The FC Tokyo U18 midfielder currently leads the tournament scoring charts with five goals, while also registering 11 chances created, highlighting his influence as both a finisher and playmaker.
Operating as the creative hub of Japan’s attack, Kitahara acknowledged the challenge awaiting the four-time champions in Friday’s final against China PR. .....
"Now that we’ve come this far, we’re going to be champions."
— #AsianCup2027 (@afcasiancup) May 21, 2026
🇯🇵 Maki Kitahara is confident his side will prevail! #AFCU17 | #CHNvJPN pic.twitter.com/M9VJS3UB9r
＞＞READ MORE "AFC Official Site"
![10MA TOPICS! [CHINA FA][AFC U17 ASIAN CUP] #AFCU17 - Defensive rock Zhou vows to power China PR to title](https://image.eaff.com/index/8834.jpg)
![10MA TOPICS! [CHINA FA][AFC U17 ASIAN CUP] Shuai wants to go all the way with China PR](https://image.eaff.com/index/8833.jpg)
![10MA TOPICS! [JAPAN FA][AFC U17 ASIAN CUP] Fearless Motosuna leads Japan from the front](https://image.eaff.com/index/8832.jpg)
![10MA TOPICS! [CHINA FA][AFC U17 ASIAN CUP] China PR’s focus pleases Ukishima; Australia’s Veart seeks improvements](https://image.eaff.com/index/8831.jpg)
![10MA TOPICS! [JAPAN FA][AFC U17 ASIAN CUP] Ono hails Japan’s courage; Chigodaev rues late heartbreak for Uzbekistan](https://image.eaff.com/index/8830.jpg)
![10MA TOPICS! [CHINA FA][AFC U17 ASIAN CUP] #AFCU17 - China PR power past Australia](https://image.eaff.com/index/8829.jpg)
![10MA TOPICS! [JAPAN FA][AFC U17 ASIAN CUP] #AFCU17 - Japan win thrilling shootout to advance to final](https://image.eaff.com/index/8828.jpg)
![10MA TOPICS! [JAPAN FA][AFC U17 ASIAN CUP] #AFCU17 - Motosuna, Khakimov equally confident of advancing](https://image.eaff.com/index/8825.jpg)
![10MA TOPICS! [KOREA FA][AFC U17 ASIAN CUP] #AFCU17 - Zhou, Kutleshi looking forward to showdown](https://image.eaff.com/index/8824.jpg)