Shunsuke Nakamura has touched down in Glasgow and the reaction says everything about the legacy he left behind at Celtic.
The Parkhead icon was spotted arriving to a crowd of excited supporters, with many eager to welcome back a player who gave them so many unforgettable moments in green and white.
Nakamura is in Scotland on media duties, working as a commentator for Japan’s friendly clash against Scotland at Hampden on Saturday.
It marks his first trip back since 2014, when he was paraded in front of the Celtic Park crowd during a Premiership fixture against St Mirren.
Japanese media followed his arrival at Glasgow Airport, where he was quickly surrounded by fans looking for photos and autographs.
Celtic hero Shunsuke Nakamura arrives in Glasgow for Scotland vs Japan:
The match kicks off at 5PM and offers both sides a valuable test ahead of this summer’s World Cup in North America.
Via U-NEXT football, Nakamura was seen warmly greeting supporters and signing items as he made his way through the airport.
Few players have left a mark on Celtic quite like Nakamura.
Widely regarded as one of the club’s finest players of the modern era, he made 166 appearances for the Hoops, all under Gordon Strachan.
His impact went far beyond numbers. In 2007, he was named Scotland’s Player of the Year and even earned a nomination for the Ballon D’Or, underlining just how influential he had become in Glasgow.
That same season delivered some of his most iconic moments. Nakamura famously scored stunning free kicks home and away against Manchester United in the Champions League, helping Celtic reach the knockout stages.
The following campaign brought another memorable highlight. He netted his first goal against Rangers with a sensational half volley from distance, playing a key role as Strachan’s side secured a third straight league title in dramatic fashion.
On the international stage, Nakamura represented Japan 98 times, featuring in two World Cups and lifting the Asian Cup twice with the Samurai Blue.
His success in Scotland also opened the door for the next generation of Japanese talent at Celtic. Players like Kyogo Furuhashi, Daizen Maeda and Reo Hatate have followed that path and become favourites among the support.
Now beginning his journey in coaching, Nakamura has already gained experience with Yokohama FC and Jubilo Iwata, taking his first steps on the sidelines after an illustrious playing career.
Shunsuke Nakamura on Celtic’s wave of Japanese players
Reflecting on the current Japanese influence at Celtic, Nakamura shared his thoughts back in 2022.
“Their success is a genuine pleasure for me and I’m very glad to see Ange Postecoglou take charge and take four Japanese players over who are all playing well.
“I think Celtic have four really good players. Reo is only getting better by the day and won two league titles in Japan. Daizen is very quick and has all the ability required for modern football and matches the style of the manager.
“I hope more Japanese players will join Celtic in the future and help the club, but I also have my former team-mate Stephen McManus who is now a coach there, and I wish him good luck.
“I am one of the Celtic supporters in the Far East now and I hope they will all carve their name in the history of the club and I wish them all the best luck.”
Even years after leaving, the connection between Nakamura and Celtic supporters remains strong, and his return to Glasgow is a reminder of just how special his time at the club truly was.
