Shin Yamama on the Reo Hatate phone-call that sold him on Celtic

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The Celtic Star

·20 de julio de 2025

Shin Yamama on the Reo Hatate phone-call that sold him on Celtic

When Shin Yamada picked up the phone and heard the voice of Reo Hatate on the other end, it seems the seed of a dream transfer began to grow…

Celtic new Japan striker Shin Yamada is unveiled during the pre-season friendly match between Celtic and Newcastle United at Celtic Park on July 19, 2025 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

It’s no secret that Celtic’s growing Japanese contingent has brought a wee touch of class , energy, and an incredible work ethic to the club. Now, the Celtic story has also been passed on, this time from Hatate to Yamada.

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Hatate may have departed Japan before Yamada had the chance to lace his boots up beside him in Kawasaki Frontale’s dressing room, but the connection was seemingly made nonetheless.

‘After there was a rumour of me joining Celtic, I had a call with him’

“When I joined Kawasaki Frontale, he [Hatate] had already left,” said Yamada. “I have not had the chance to meet Reo face to face. However, after there was a rumour of me joining Celtic, I had a call with him. He told me that this was a nice club, and that it was a privilege to play for them. I got in contact with Hayato Inamura, too, and spoke with him.

Hayato Inamura of Celtic controls the ball during the pre-season friendly match between Celtic and Newcastle United at Celtic Park on July 19, 2025 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

“Reo, Daizen (Maeda) and a lot of other Japanese players have played here, and they have performed very well. I would like to do the same, or even go beyond that.”

The glowing endorsement from Celtic’s midfield playmaker seems to have had a persuasive effect.

Yamada revealed to Celtic TV that Hatate described the club as “a privilege to play for,” and that single phrase may prove one of the most important in Celtic’s summer recruitment.

However, the move wasn’t just driven by Hatate’s voice. Behind the scenes, Hayato Inamura also played his part — another subtle but significant example of Celtic’s persuasive Japanese contingent.

Yamada is no squad filler. The 25-year-old forward isn’t arriving to make up the numbers — and you get the impression he backs himself. He brings with him pace, strength, and an eye for goal. In his own words, “power and speed” are his key attributes, and in Brendan Rodgers’ system, that’s not bad thing at all.

Rodgers’ sides thrive on transition, quick vertical play, and forwards who can stretch defences and press high from the front. In Yamada, he may have just found a weapon to add real variety to the frontline. He’s not expected to be a clone of Kyogo or a Maeda-style battering ram. He’s likely to be more direct, more physical, and also arriving with an appetite for success.

“I am really looking forward to playing as a Celtic player.”

“I am very happy to be here,” Yamada told Celtic TV. “I am really looking forward to playing as a Celtic player. I heard about the interest at the end of last year. Here at Celtic is a good environment for me to play, so hopefully I can meet expectations and play well here.”

That appetite could well be key. For Yamada, this isn’t just a career move — it’s an opportunity to make the next step in his career. It seems he very much has his eye on Japan’s 2026 World Cup squad, and he knows Celtic can be the stage that propels him into contention.

“First of all, I am a striker, so I need to do my job and I will try to score goals.”

“First of all, I am a striker, so I need to do my job and I will try to score goals. My other strengths will be power and speed, so I will try and score lots of goals using these strengths.

“I want to perform well here, and score the goals that will help me play for the national team, so I can play at the World Cup. I will do my best to contribute to games for results and wins.”

That ambition may well bring edge to his game that Celtic fans will come to admire. Because players with something to prove — especially on the international stage — tend to dig deep.

Celtic’s Japanese revolution continues, and while Yamada may be the latest arrival, he might just turn out to be one of the most intriguing.

With Hatate’s endorsement, Inamura’s influence, and World Cup dreams – Shin Yamada’s Celtic arrival could be something special.

Niall J

Here’s Kieran Tierney speaking to The Celtic Star and a few other Celtic fan media sites…

Celtic in the Eighties by David Potter…

Thank you to everyone who has already pre-ordered the late David Potter’s last ever Celtic book, Celtic in the Eighties, which will be published on the fifth day of September by Celtic Star Books. The link to pre-order your copy is below…

Celtic in the Eighties by David Potter, out 5 September 2025. Available to pre-order now.