Top 10 Best Japanese Players In Premier League History

This blog will rank the 10 best Japanese players to feature in the Premier League history in 2024. From retired to current players in the Premier League 2024, all these top 10 Japanese players have been featured in history. 

The monopoly of the Premier League is not limited to England or in Europe. Over the years many foreign players have been part of the most distinguished Premier League operated by the English Football League (EFL). Fans have been bystanders of some of the best Spanish players, African, European, or Japanese in the Premier League. 

Yes,  Japanese football players. From Japan’s best player Hidetoshi Nakata to  Liverpool’s Wataru Endo, 14 Japanese football players have played in the Premier League so far. 

List of the all-time best Japanese football players in Premier League history including debut and club-

1. Shinji Okazaki

Japanese striker Shinji Okazaki made his debut in 2015 with  Leicester City and played until 2019. Shinji Okazaki is highly regarded for his work ethic and selfless play which contributed to Leicester City’s winning season in 2014-2015. His acrobatic skill and attacking style from multiple corners stand out from the other strikers. He made 114 appearances and scored 14 goals during his tenure with Leicester City. His achievements were not limited to the Club but to the country as well. He was part of Japan’s national team of won the title of the 2011 Asian Cup Undoubtedly, Shinji Okazaki is the  Japanese player in the Premier League.

2. Kaoru Mitoma

Kaoru Mitoma is the second top player from Japan in Premier League history. After his 2021 debut, Kaoru Mitoma established himself as the key player of Brighton & Hove Albion. Mitoma possesses exceptional dribbling skills which enhance his defensive mechanism and create chances for his teammates as well. He was recognised as a goal threat for the opponent scoring goals in crucial matches. He scored 13 goals, and 11 assists in 66 appearances. He also has a prolific football career in Japan’s team with two-time Footballer of the Year for 2020 and 2022.

3. Shinji Kagawa

Shinji Kagawa was the first Japanese player who win the Premier League ever. After a fruitful stint with Borussia Dortmund Shinji Kagawa joined Manchester United in 2012. Kagawa had a brief but impactful career with Man Utd. and contributed to United’s 2012–13 title-winning campaign. Other than lifting the first-ever Premier League Cup by a Japanese, a hat trick during a 4-0 win over Norwich City was the highlight of his career. Kagawa became the first Asian player to score a hat trick in the Premier League. 

4. Maya Yoshida

Maya Yoshida is the next best Japanese footballer in PL history. Maya Yoshida is one of the longest-standing defenders in England’s Premier League with 154 appearances. Yoshida made his debut with Southampton in the 2012 season and became a key club player for several years. His consistent performance with his aerial skills and strong tackling ability made him one of the best defenders in the Premier League from Japan. He also represented Japan in many international cups while continuing to play in the league until 2020. 

5. Takumi Minamino

Takumi Minamino made his debut with Liverpool from Red Bull Salzburg in 2020 and became the Club’s first-ever Japanese player. His dribbling skills, excellent pace, and clinical finisher all contributed to the Club’s overall performances. However, he joined Southampton in 2021 and Monaco in 2023 on loan to enhance his playtime. But later moved to Liverpool and became a part of a successful Premier League title in the 2019-2020 season. 

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6. Junichi Inamoto

Junichi Inamoto was the first-ever football player from Japan who played in the Premier League in 2002. He made his debut with the club Arsenal but didn’t play any matches. Inamoto had success with Fulham Loan Stint, appearing in 41 matches while scoring 4 goals. He also had a brief stint with West Bromwich Albion. He represented Japan’s National team in the  2006 FIFA World Cup.

7. Takehiro Tomiyasu

Japanese defender Takehiro Tomiyasu joined Arsenal from Bologna in 2021 and soon became a key player in the club.  Takehiro Tomiyasu is one of those versatile defenders who can play as both a right-back and center-back. His strong physique, tackling, heading, and attacking defense made him one of the most reliable defenders of the club. Despite his injuries, Tomiyasu continued his consistent performances for Arsenal. 

8. Hidetoshi Nakata

One of the best all-time footballers of Japan Hidetoshi Nakata had a short timespan in the Premier League. Hidetoshi Nakata made his debut with Bolton Wanderers on loan from Fiorentina during the 2005–06 season. Hidetoshi Nakata is the most flamboyant footballer in Japan who brought a unique style of playing and flair to the Premier League. He is known for his style, vision, and tackling skills. Nakata only made 21 appearances and is most remembered for scoring against West Bromwich Albion. He represented his country in the three World Cups (1998, 2002, and 2006) and Two Olympics (1996 and 2000). During his career, Nakata scored 11 goals while nine scored in the FIFA competition. He retired from football at the very early age of 29 to start a career in fashion and style.   

9. Yoshinori Muto

Yoshinori Muto started his Premier League Career with Newcastle United from Mainz in 2018. Yoshinori Muto was a versatile striker who also played as a winger. He made 25 appearances but scored only one striking goal against Manchester United in his first season. Despite his versatility and work ethic, he failed to cement his role in the team due to tough competition.

10. Wataru Endo

Japanese national team captain Wataru Endo is the new Liverpool Japanese player who plays for the club in the Premier League. By joining Liverpool in 2023, defensive Midfielder Wataru Endo became the second Japanese player of the club as well. After his debut, Wataru started to make an impression while playing impressively in some of the most crucial matches. He also earned the Club’s Player of the Month in his first season in December 2023. His strong physical strength, tackling capabilities, and leadership qualities for both club and country stand him out of the other players. So far he only made 35 appearances in the Premier League, still adjusting to the Leagues competitive environment.  Speaking of his International career, Wataru Endo has played in 67 matches and scored 4 goals. In 2023, He was named the captain of the Japan National team and selected for the 2023 AFC Asian Cup final squads.

So these are the top 10 best Japanese players in the Premier League of all time. Our list is based on the most scored in the PL by Japanese players including appearances, impact on the club, and overall performances.

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