Everybody knows how passionate the Celtic fans are about their club and about football in general. We love the domestic game just as much as we do the Champions League. That’s what makes our support unique.
And this weekend, Tomoki Iwata and Reo Hatate were taking part in a fan Q&A with guests from Japan where one of the participants asked them both if there was any difference between the supporters from the J League and the Celtic fans.
The lady also asked if there were any similarities between both sets of supporters.
Iwata said [Celtic TV], “I think both are genuinely supportive. There is no big difference there.
“But the atmosphere at the games is so much more exciting here. Everyone stands up and cheers loudly.
“I think that is very special.
Hatate joked as he asked Iwata if he had to answer the question as it was asked by a Yokohama fan before he went on to say, “As Tomoki said, I think there is no difference between the level of support.
“But I feel the football culture here is different. Japan is not necessarily associated with football, although baseball and judo are.
“I personally think baseball and judo is still bigger than football overall in Japan. Football is ingrained in Scotland’s culture.
“But I believe the Japanese players like us, play well here and do better, the more people will follow and the fans will start watching football more.
“So I think we need to try harder and improve more to be like that. However, as I mentioned earlier, I think Japanese fans are also quite supportive so I want to do my best to live up to those expectations.”
Hatate and Iwata have both experienced what it’s like to win titles at Celtic Park and how the fans go all out to celebrate with the players. Hatate has also experienced Champions League nights at Celtic Park as well.
The Celtic support have their own unique way of backing and celebrating with the team. It’s why the players bond with them so easily.
My own personal opinion is that both Celtic players were being respectful to their guests on the show. The pre and post-Treble celebrations show just how passionate the Celtic fans are when it comes to supporting their team.
And no one is doubting how passionate the Japanese fans are about their football. We saw it first-hand in their team’s 6-0 win over El Salvador. But would we see anything like TIFO’s and Treble celebrations that we saw in Glasgow in club football in Japan? I don’t think we would.
In other news, Watch as Celtic star get’s a hero’s welcome as he visits former Japanese club
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