Over the years, many Japanese players have made their mark in Premier League history. They have represented some of the biggest clubs and earned a reputation as some of the finest players in their teams.
When it comes to goal-scoring, Shinji Okazaki and Shinji Kagawa stand out as two of the top Japanese players in Premier League history. Recently, Kaoru Mitoma has emerged as one of the league’s top scorers. With that, let’s take a look at the list of Japanese players who have scored the most goals in Premier League history.
5. Maya Yoshida: 5 Goals
Southampton’s £3 million summer signing in 2012, Maya Yoshida, proved to be an exceptional bargain. The towering centre-back scored five goals during his time at Saints, making him one of the club’s top-scoring defenders. Yoshida played an integral role in one of the club’s most successful periods in recent memory, ultimately making 154 Premier League appearances for the team.
4. Shinji Kagawa: 6 Goals
When Manchester United spent £12 million to sign Shinji Kagawa from Borussia Dortmund in 2012, they had high hopes for the Japanese playmaker. However, he didn’t meet their expectations. Kagawa, one of Sir Alex Ferguson’s final signings, struggled to secure consistent first-team opportunities under David Moyes, finishing his United career with just six goals.
3. Takumi Minamino: 6 Goals
Takumi Minamino’s £7.25 million move to Liverpool from RB Salzburg in January 2020 made him the first Japanese player to represent the club. Six months later, Minamino celebrated winning the Premier League, helping end Liverpool’s 30-year wait for the title. However, it took him almost a year to score his first Premier League goal for the Reds. His breakthrough came against Crystal Palace in December 2020, and he went on to add five more goals to his tally.
2. Shinji Okazaki: 14 Goals
Shinji Okazaki was once the Premier League’s top-scoring Japanese player until Kaoru Mitoma surpassed his record. Leicester City signed him for £7 million from Mainz in 2015, and the forward was instrumental in helping the club win the Premier League in their fairytale 2015-16 season. Okazaki netted 14 Premier League goals during his three years at Leicester, but was eventually sold after struggling to regain his form.
1. Kaoru Mitoma: 19 Goals
Kaoru Mitoma made history by becoming the highest-scoring Japanese player in Premier League history. On January 19, 2025, Mitoma scored his 15th league goal in Brighton’s 3-1 victory over Manchester United, surpassing Shinji Okazaki’s record. With his remarkable goal in the 60th minute, Mitoma etched his name into Premier League history. He had previously scored three goals after recovering from a back injury in his second season and seven in his debut season at Brighton.
