naka: champions are big in japan

David Friel
CELTIC star Shunsuke Nakamura has revealed that the entire population of Japan has been watching in awe at joyous scenes of the Hoops’ second successive title win.

With Naka starring in midfield, Gordon Strachan’s side are hot property in the Far East and the interest heightened as the stunning scenes from the last two weeks were shown on millions of televisions across his native land.

“The games have been shown on all the news programmes and I’m happy about that,” Nakamura told the Celtic View. “It means more people can get to know all about our club.


“Celtic’s title win seems to be having an impact back in Japan and that’s also a good thing for the fans who can’t come over to the games in Scotland.

“But I don’t think I’m a national hero. There are many great sports stars in Japan and they all get a lot of publicity – not just me.”

While Nakamura unarguably remains the No.1 Japanese sporting icon, many more recognised Celtic figures have become popular in the Far East.

Aiden McGeady, with his eye-catching wing play, is one, while Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink’s goals haven’t gone unnoticed.

In the midst of it all, Gordon Strachan has become one of the most well-known faces for Japanese football fans. In Nakamura’s eyes, this popularity is deserved.

“At Reggina, we had a few different managers in three years and it wasn’t easy,” he said. “It’s important to have consistency and Gordon Strachan has brought that to Celtic.

“He has helped me a lot and I have enjoyed working with him. He was a great player and I’m learning a lot under him.”

For the full and exclusive interview with Shunsuke Nakamura, check out this week’s Celtic View – on sale from Wednesday, May 2.

The Celtic View is the Voice of the Champions and the latest issue celebrates another league triumph for the Hoops. There are exclusive pictures of the trophy-day celebrations at Paradise.

John Kennedy speaks exclusively to the View after signing a new three-year deal with Celtic. And we catch up with two Celtic legends – Lisbon Lions Bobby Lennox and Bertie Auld.

Bobby Lennox talks about his new autobiography, ‘Thirty Miles From Paradise’, and there’s a chance to win a signed copy of the book. Bertie Auld answers supporters' questions as we mark the 50th anniversary of Bertie’s Celtic debut.

And as if that wasn’t enough, we’ve also got exclusive pictures from the Nike photo-shoot as Celtic launch their new home kit for next season.

All this and much, much more. Only in the Celtic View. On sale from Wednesday, May 2.