"I loved going back to Celtic," Shunsuke Nakamura

Celtic icon Shunsuke Nakamura has been reflecting on an emotional and eventful return to Scotland, marked by a nostalgic visit to Celtic Park and a whirlwind few days in Glasgow that coincided which preceded a major new chapter in his career…

Japanese midfielder Syunsuke Nakamura of former Italian club team Reggina leaves Narita Airport 28 July 2005 for Glasgow to join t Celtic after signing a three-year contract. Nakamura, 27, moved to Reggina from Japan’s Yokohama Marinos in July 2002 and scored 11 goals in 80 Serie A games. (Photo by JIJI PRESS / JIJI PRESS / AFP) / Japan (Getty Images)/

The former playmaker, who joined Celtic FC in July 2005 for a fee of around £2.2 million, went on to become one of the club’s most iconic modern-era players. Over four seasons, Nakamura made 128 appearances and scored 34 goals (which you can watch below), earning a reputation not only for his technical brilliance and iconic free-kicks, but also for his humility and connection with supporters. He was simply adored by the Celtic support!

Japanese international Shunsuke Nakamura arrives at Glasgow Airport 28 July 2005 for a meeting with Celtic. Nakamura says he’s still committed to joining Celtic despite his new club’s 5-0 midweek thrashing by Artmedia Bratislava. (Photo IAN STEWART/AFP via Getty Images)

Japanese international Shunsuke Nakamura arrives at Glasgow Airport/ (Photo IAN STEWART/AFP via Getty Images)

Now 47, Nakamura was back in Scotland primarily in a media role, working as a television commentator for Japan’s recent friendly victory over Scotland at Hampden Park. However, his trip quickly became much more personal. Upon arriving at Glasgow Airport, he was greeted by groups of Celtic supporters who had not forgotten his contributions, setting the tone for what he described as a deeply fulfilling return.

A visit to Paradise proved to be the highlight for the former Celtic player. Nakamura was welcomed warmly by the club and reunited with former teammates and staff, including his old captain Neil Lennon, who made a special effort to come and see him. That reunion underscored the lasting bonds formed during a successful period for the club in the mid-2000s.

Japan & Celtic legend Shunsuke Nakamura Scotland Training Session on 27.03.2026. Photo Stuart Wallace IMAGO / Shutterstock

Naka also shared a brilliant moment reconnecting with Kieran Tierney, now a key figure for Scotland’s national team. The Japanese legend recalled giving Tierney his boots two decades ago when the defender was just starting out at the Celtic Academy —making their meeting a symbolic passing of the torch between generations of Celtic stars.

Speaking via Glasgow Times about the trip, Nakamura said he “loved going back to Celtic” and described the experience as one filled with warmth, appreciation, and reflection. “There were lots of Celtic fans at the airport, I was interviewed by the club, and Neil Lennon came all the way to meet me,” he said. “Meeting Kieran Tierney again was very special. I had truly fulfilling days.”

The visit came at a remarkable time in Nakamura’s post-playing career. Having earned 98 caps for Japan, he has recently stepped into coaching and was unexpectedly appointed head coach of the national team ahead of the upcoming World Cup—just two months before the tournament begins. The sudden promotion follows earlier discussions about him taking charge of a J-League Under-19 side, making the national team role an even more significant milestone.

21 11 06 – UEFA Champions League Group F Celtic v Man Utd 1 0 Celtic Park, Shunsuke Nakamura scores with his free kick. Manchester Utd Keeper Edwin van de Sar is stranded. Photo Ian Rutherford (IMAGO)

Reflecting on that opportunity, Nakamura described it as the pinnacle of his coaching ambitions, capping off an already memorable return to a place where he remains a hero and a Celtic legend.