Kye Rowles has always fancied trying his hand in Japanese football.
The Hearts defender is currently in Tokyo with the Australian national set up as they prepare for what is likely to be an entertaining World Cup qualifier against Hajime Moriyasu’s squad.
Rowles will square off against familiar opponents from the Scottish Premiership with Celtic stars Daizen Maeda and Reo Hatate ready to take to the field for the Samurai Blue.
The 26-year-old’s side currently sit second in their qualifying table behind Japan who are on maximum points but the Socceroos are desperate to peg them back as they sit on just four points.
But Rowles had nothing but praise for his team’s foes as he waxed lyrical about the style played in the country and how he has always admired the culture.
The Jambos man also pointed to how well the Japanese contingent are coping in the Scottish Premiership including the likes of Yutaro Oda who joined from Vissel Kobe in 2023.
Kyosuke Tagawa also played at Tynecastle before he would eventually leave for Kashima Antlers after former boss Steven Naismith admitted his playing time might be limited this campaign.
With four years still remaining on his contract in Gorgie, Rowles has plenty of time to wait before he checks out – unless the club opt to cash-in before that.
Kye Rowles wants to play in Japan once he leaves Hearts
But he’s dreaming of one day potentially pulling on a jersey for a J League side and hopes to do so before the end of his career if he can pull Hearts back from the brink of the foot of the domestic league table this term.
“The football here is amazing, especially the last few years,” Rowles said. “It’s really come into the limelight – which is good obviously for Asian players as well.
“You can see them getting taken into the bigger leagues and excelling there as well. So obviously, the game and the league is at a really strong point.
“We’ve got a couple of boys over here doing well as well. That’s always good.
“You keep up to date with things over here, because you’re keen on how your boys are doing as well. Like I said, it’s just overall top quality and I would love to play here.
Australia face Japan where Rowles will come up against familiar Celtic opponents
“Whatever happens in my career happens I guess. I’m focused on where I am at Hearts at the moment and loving it but to try other parts as well would be great in your career.”
Rowles has managed nine appearances for his club so far this season as they continue to languish at the bottom of the division.
He has also played three times for Australia in a defeat to Bahrain, a draw with Indonesia and a victory over China.