Japan’s Rising Goalie Star: Shun Ito – LGR #298

By Coach Damon

June 17, 2026

Posted In: Podcast

This episode is sponsored by Thigh Pro. Use that special link for 10% off.

At just 25 years old, Shun Ito is quickly becoming one of the most recognizable faces in international lacrosse and a major figure in the growth of the sport in Japan.

Born on March 8, 2001, Ito grew up in Tokyo and attended Meiji University, where he first picked up a lacrosse stick during his sophomore year after teammates recruited him to fill a goalie vacancy. Before lacrosse, he was a soccer goalkeeper, a background that still shapes his style today through his footwork, patience, and ability to stay composed under pressure.

After graduating, Ito joined Kawasaki Falcons, one of Japan’s premier club programs. He has spent the past three seasons competing against the country’s top talent while also helping mentor younger players and grow the game throughout Japan. Internationally, Ito has already built an impressive résumé. He represented Japan at the 2022 World Lacrosse Men’s U21 Championship, helping Japan earn a fifth-place finish, and later captured a bronze medal at the 2025 Asia-Pacific Championship with the senior national team. In 2026, Ito gained global attention during the KPMG SEKAI CROSSE exhibition series when he made several highlight-reel saves against Premier Lacrosse League stars, including multiple stops against powerful Canadian shooter Romar Dennis. Those performances earned him an invitation to a Premier Lacrosse League training camp, making him one of the first Japanese players to receive such an opportunity.

Despite his growing accolades, Ito remains incredibly humble. During his appearance on the Lax Goalie Rat Podcast, he repeatedly emphasized that he is “still developing” as a goalie and constantly searching for ways to improve. Without a dedicated goalie coach during college, he largely taught himself the position before eventually working with Japanese national team goalie coach Soya Tokumasu. Technically, Ito models parts of his game after Liam Entenmann and Colin Kirst. He recently adjusted his stance to become more upright, allowing him to stay taller while still exploding to low shots. His favorite saves come low, especially around the five-hole area, and he credits agility ladders, shadow movement drills, and juggling for developing his hand-eye coordination.

Whether he’s facing a local Japanese club team, Division I opponents like Towson University and Loyola University Maryland, or some of the best players in the PLL, Ito focuses on staying calm, trusting his process, and remembering three reminders before every faceoff: stand tall, reset his stance, and keep his chest up.

For a player who only started the sport six years ago, Shun Ito is already helping redefine what’s possible for Japanese lacrosse. His journey proves that elite goalies can emerge from anywhere in the world, and that Japan’s presence on the international stage is only getting stronger.

Obviously, you’ll notice English is Shun’s 2nd language so I talk a little slower but you’ll be able to follow everything.

Enjoy my chat with Shun Ito!