Yutaka Fukufuji is a Japanese ice hockey player for the Nikko Ice Bucks of the Asia League Ice Hockey. Fukufuji was the first Japanese player to appear in a National Hockey League (NHL) game, and played 4 games with the Los Angeles Kings during the 2006–07 season. The first Japanese draft pick, Hiroyuki Miura, was selected by the Montreal Canadiens in the 1992 NHL Draft, but never played in an NHL game. Fukufuji is the first Japanese citizen to be drafted as a goaltender in the NHL and second Japanese national to be drafted. Internationally Fukufuji has played for the Japanese national team at several World Championships.
Fukufuji in 2023 with the H.C. Tochigi Nikkō Ice Bucks
The HC Nikkō Ice Bucks is an Asia League Ice Hockey team based in Nikkō, Tochigi, Japan.
Nikko Icebucks in 2018
Sumida Yousuke wearing the team's away jersey which was introduced in 2011