Reo Hatate has given a very revealing interview to Japanese TV on the back of his winter move to Celtic.Â
All aspects of his move were discussed from the tactical side to his personality in the squad with the interview going on to discuss his smile, views on women and marriage prospects.Â
As ever with matters Japanese, Celtic fans can thank Dan Orlowitz for his insight into the local media scene. A year ago Orlowitz was just another English language reporter in Japan but through Twitter he was able to give a rundown on Celtic’s move for Ange Postecoglou and the subsequent transfer of four players from the J-League.Â
The man from the Japan Times has watched the interview on the Yabecchi Stadium, fishing out the parts of most interest to Celtic fans with Kyogo Furuhashi, minus his blonde highlights, popping up in a video to discuss Hatate’s shy nature and how his team-mates imitate his walking style.Â
Due to the language barrier and the nature of all-in interviews where as many as a dozen reporters are asking questions very little is known in Scotland about Celtic’s J-League imports.Â
Yabecchi Stadium seems to confirm Kyogo’s outgoing, confident nature with Hatate a little quieter but not slow to express himself.Â
Reo Hatate appeared on soccer variety show Yabecchi Stadium alongside former Frontale teammate Kengo Nakamura.
Asked what left a strong impression at Celtic: “The support… If you play well they applaud, but if you play poorly they boo. I’m thankful for it either way.” pic.twitter.com/RaCATqjimy
— Dan Orlowitz (@aishiterutokyo) May 23, 2022
“There’s a local Italian place that me and Daizen (Maeda) frequent, but the owner never charges us… we’ve been there dozens of times. Soup, salad, pasta, dessert, all of it.” pic.twitter.com/b1lNydn3oq
— Dan Orlowitz (@aishiterutokyo) May 23, 2022
They recorded a video message from Kyogo Furuhashi.
“Reo, are you getting nervous as usual while talking? You’ve got this!” pic.twitter.com/8GKXEQVTYU
— Dan Orlowitz (@aishiterutokyo) May 23, 2022
Kyogo on Reo: “Everyone trusts him as a core part of the team; he’s reliable. I’m glad I can play together with such a reassuring teammate.
“I don’t know if he’s the nervous type but if you keep teasing him his (good) personality comes out.” pic.twitter.com/u4WKyR8RIE
— Dan Orlowitz (@aishiterutokyo) May 23, 2022
“He has a certain way of walking… everyone imitates it and that gets a laugh out of him.
“At first I didn’t know what kind of person he was, but he’s fun to talk to, fun to play with. He’s an adorable kohai (junior/younger teammate).” pic.twitter.com/EX72LRWkYz
— Dan Orlowitz (@aishiterutokyo) May 23, 2022
Reo’s reaction to Kyogo’s video: “We don’t really talk that much so when he talks about teasing me I’m a little surprised! I feel like maybe that’s a side of Kyogo I haven’t seen and I have to draw that out more.”
— Dan Orlowitz (@aishiterutokyo) May 23, 2022
Later on in the show they’ve prepared five questions for Reo… what he considers to be his strength, an interaction he’s had w/ Kengo, his “charm point”, what type of women he likes, and something he wants to ask host Hiroyuki Yabe and Kengo. pic.twitter.com/i1f6ACCPT2
— Dan Orlowitz (@aishiterutokyo) May 23, 2022
He considers his strength to be his play in front of the goal, which he says Ange Postecoglou is very focused on.
“I was originally a forward, so that’s a special ability of mine and that’s something I’ve worked on recultivating since I went to Celtic.” pic.twitter.com/n15a4t1LH6
— Dan Orlowitz (@aishiterutokyo) May 23, 2022
Kengo: “He’s just talked about playing in front of the goal but I’m amazed that he’s able to do just about anything. He’s got great tactical understanding, he’s played as a fullback. He’s got such a strong ability.” pic.twitter.com/32HIWOZmUy
— Dan Orlowitz (@aishiterutokyo) May 23, 2022
Re: Kengo episodes, Hatate mentions the two practicing passes before he joined Kawasaki Frontale, and Kengo speaking to him during a Kanagawa Derby against Yokohama FM. pic.twitter.com/tMIKzAAWaf
— Dan Orlowitz (@aishiterutokyo) May 23, 2022