THE quiet-spoken Shunsuke Nakamura never considered himself a trailblazer, even though the Japanese midfielder left home as a young player to try his luck with Reggina in Italy.

His motivation was not to chase the big bucks on offer in Serie A, but to develop his game by playing in one of the best leagues in the world.

Likewise, Naka's decision to pack his boots and move to Celtic two years ago was fuelled by a desire to sample football in the Champions League, something he has achieved with some aplomb, as his sensational free-kick goals against Manchester United last season testify.

But, having made such a positive impact on his travels, and having gained a reputation as a wonderful ambassador for Japanese footballers, Naka now finds himself a role model for other J-league players who want to step on to the world stage.

The Japanese enclave within Parkhead is already growing. Naka came here on his own, but was soon followed by his wife and their infant son.

They are expecting the latest addition to their happy little family within the next few weeks.

But even before that happy arrival, the Japanese Bhoys' club will have another couple of additions, provided Koki Mizuno can reach agreement on the deal to bring him from JEF United.

Recently married, this prodigious 22-year-old believes this is the perfect time to bring his new wife here and launch the next phase of what is a blossoming career.

The lines of communication between the East End of Glasgow and the Far East are now firmly established. The route which once saw spices and silks brought back to these shores is now acting as the conduit for soccer skills.

Having been reunited over lunch with the somewhat-bemused Mizuno after he had watched training at Lennoxtown yesterday, Naka was very happy to lend his experience to the youngster, who he already knew from their Japanese national team gatherings last year.

Chances are that Nakamura had much to tell his contemporary, with every morsel of his advice eagerly consumed by Mizuno. Naka would not sugar coat the pill, and the downside of uprooting from the distinctive Japanese culture would have been laid bare.

The SPL Player of the Year - who is aiming to make his long-awaited return from injury against Stirling Albion in the Scottish Cup tomorrow - has already admitted: "It's very difficult for a Japanese player coming to Europe.

"There are so many factors in different countries, ranging from the style of play to the obvious cultural differences.

"Sometimes you get racism as well - not in Scotland, but in Italy - which is not nice, and that probably explains why so few Japanese players have made it here."

Here being Europe rather than Scotland, where Nakamura has enjoyed a quiet life since arriving in August 2005.

Even living in the heart of the city which he now calls home has not caused any invasion into the privacy the 29-year-old so cherishes.

The fact he is perfectly at home spending the evening playing computer games with his wife and son or watching the latest DVD means it doesn't matter where he is in the world once that front door closes.

The fashion-conscious Mizuno and his young wife might hanker for more of a social life, and Glasgow will not disappoint, though pursuing such a lifestyle comes with all the Old Firm baggage in a divided city where you are as just as likely to be hysterically idolised as verbally abused.

Perhaps the best option for Mizuno would be to follow another of Naka's examples and elect not to become fluent in the local lingo.

Naka's faithful interpreter and part-time Highland dancer, Makoto, has been by his side throughout his time in this country.

He is ever ready and willing to do the necessary, whether it be in an interview with the press pack which follows Naka every day to supply the drip feed of information demanded by the newspapers in Japan, or even to relay manager Gordon Strachan's instructions during matches or training.

Nakamura laughs: "My son goes to nursery in Glasgow and speaks better English than I do."

He quickly reverts to his more-familiar serious self as he reflects on the importance of direct communication.

"In Italy I had a teacher who helped me with Italian. But here I'm doing everything myself.

"In any case, the most important thing is to communicate on the football pitch, and football has a language all of its own.

"It's not ideal in terms of speaking to the players and forming friendships. But it's not that big a problem, either.

"It was the same in Italy, but they have some good Japanese restaurants here in Glasgow."

It was not just the offer of a good meal out which helped Strachan persuade Naka to move.

When Celtic came calling, what the-then new manager wanted to serve up on the pitch was every bit as appetising to the man who had by then had had his fill of life at Reggina.

With trademark honesty, Nakamura recalled: "I was as surprised as everyone else when I came to Celtic.

"Playing in the Champions League was a major attraction, but so was the manager's approach.

"Strachan is a forward-thinking coach, which is different from the way I played in Italy. There the emphasis was more on defending, especially at a smaller club like Reggina.

"Celtic is a big club and their fans are the best I've known, so I have to keep rewarding them with good performances."

If Mizuno can become half as popular - or effective - as Naka, another star of the East will be born.