usually shifts to academics. I’m currently studying at university, so I spend a good amount of time working on assignments and keeping up with coursework—though I admit there’s a lot of laughing (and maybe some procrastination) involved! (laughs) When I have free time, I like to unwind with some Netflix. I’m a huge fan of Korean dramas—they’re addictive and always manage to pull me into the story. Watching them has become one of my favorite ways to relax and recharge after a busy day. Is there anyone on the team you’re particularly close with? Who would you consider your best friend in football? The teammate I feel especially close to is Riko, who’s also from Japan. Since the day I joined the team, she’s been there for me—not just as a teammate, but as a true friend. She helps me navigate both the football side and daily life in Malaysia, and we always have such a good time together. Playing alongside her brings me so much happiness. We understand each other both on and off the field. Every match we play together feels like a celebration of that connection. I’m really grateful to have her by my side. Before we wrap up, is there anything you'd like to say to everyone who’s supported you on your journey—your teammates, the fans, and those back home in Japan? Everything I’ve been able to do here—studying, playing football, and living in Malaysia—is only possible because of the support from my parents back in Japan. They’ve been incredibly generous, covering my tuition and living expenses every month, and standing by me throughout this journey. No matter how many times I say “thank you,” I’ll never be able to fully express how much their support means to me. I’m also so thankful to my coaches, teammates, and everyone here at Galaxi. Being a foreigner, I wasn’t sure how I’d be received, but this team welcomed me with open arms. The kindness, support, and sense of community I’ve felt here are truly special. To everyone who’s supported me—thank you so much. I hope to show my appreciation through my performances on the field. I’ll keep working hard to improve, and I hope you’ll continue to cheer for me. Your support means everything, and I carry it with me every time I step onto the pitch.