Kaito Yamada (; born 31 August 2006) is a Japanese professional footballer who plays as a defender for Tacoma Defiance (on loan from Vissel Kobe).
Early life.
Yamada was born on 31 August 2006. Born in Hyōgo Prefecture, Japan, he is a native of Hyōgo Prefecture, Japan.
Club areer.
As a youth player, Yamada joined the youth academy of Japanese side Vissel Kobe, where he captained the club's under-18 team. Japanese news website "Gekisaka" wrote in 2024 that he "secured a regular position as a center back last season and played in 21 league games, the most on the team. He has grown into a key player in the group that is competing for the championship" while playing for the under-18 team. 
In 2025, he was sent on loan to American side Tacoma Defiance. On 8 March 2025, he debuted for the club during a 2–3 away loss to Ventura County FC in the league.
International career.
Yamada is a Japan youth international, having played for the Japan national under-20 football team at the 2024 SBS Cup.