Will Shin Yamada Be Celtic's Next Japanese Success Story?
Kawasaki Frontale striker Shin Yamada looks to be on his way to Celtic after the Japanese club announced that he is set to sign for an unnamed overseas club.
With Kawasaki Frontale announcing Shin Yamada’s transfer overseas, it is expected that the striker will officially sign for the Scottish champions within the next few days - following Hayato Inamura to Celtic Park this summer. But as another Japanese player makes his way to Glasgow’s East End, will he be the next Kyogo or will his path be more challenging like some of his other compatriots?
After all, he is clearly not a Rodgers signing and is in keeping with the club’s player project model led by Paul Tisdale, Celtic’s Head of Football Operations.
Despite this, Celtic have developed a strong affinity for Japanese talent over the years, more so under former manager Ange Postecoglou.
Shunsuke Nakamura (Signed 2005)
Our first major Japanese import, Nakamura, truly set the standard. His magical left foot, incredible free-kicks, and sublime vision entertained the Celtic faithful. He was instrumental in multiple league titles and memorable European nights, becoming a genuine club legend. He is still celebrated today and can be considered a club legend.
Kyogo Furuhashi (Signed July 2021)
Signed from Vissel Kobe, Kyogo exploded onto the scene, becoming an immediate sensation. His blistering pace, intelligent runs, and clinical finishing saw him bag crucial goals and trophies. He quickly became a fan favourite and a prolific scorer. With Postecoglou’s departure and a change in style under Rodgers, Kyogo’s time at Celtic eventually came to a close with a move to Rennes in January 2025 (a horror move for the Japanese striker) before moving to Birmingham City this summer. His impact at Celtic was undeniable.
Daizen Maeda (Signed January 2022)
Joining from Yokohama F. Marinos, Maeda brought an unbelievable work rate and directness to Celtic’s attack. His relentless pressing and knack for important goals, especially in big games, made him a vital part of Postecoglou's and now Rodgers' sides. Following Kyogo’s departure and the failure of the Celtic board to bring a new striker in, Maeda played through the middle and excelled as a number 9. He continues to be a key player at the club. Will he play through the middle this season ahead of Yamada, Idah, and Osmand? He’ll play his part, but I suspect he will be moved back to left wing.
Reo Hatate (Signed January 2022)
Another import from Kawasaki Frontale, Hatate quickly showcased his incredible versatility and technical skills in midfield. His incisive passing, goal threat from deep, and ability to control games have made him a standout performer and a consistent presence in the team that has secured multiple domestic trophies. At times, he does go missing in games but write him off at your peril.
Yosuke Ideguchi (Signed January 2022)
Sadly, Ideguchi's time at Celtic, following his move from Gamba Osaka, was hit hard by injuries. He struggled to gain any kind of foothold in the first team and made only a handful of appearances before returning to Vissel Kobe.
Yuki Kobayashi (Signed January 2023)
The young centre-back from Vissel Kobe arrived with potential but found game time hard to come by. His opportunities were limited, and he has since moved on to seek more regular football elsewhere. He now plays for Polish side Jagiellonia Białystok.
Tomoki Iwata (Signed January 2023)
The JLeague MVP from Yokohama F. Marinos provided valuable depth in both midfield and defence. While not always a guaranteed starter, his versatility and defensive abilities made him a useful player during his time here and ultimately I was surprised to see him move to Birmingham City in 2024. He’ll now link up with former team mate and fellow compatriot Kyogo.
Koki Mizuno (Signed January 2008)
Koki Mizuno joined Celtic in January 2008 from JEF United Chiba as a promising attacking midfielder. Despite the excitement of having another Japanese player alongside Shunsuke Nakamura, Mizuno struggled to break into the first team and was hit by injuries, particularly a meniscus injury to his knee. He spent two-and-a-half years at the club before returning to Japan in 2010. He is seemingly still playing at the ripe old age of 39 for J3 League side Iwate Grulla Morioka.
Hayato Inamura (Signed July 2025)
Adding to Celtic's growing Japanese contingent this summer is Hayato Inamura, a 23-year-old left-footed defender who has joined from Albirex Niigata. Signing on a four-year deal, Inamura reportedly brings versatility, capable of playing both as a central defender and at left-back. Another Tisdale signing, a player clearly unknown to Rodgers who effectively said as much when he signed, it is expected that Inamura will either play second fiddle to Kieran Tierney or farmed out on loan if Rodgers manages to get a backup left back in for cover.
Shin Yamada: Will he be a Hit or Miss?
Now, all eyes turn to Shin Yamada, another promising young player arriving from Kawasaki Frontale. His impending signing has generated plenty of debate, with some seeing his signing as a fall back to the failure to sign Brondy striker Mathias Kvistgaarden - who has subsequently signed for Norwich City for £6.9 million.
If Maeda reverts back to the left wing position, rather than one of our main strikers - Yamada will have to contend with Adam Idah, Callum Osmand, and Jonny Kenny as Celtic’s other strikers. Despite showing some promise, I doubt Kenny will remain at Celtic this season - either farmed out on loan again or sold. Either way, it is a pretty young and uninspiring strike force - despite Idah’s 20 goals last season.
Key Stats:
2022 (J1 League): 1 appearance, 0 goals
2023 (J1 League): 27 appearances, 4 goals (6 goals in all competitions)
2024 (J1 League): 38 appearances, 19 goals (21 goals in all competitions)
2025 (J1 League - current season): 20 appearances, 2 goals (5 goals in all competitions)
The Case for a HIT:
His 19 league goals in 2024 speak volumes. It wasn’t luck and it suggests a player who has confidence and proved he can be a prolific scorer when in form.
If the reported comparisons to Kyogo are accurate, Yamada is a player who "likes to play on the shoulder and ghost into space, and his best work comes in the penalty area" – then he could seamlessly fit into Celtic's high-pressing, attacking system.
Celtic's successful track record with Japanese players, especially players like Kyogo, Hatate, and Maeda, provides a strong support system for settling in to Celtic and the city itself.
At a reported £1.5 million, it's a relatively low-risk investment for a player in the grand scheme of things. If it pays off then he could bank the club a significant transfer fee in the next few years.
The Case for a Potential MISS (or needing time):
While 2024 was exceptional season for the youngster, his goal return in the 2025 season is significantly lower. This raises a question mark about his consistency and form - any lack of confidence could see his form dip and with that his time at Celtic.
The Scottish Premiership is a physically demanding league as the other Japanese players can testify to. Despite the J-League being technically strong, Yamada will need to watch out for opposition players painting a target on his back to make their mark - wary of how Kyogo ran rings round them. Adapting to the league from Japan can take time, especially if he struggles to make the starting line up under Rodgers - which could almost certainly be the case.
Following Kyogo's departure, there's an expectation for any new striker to step up and deliver goals. This pressure can be immense for new arrivals and with our strike force uninspiring - everyone has a chance to make their mark. If Rodgers allows.
Cautious Optimism?
Shin Yamada's signing is a questionable one to say the least. His incredible 2024 season shows he has the raw goalscoring talent and predatory instincts that Celtic needs in a striker. The club's proven ability to help Japanese players flourish is also a huge positive.
However, the inconsistency in his goal tallies, the adaptation to a new league, and Rodgers’ own style of play which clearly frustrated means it might not be an overnight success that we are all banking on.
Time should be given to Yamada to adjust before he needs to produce the goods. If we can see his return to form and consistency that he saw in 2024, he has the potential to be a hit and another exciting addition to Celtic's growing Japanese contingent. The signs are promising, but only time will tell if he can truly replicate his best form in the green and white hoops - and be a successor to Kyogo.
What do you think? Is Shin Yamada the answer to our striking needs? Let us know in the comments below!