Koki Mizuno

After graduating from Shimizu Commercial High School, Mizuno joined JEF United Ichihara (later JEF United Chiba) in 2004. He was the MVP of the 2006 J.League Cup competition.[2]

Celtic's interest was confirmed by chief executive Peter Lawwell in January 2008 who explained that the club planned on signing Mizuno, if he was granted a work permit.[6]

After initially being denied a permit, Gordon Strachan took part in an appeal hearing in which he described his other Japanese import Shunsuke Nakamura as a "flawless performer" and "The best player I have ever worked with, and that includes [Kenny] Dalglish and [Gary] McAllister", and claimed that Mizuno was a young player of immense talent and potential. The appeal was successful[7] and Celtic completed the signing of Koki Mizuno on 29 January 2008. On 18 July 2008, Mizuno made his debut in a 2–0 pre-season friendly win over Southampton. On 8 November, he made his league debut for Celtic in a 2–0 victory over Motherwell, replacing Scott McDonald in the 88th minute and, on 21 December 2008, he made his first start in a game against Falkirk. He scored his first goal for Celtic in the 90th minute of the match, assisted by a pass from Shunsuke Nakamura.[8] On 1 July 2010, Mizuno was released by Celtic.[9]

In the summer of 2010, Mizuno signed for J2 League side Kashiwa Reysol.[10] In his first game for Kashiwa, he suffered a knee ligament injury which sidelined him for the rest of the 2010 season.