Taiyo Hiraoka

Taiyo Hiraoka started out at Nagao Warrs FC as a boy before joining Cerezo Osaka's youth setup at Under-15 level in 2015. He stayed there until 2017, though he later said in an interview that he never quite became a central figure in that side, pointing to his physical development at the time. From there he moved straight into Riseisha High School's team, where between 2018 and 2020 he became a key player as the school reached the National High School Soccer Championship.

Graduation led directly into professional football: in February 2021 Hiraoka signed for Shonan Bellmare. He made his professional debut that year and went on to settle as a regular starter, making 106 league appearances and scoring nine goals for the club. In December 2025 he agreed a move to Kyoto Sanga, with the transfer completed the following January.

At international level, Hiraoka has represented Japan's Under-21 side, winning two caps in friendlies during 2023, including an appearance against Belgium Under-21 in March that year. He has not featured for the senior national team.