Ahead of the new Japanese season, many eyes are on the return of stars from Europe who are back in the J-League in order to get playing time before the World Cup.

The biggest name is that of Shunsuke Nakamura. The midfielder is back in the J-League for the first time since 2002 and the new season kicks off on Saturday.

After spells in Italy with Reggina, in Scotland with Celtic and a brief time in Spain with Espanyol, the former Scottish Player of the Year is once again a Yokohama F. Marinos player.

He now wants the title.

“I hope to use my experience to Yokohama’s benefit,” Nakamura told reporters in Japan..

“There is also pressure on me as people will expect me to deliver but the aim is to win the J-League title here.”

Nakamura struggled for playing time at Espanyol and is ready to show any doubters what he can do.

“On the plane coming over I was thinking that the disappointment of Spain will give me extra motivation,” Nakamura added.