All eight Japanese players to play for Celtic as Hayato Inamura closes in on move

Japan has been a happy hunting ground for Celtic when it comes to player recruitment and their latest incoming addition also hails from the region.

Hayato Inamura is expected to sign for Celtic after playing his final game for Albirex Niigata.

As well as Inamura, forward Shin Yamada has been linked with the Hoops but talks haven’t advanced so far.

Right now there are two Japanese representatives in the Celtic squad but over the years, there have been plenty of others to wear the green and white.

Here, 67 Hail Hail takes a look at all eight Japanese players to play for Celtic.

Photo by Masashi Hara/Getty ImagesYosuke Ideguchi From: Gamba OsakaAppearances: 6Goals: 0

Yosuke Ideguchi was a forgettable transfer and never really set the world alight while in Glasgow.

Brought in to be midfield cover, Ideguchi seemed a yard off the pace and never settled in Scotland, despite joining during a time where there were fellow countrymen to help him settle.

He left after two seasons to return to Japan to sign for Vissel Kobe in 2024.

Yuki KobayashiFrom: Vissel KobeAppearances: 7Goals: 0

Similar to Ideguchi, Yuki Kobayashi could never settle in Glasgow. Ange Postecoglou had an eye for a player but sadly, this was one that didn’t go to plan.

Koki MizunoFrom: JEF United ChibaAppearances: 12Goals: 1

Koki Mizuno came close to never joining Celtic after his work permit application was initially turned down, leading to a spectacular appeal process from Gordon Strachan that saw the move go through in January 2008.

He’d make his debut 10 months later against Motherwell and went on to score in his first start for the Bhoys with a 90th minute goal against Falkirk.

His career then went backwards as he fell out of favour, only making two appearances the following season before being released and returning to his homeland in 2010.

Tomoki Iwata Photo by Visionhaus/Getty ImagesFrom: Yokohama MarinosAppearances: 42Goals: 1

Tomoki Iwata’s Celtic career felt very much like right player, wrong time.

Iwata has admitted to struggling at Celtic as he felt his style of play didn’t suit what the team needed.

He played almost 50 times, scoring one goal but was sold to Birmingham City in 2024, where Iwata won League One.

He wasn’t a bad player by any means, but he was always going to struggle to get a first team spot.

Reo HatateFrom: Kawasaki FrontaleAppearances: 142Goals: 27

The first in the final four to have a huge impact at Celtic, Reo Hatate has been a mainstay in the heart of the midfield for some time.

Hatate announced himself with a thunderbolt against Hearts and then followed it up with a brace against Rangers and on his day, is unplayable.

Injuries and patches of inconsistency have hampered him but Hatate has been tipped to leave Celtic for some time now, yet always seems to remain at the club.

Daizen MaedaFrom: Yokohama MarinosAppearances: 158Goals: 62

One of Celtic’s best signings in modern history, Daizen Maeda has become a cult hero in Glasgow.

Last year saw Maeda sweep up all of the awards as he bagged over 30 goals in all competitions.

Fenerbahce have been interested in Maeda but Rodgers will be hoping that he remains at the club and is the star of the show once again.

Shunsuke NakamuraFrom: Reggina 1914Appearances: 159Goals: 31

Shunsuke Nakamura was Celtic’s first-ever Japanese player and what a player he was.

From a long-range screamer against Rangers to incredible free kicks against Manchester United and Kilmarnock, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a Celtic supporter with a bad word to say about Nakamura.

The midfielder had three wonderful years with the club and is always welcomed back with open arms.

Kyogo FuruhashiFrom: Vissel KobeAppearances: 165Goals: 85

Some would argue that Kyogo Furuhashi is Celtic’s best striker since Henrik Larsson and that tells you all you need to know about his impact.

Everything Kyogo touched turned to gold as he would score goals left, right and centre, win trophies and be adored by the Celtic faithful.

Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images

Sadly it hasn’t worked out for him since leaving in January 2025 to join Rennes and reports have suggested the French club could sell Kyogo for £5m.

Birmingham want Kyogo too and there is hope from everyone that he can rediscover his form elsewhere.