Premier League over the years, Japanese players have made a significant impact in the Premier League, showcasing skill, versatility, and resilience. From historic title wins with Leicester and Liverpool to becoming trailblazers at top clubs, their achievements are rare and remarkable. This article explores Japan’s most successful Premier League champions and the crucial roles they played in their teams’ title-winning campaigns.
Premier League: Shinji Kagawa (Manchester United – 2012/13)
Shinji Kagawa is widely regarded as one of the most accomplished Japanese footballers to feature in the Premier League. He holds the distinction of being the first Asian player to score a hat-trick in the competition. After a highly successful 2011-12 season with Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga, Kagawa made the move to England, signing with Manchester United in 2012.
He made his Premier League debut in a 1-0 loss to Everton and netted his first goal for the club against Fulham. Kagawa played a pivotal role in helping Manchester United clinch the Premier League title in his debut season.
Notably, he delivered a standout performance in the title-securing 3-0 win over Aston Villa. He also featured in the memorable match that honored Sir Alex Ferguson ahead of his retirement, securing his place in the club’s storied history.
Shinji Okazaki (Leicester City – 2015/16)
Premier League Shinji Okazaki joined Leicester City in 2015 after impressive stints with VfB Stuttgart and Mainz 05. He was instrumental in Leicester’s historic 2015-16 Premier League triumph, which is widely considered one of the greatest underdog stories in football.
He debuted in a 4-2 victory over Sunderland and scored his first goal for the club against West Ham United. His contributions earned him the Asian International Player of the Year award for the 2015-16 season.
Okazaki’s influence extended into European competition as well he became the sixth Japanese player to score in the UEFA Champions League. Additionally, he ranks as Japan’s third-highest all-time goalscorer, further solidifying his legendary status at both club and international levels.
Premier League: Takumi Minamino (Liverpool – 2019/20)
Takumi Minamino, an attacking midfielder from Izumisano, made history in 2020 by becoming the first Japanese player to sign for Liverpool. Before joining the Reds, he had notable spells at Cerezo Osaka and Red Bull Salzburg.
Premier League during his time at Liverpool, he made 30 appearances and scored four goals. He played an important role in the club’s 2019-20 Premier League-winning campaign. His move to Liverpool followed close monitoring by major European clubs, as confirmed by Salzburg’s sporting director.
Minamino made his debut in an FA Cup win over Everton and featured in his first Premier League match against Wolverhampton Wanderers. He also had a loan stint at Southampton during his tenure with the Reds.
Wataru Endo (Liverpool – 2024/25)
Wataru Endo, a versatile Japanese defensive midfielder and centre-back from Yokohama, joined Liverpool in 2023 after successful spells with VfB Stuttgart and Urawa Red Diamonds. He became only the second Japanese player to sign for Liverpool, following Takumi Minamino.
Endo’s arrival coincided with a new era at the club under manager Arne Slot, who led Liverpool to the Premier League title. Since joining, Endo has made 46 appearances and scored once—his first goal came in a 5-1 win over Toulouse in the UEFA Europa League at Anfield.
He quickly became a fan favorite due to his reliable performances in both defence and midfield. In December 2023, he was named Liverpool’s Player of the Month. Premier League Endo also played a vital role in the 2024 Carabao Cup final, where Liverpool defeated Chelsea 1-0, earning him his first piece of silverware with the club.
