I first interviewed Shunsuke Nakamura in Beirut surrounded by bombed-out slums used to shelter Hezbollah fighters. I don’t know who was more scared — the scrawny 23-year-old about to face the foreign press, or me, petrified about not being able to get back to my hotel before dark.
This was the Asian Cup in 2000 when Japan were forced to train on a pitch hemmed in by crumbling buildings and scattered liberally with rubble and bits of twisted metal. Even among such oppressive surroundings, Nakamura stood out as a potentially world-class player but he always struck me as a bit lightweight — a Japanese Matt Le Tissier, if you like.
Former Japan coach Philippe Troussier thought Nakamura too much of a luxury player to risk selecting for the 2002 World Cup. At the time I fully agreed. I recalled that time in Beirut when Nakamura trudged over to me when ordered to by Japan’s press officer. “Why do I have to go and talk to the foreigners?” Nakamura asked sulkily, afraid to have to speak English. His mood scarcely improved even when he realised I spoke Japanese.
Fast forward seven years, Nakamura is the heartbeat of Japan’s side and has just been voted player of the year after a superb season with Celtic. The pout has been replaced by a wide smile and Nakamura is always ready to chat and to share a joke with journalists.
Nakamura curled in a trademark free kick in Sunday’s 2-1 victory at Kilmarnock that gave Celtic a second successive Scottish title. The 28-year-old has played in all of Celtic’s 34 league matches this season and scored nine goals in becoming the first Japanese player to win back-to-back titles in Europe.
Watching pictures of Nakamura tearing off his shirt and jumping into the crowd at Kilmarnock the thought struck me that the boy had become a man.
Alastair Himmer is a Reuters sports correspondent based in Tokyo
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10 comments so far
Nakamura is a good player but let’s be honest it is only the Scottish Premier League with only 2 teams. I am sure any quality international player would have a field day in either Celtic or Rangers.
- Posted by Ricky The RefI thought that about Henrik Larsson as well. People then said he was great at Barcelona and great at Man U, but let’s face it, he wasn’t. He was a bit disappointing at both of them. His scoring record was only ever good in Sweden and Scotland.
- Posted by LondonNakamura is wasted in Scotland. He needs to move, hopefully to the Premiership. Or, a couple of teams from Scotland need to move to the Premiership….
- Posted by BrianI worked with Shunsuke on a TV commercial recently and he was a great lad - really nice to chat to with no “celebrity facade.” From what I’ve seen of him on the box he gets on well with the Celtic lads and the fans. Much as he’s doing wonders at Celtic I’d like to see him playing in the Premiership - this would be a step-forward for him careerwise & a chance for him to silence his critics. In conclusion - a hell of a player, stronger on the ball than he’s often given credit for, great vision and what a freekick! - a genuine all-rounder, who if he was playing in the right league would have even more to offer.
- Posted by Jon DayAs a Scot living in Japan, I’m delighted to see “the wee man” doing well. Not sure how well he would do in a stronger league with week in, week out tough games but it has got to be great for the game here in Japan. A great model. Also, the increasing number of Japanese sports pros playing abroad ( especially golfers and baseball players in the US ) has increased interest here in Japan and has given a boost to the nation’s “confidence”.
- Posted by don whyteCheers.
Perfect place for him. Not exactly a challenging environment so I think it works for him. He has played all Celtic`s league games this season and is always guaranteed Champions league football. He stands out at Celtic and therefore he should enjoy his last few years there and make a name for himself. Later he can think abou retiring in Japan while doing the odd shift for BFC Tokyo.
- Posted by JamesI believe he could step up to a bigger league but only time will tell. I must admit I have not seen every game this season but when I did see Nakamura he did look class but sometimes went missing. If he did move to the premiership he would need to sustain the level he is capable of with perhaps a manager like Wenger or Ferguson who could get the best out of him.
- Posted by SteveNakamura has done all he can in Scotland now and should move on to one of the bigger leagues in europe. Outside the top handful of teams in England, Italy or Spain, any midfield would improve as a result of bringing him in.
- Posted by GrahamNakamura is an intelligent player and an individual talent, and consistent - a quiet star. Id say he is underrated slightly still despite the recent attention. He gives the impression he has confidence in his ability that may not be easily shaken by a move to a bigger club. But lets be fair, he is already playing at a top club - Celtic have proved they are no minnows on the European level.
- Posted by Gary QuinnSome people say that Nakamura should move to a bigger league but I think that it would only be worth it if he could get to one of the big 3 or 4 clubs and I am not sure he is ready yet. There is no point in going to a Spurs or Newcastle when he can play champs league with Celtic.
- Posted by Richard StraughanCredit should also be given to the Celtic coaching staff for making him a much better player than he was 2 years ago.