After a midweek win over St Mirren at Celtic Park last season, just as the controversy about theRangers participation in the Sydney Cup got underway, The Celtic Star asked Ange Postecoglou at the post-match media conference if Celtic were considering adding a few matches in Japan while they were in that part of the World later this year.
Ange reckoned it would be a great idea but that there would be difficulties fitting a trip to Japan into a very tight schedule. What he didn’t do was rule it out completely and the news today suggests that there was a very good reason for Ange leaving that door slightly ajar, and indeed these games are being planned not for this winder but for summer 2023.
Here’s what Ange told The Celtic Star about the possibility of playing some games in Japan: “It would be great, but I don’t think we’ve got the time. Look, it’s something I’m pushing for as well because I know the interest in Japan will be phenomenal.
“That’s one place we’ve definitely got hordes of new supporters for sure, not because of me, but because of the likes of Kyogo, Reo, Daizen and Yosuke.
“It’s an opportunity for this football club to continue to grow and, you know, spread the love.”
Reports from Japan are now stating that Celtic marketing executives have made several visits to Japan and are close to agreeing a two match tour of the country to capitalise on the club’s high profile after the signings of Kyogo a year ago and Meade, Hatate and Ideguchi in the January transfer window.
And don’t forget that Celtic also recruited Ange Postecoglou from the J-League to the ties to football in Japan is very strong and even historic when you recall the huge impact that Nakamura had wearing the hoops previously.
Celtic’s social media output in Japan has been pro-active since the arrival of Kyogo and now the club are planning to build on this popularity by visiting Japan.
Sponichi reports what I’ve been calling for months: Celtic planning a summer tour of Japan in 2023. Marketing staff have already made several trips to lay out the groundwork.
Two matches expected against J.League sides including, of course, Yokohama FM.https://t.co/JCv5ojI7yM
— Dan Orlowitz (@aishiterutokyo) July 11, 2022
Dan Orlowitz has posted this update, mentioning a report in Japan outlet Sponichi.
“Sponichi reports what I’ve been calling for months: Celtic planning a summer tour of Japan in 2023. Marketing staff have already made several trips to lay out the groundwork.
Two matches expected against J.League sides including, of course, Yokohama FM.”
He added: “This is such a tap-in that the only surprise, to me, is that it took until now for something to leak, but I suppose there’s no urgency 1+ year out.
Expect Vissel Kobe are a strong contender for 2nd game, but first they need to get out of the relegation spot (and keep Iniesta).
“Of concern to those anticipating the Japanese Bhoys’ participation will be the Asian Cup (likely hosted in SK or maybe Japan).
“Would-be traveling support should keep in mind that as of this tweet, Japan’s borders are still closed to almost all tourists.
“Obviously hopes/expectations are that the latter issue is resolved by Summer 2023, because if it isn’t, then, uh, yikes.
Also don’t look up flight prices right now if you are pregnant or have a heart condition, just saying.”
Of concern to those anticipating the Japanese Bhoys’ participation will be the Asian Cup (likely hosted in SK or maybe Japan).
Would-be traveling support should keep in mind that as of this tweet, Japan’s borders are still closed to almost all tourists.
— Dan Orlowitz (@aishiterutokyo) July 11, 2022
Obviously hopes/expectations are that the latter issue is resolved by Summer 2023, because if it isn’t, then, uh, yikes.
Also don’t look up flight prices right now if you are pregnant or have a heart condition, just saying.
— Dan Orlowitz (@aishiterutokyo) July 11, 2022
Morning Gossip: Negotiations underway for season 23/24 tour of Japan to play against J league opposition. Players looking sharp in pre season with Turnbull impressed with Kyoko “I think just his movement & his runs in behind are brilliant. Sometimes he’s even one step ahead". HH pic.twitter.com/5kKiI2VmtJ
— Celtic Gossip (@CelticGossip) July 12, 2022
