is a Japanese professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Tokyo Verdy Beleza of the WE League. She has previously played for Reign FC and Montpellier.
A former Japanese international, Utsugi helped the national team win the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup.
Utsugi was born in Kawasaki on 5 December 1988. She began her professional career at Nippon TV Beleza in 2004. During her time at the club, she won four L.League titles and five Empress's Cups. In August 2010, after six years at Beleza, Utsugi departed her home country to sign for French club Montpellier of the Division 1 Féminine. After joining the club, she became the first Japanese player to play in the league.
A left-footed defensive midfielder, Utsugi has represented Japan at the 2007, 2011, and 2015 editions of the World Cup, as well as two Asian Cup competitions. Japan won the 2011 World Cup. She was named in the World Cup 2015 All-Star squad.
Nippon TV Beleza
Japan