Celtic legend Shunsuke Nakamura is making his first steps in coaching.
The Japanese genius was still playing until 2022, when he retired at Yokohama FC, moving to a coaching role at the same club.
Despite ending his career at the club, he is mostly known in Japan as a legend of their rivals, Yokohama F Marinos, from whom Ange Postecoglou came to Celtic.
After his side were relegated in the 2025 season, Nakamura was targeted for a return to Marinos, but this didn’t seem to materialise.
And now, he has instead moved to another one of his old clubs – this time, Jubilo Iwata.
Imagine Naka as Celtic’s set piece coach?
Celtic legend Shunsuke Nakamura takes coaching role at Jubilo Iwata
Yamaha-owned Jubilo Iwata have been in the second tier for the last few years, though they were a top-flight side when Nakamura was on their books.
He joined them in 2017, a point at which the Marinos were the only Japanese club he had played for. Now, he has answered a ‘love call’ to join their coaching team for pre-season.
READ MORE: Three reasons why Celtic can defy history to beat Bologna in the Europa League
Nakamura’s departure from the Marinos was indirectly as a result of their takeover from the City Football Group, which led to a change in the club’s strategy.
He expressed regret at leaving his boyhood club, with whom he had never won a league title in 12 years across two spells.
As one of the most famous Japanese players of his era, Nakamura isn’t short on opportunities to move into coaching, or even management.
If he were to move into the hotseat for the first time, you’d love to know how much influence Gordon Strachan had on the 47-year-old’s leadership.
Strachan oversaw the signing of Nakamura from Reggina in 2005, facilitating a £2.5 million move after watching him at the Confederations Cup.
166 games, 34 goals and six trophies later, it’s fair to say that Strachan made the right call.
What did you make of Gordon Strachan’s reign as Celtic manager?
Shunsuke Nakamura on leaving Yokohama FC
Upon leaving Yokohama at the end of last season, Nakamura released a classy statement.
He said: “As a coach, I am very disappointed that we were unable to remain in J1, and I feel sorry for all of you who have supported me.
“I have decided to leave Yokohama FC, where I have been for six and a half years.
“I gave it much thought and had many thoughts and conflicts, but I have made this decision after seeking a new challenge as a coach and as a footballer.
“I received an offer in the 2019 season, and I would like to express my gratitude to everyone associated with the club for their tremendous cooperation, from retiring from active play, organizing my retirement match, and obtaining my coaching license.
“I have many memories and had invaluable experiences at Yokohama FC, both as a player and as a coach. The wonderful time I spent at Yokohama FC will be irreplaceable for the rest of my life.”
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
