‘I’ve warned Hayato about the weather,’ says Reo Hatate

In partnership with

The Celtic Star

·14. Juli 2025

‘I’ve warned Hayato about the weather,’ says Reo Hatate

Reo Hatate knows exactly what’s waiting for Celtic’s latest Japanese recruit—and it’s not just trophies and title tilts…

Daizen Maeda and teammate Reo Hatate are pictured with the Scottish Premiership trophy after the season’s final match against St. Mirren, on May 17, 2025. Photo IMAGO (The Celtic Star)

Shin Yamada is expected to join the Hoops imminently, and while the headlines focus on his potential, Hatate’s got some practical advice for the potential new Bhoy, as reported by Daily Record.

OneFootball Videos

“I have already warned Hayato about the weather!” he laughed. “There’s no sun! I am used to it now, so it’s not a problem. I enjoy my life in Scotland.”

Hatate’s light-hearted warning reflects his own journey. Now well settled in Glasgow, the midfielder is eager to help fellow countrymen adapt to life at Paradise—both on and off the pitch, and perhaps give back a bit of the help he received when he arrived in Glasgow from Kawasaki Frontale, the same route Shin Yamada looks like taking to Celtic.

Kawasaki Frontale’s Shin Yamada during the 2025 J1 League match between Kawasaki Frontale 4-0 Nagoya Grampus at Uvance Todoroki Stadium by Fujitsu in Kanagawa, Japan, February 15, 2025. Photo IMAGO

“When I arrived it was nice to have players such as Kyogo and Daizen here, so I’m sure it will be easier for him,” he said. “There is a big difference coming to Scotland. The language is different most of all!”

That language barrier remains a challenge—even for Hatate, who’s now comfortable with English but admits Scottish slang is another beast entirely.

“My English is fine now but it can still sometimes be tricky with the Scottish boys,” he chuckled. “I might say one thing on the pitch and they come back with 10 things! That takes a while to get used to.”

L to R Shin Yamada Frontale, Hayato Inamura Albirex, OCTOBER 13, 2024 – Football / Soccer : 2024 J. League YBC Levain Cup Semi-final 2nd Leg match between Kawasaki Frontale – Albirex Niigata at Uvance Todoroki Stadium, Kanagawa, Japan. Photo IMAGO

Shin Yamada won’t be short of guidance, though, when he signs for Celtic in the transfer window. Hatate is ready to be a mentor and a teammate—and hopes their partnership can blossom in Brendan Rodgers’ side.

“If he is a player who comes to us then I will hopefully have a good relationship with him on the pitch,” he said. “I will try to create the chances for him.”

Reo Hatate of Celtic reacts after scoring his team’s third goal during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic FC and Hibernian FC at Celtic Park on May 10, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Hatate might not know Yamada personally just yet, they missed each other at Kawasaki Frontale by a few short months, but he knows enough about Celtic to believe this move will benefit the latest Japanese acquisition.

“I don’t know him, and I don’t know about his situation,” he admitted. “But I do know that any player who comes to Celtic it is a very good move for their reputations.”

Shin Yamada Frontale, MARCH 30, 2024 – Football / Soccer : Shin Yamada of Frontale celebrates his first goal during 2024 J1 League match match between Kawasaki Frontale – FC Tokyo at Uvance Todoroki Stadium by Fujitsu, Kanagawa, Japan. Photo IMAGO

That’s the truth of it. Celtic is more than a club—it can also be a platform. And Hatate, who has already made his mark in Glasgow, is living proof that the jump from Japan to Scotland can be the launchpad to success and silverware.

Shin Yamada, take note. The weather might be grim most of the time, we can’t dress that up for you I’m afraid, but the future could very bright indeed. Reo Hatate is the evidence of just that.

Niall J

Help raise funds for Celtic Youth Academy by playing the Celtic Pools Weekly Lottery and you could win up to £25,000. The lottery is £1 per week. Click on image above to join.