The Japan national team will descend on Hampden Park on Saturday for a friendly against Scotland in preparation for this summer’s blockbuster World Cup.
The connection between Celtic and Japan has never been stronger, transforming the club’s modern era, with Daizen Maeda in the current squad.
To celebrate the occasion, 67 Hail Hail has selected the top three Japanese players ever to don the famous green and white colours.
The legendary Shunsuke Nakamura, who is in Glasgow to watch the Scotland game this weekend, takes his rightful place alongside modern-day heroes Kyogo Furuhashi and Reo Hatate.
- READ MORE: Tomoki Iwata’s Japan exile proves Celtic midfielder Reo Hatate faces an uphill World Cup battle
Name your three best Japanese players to have represented Celtic?
Some cult heroes from Japan have worn that famous shirt!
1. Shunsuke Nakamura
Taking the top spot is the ultimate Parkhead cult hero, Nakamura.
Long before the current era, Nakamura was the trailblazer whose legendary spell paved the way for today’s Japanese stars to shine in Glasgow.
A true magician, who you would pay to watch, his time in the Hoops was defined by moments of pure genius.
From that iconic Champions League free-kick against Manchester United to his stunning title-winning strike at Kilmarnock, he didn’t just win trophies – he captured the imagination of an entire generation of Celtic fans.
Take your crown, sir!
| Games | Goals | Assists | Trophies |
| 162 | 32 | 38 | 6 |
2. Kyogo Furuhashi
Henrik Larsson will forever be Celtic’s undisputed King of Kings, but a compelling case can be made that Kyogo is the most lethal striker to wear the Hoops since the great Swede.
Arriving from Vissel Kobe in 2021 as the catalyst for Ange Postecoglou’s Parkhead revolution, which is needed once again this summer, Kyogo instantly captured the hearts of the Celtic Park faithful.
His razor-sharp movement, outstanding goalscoring record, and relentless habit of punishing Rangers on derby day have made him a modern icon.
While Kyogo narrowly takes the runner-up spot behind the Japan king Nakamura, his impact in front of goal for Celtic can’t be questioned.
| Games | Goals | Goals against Rangers | Trophies |
| 165 | 85 | 8 | 9 |
3. Reo Hatate
Perhaps this is where a few Celtic fans might disagree, raising valid questions as to why the relentless Maeda misses out. But there is simply no looking past the midfield maestro, Hatate.
When he is fully fit and firing, he produces a level of midfield magic that few in the last 15 years can match. Look no further than last season’s unforgettable 3-1 Champions League victory over RB Leipzig under Brendan Rodgers.
On a massive European night, it was Hatate who stood tall, running the show and capping off a statement win with the crucial third goal. On his day, he is virtually untouchable.
| Games | Goals | Assists | Trophies |
| 186 | 33 | 31 | 8 |
In fact, dare we say it, Hatate possesses the sheer technical brilliance where you can debate whether he forces his way into Martin O’Neill’s legendary Treble-winning midfield.
Whether you agree with that bold claim or not, his transformative impact at Parkhead cements his place in this elite top three. And that’s two Japanese stars Postecoglou brought to Glasgow, so he deserves huge credit for that.
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