Gareth Taylor’s side have completed the signing of the exciting attacker on a three-year deal, keeping her at the Club until 2027.
The 20-year-old’s switch to the Joie Stadium follows a hugely promising spell in her home country with Tokyo Verdy Beleza and on the international stage.
Ahead of the shutters rising on the new campaign, here are 10 things you may or may not know about our newest signing.
CLINICAL
Throughout Aoba’s fledgling career so far, she has consistently scored goals both domestically and internationally.
In 41 appearances for her former employers Tokyo Verdy Beleza across two seasons, she scored 20 goals which means she averaged just shy of a goal every other game.
Her clinical form also translates to the international stage for Japan where she has scored six goals in 26 outings for her senior national side.
ICE IN THE VEINS
After making a handful of appearances for Japan after making her senior debut in 2022, she was included in her nation’s Under-20s side for the 2022 U20 World Cup.
During the tournament hosted in Costa Rica, she helped her nation reach the final after starring in an enthralling quarter-final clash with France.
With the European nation leading 3-2 heading past the 120th minute, Japan won a penalty in the fifth minute of stoppage time which Fujino expertly dispatched despite the immense pressure to send the game to spot-kicks.
She then scored her spot-kick in the shootout as they secured passage into the semi-final with a 5-3 penalties victory.
PROUDEST MOMENT
Following her performances at the U20 World Cup and progression in the senior game, Aoba was included in Japan’s squad for the 2023 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
She then went on to make five appearances as she helped her nation reach the quarter-finals.
“The World Cup [is my proudest moment so far],” she declared.
“They were my first global, worldwide games since I joined Japan’s [senior national team]. It was a dream for all footballers to play at such a tournament, so it was really good. I was really happy.”
FAMILY AFFAIR
Not only was Aoba delighted with her individual and Japan’s performance at the World Cup, she was overjoyed for her family to see her operate on the world stage.
She said: “My family came to see the matches at the World Cup, it was really great to have the very important people to come see me playing.”
YOUTH
Not only did Fujino make five appearances at the illustrious competition, she also scored her maiden World Cup goal in Japan’s 2-0 win over Costa Rica in the group stage.
After opening their tournament with an impressive 5-0 win over Zambia, the success over Costa Rica extended their 100% record which they maintained with a famous 4-0 victory over Spain in their final first phase assignment.
By scoring against Costa Rica, Aoba became the youngest scorer for Japan at a World Cup across both their men’s and women’s teams.
VIRAL
Fujino’s goal in Japan’s 2-0 win over Costa Rico not only wrote her name in her country’s history books, but the strike drew strong admiration online.
Posted to FIFA’s official TikTok channel, the direct run and powerful finish has received 135.7 thousands likes on the popular social media platform.
The 20-year-old’s effort at the prestigious tournament came in the 27th minute – only two after Hikaru Naomoto’s opener.
FOOTBALL IDOL
Aoba says her footballing idol growing up is Brazilian legend and World Cup winner Ronaldinho.
The skilful forward showcased enjoyable performances for teams such as Barcelona and AC Milan – winning the Champions Leaue at the former.
And City’s newest recruit hopes to bring smiles to faces due to her performances.
She said: “I like Ronaldinho from Brazil since I was a little child. He was a player who entertained the fans and he enjoyed playing football himself.
“I want to be a good football player through entertaining or making people happy seeing me play.
“He is my idol.”
FAVOURITE FOOD
Although committed to her professional diet, Aoba says her favourite food is sushi!
AWAY FROM THE PITCH
Away from the football field, Fujino has a number of different hobbies and interests.
She explained how she enjoys stargazing when away from the rigours of professional football.
BEST ADVICE
Family means a lot to Fujino and she explained how her mother gave her the best piece of advice during her career so far which she tries to use throughout her every day life.
She revealed: “My mother usually tells me to think of the reason of whatever happens to you.
“So this is a very important message I have.”
