Photo/Illutration Chihiro Ikki, left (Provided by the Asian Football Confederation)

When her playing days were over, Chihiro Ikki found a way to remain on the pitch, this time wearing a different-colored uniform and carrying a flag.

She decided to fulfill the role that her former coach once envisioned for her.

Although Ikki was initially reluctant to referee soccer matches, she became an international referee last year and is now poised to work games at the sport’s highest level.

When she was a member of the girls’ soccer team at Iwata-Kita High School in Shizuoka Prefecture, her coach saw promise in her athletic ability and positive attitude and encouraged her to try refereeing.

Ikki kept dodging the suggestion as her passion for playing was strong. But she no longer had any reason to say no once she retired from the school team.

Veteran referees taught her the ropes at tournaments for players aged 50 and older. She also honed her skills by refereeing intrasquad matches for a men’s university soccer team.

After starting out as an entry-level Class 4 referee, she found her world broadened and the experience grew enjoyable as she moved up the ranks.

In her third year of university, she earned the top-level Class 1 certification. Reflecting on matches with fellow Class 1 referees who qualified alongside her has been a source of inspiration and motivating factor. 

In 2024, Ikki became an international assistant referee.

As she hoped to work as a chief referee, she wrestled with the decision when she received the offer. She eventually decided to take on the challenge, knowing it would open doors to tournaments organized by FIFA.

In May, she took to the field for the final of the Asian Football Confederation’s Women’s Champions League in China.

Ikki is a teacher by profession. She formerly taught health and physical education at a junior high school.

But the 30-year-old now must travel for international assignments in addition to working for the WE League, officially called the Japan Women’s Empowerment Professional Football League, and other domestic competitions.

To fulfill those responsibilities, Ikki now works at the Shizuoka city government in the field of sports promotion.

She feels guilty about taking time off for her travels, but her colleagues are warm and supportive.

“Where are you off to next?” she is often asked.

Ikki is motivated to do her best by the encouragement offered from those around her.

In 2027, the Women’s World Cup will be held in Brazil, to be followed by the Los Angeles Olympics the year after.

“Making my way to such tournaments and carrying out my duties with a sense of responsibility—that would be my way of giving back (people’s kindness),” Ikki said.

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