Inamoto became part of the sudden influx of Asian players into the English game when he signed for Arsenal for an undisclosed fee in July 2001. He joined the Gunners from Gamba Osaka.
There were immediate claims that the Gunners had signed Inamoto purely to crack the huge merchandising market which exists in Asia, but the player will be out to prove his doubters wrong.
However, all did not go well in the early weeks of the player's Arsenal career - there were reports that he was depressed as being a mere substitute throughout the club's pre-season programme.
The Japanese international said: 'I believe I have the qualities to make it over here. I have watched the Premier League from Japan and obviously I know that it is very physical. But is also high quality and I believe I have the qualities to make it over here.'
Boss Arsene Wenger tracked Inamoto for more than two years before finally getting his man.
Made his Arsenal debut in a 3-2 win at home to Schalke 04 in the Champions League, but the Japanese star's outings were very limited after that. In fact, Inamoto made just four appearances for the club - and never appeared in the Premiership.
For Japan, however, it was a different story. He would turn out to be one of the stars of the 2002 World Cup in his home country.
Stories then surfaced that Inamoto had already been released by Arsenal. After scoring twice in the finals his value would have soared.
It then emerged that Arsenal had only signed the player on loan with the option to buy at the end of that 12-month period. When they decided against keeping the Osaka-born player he was sent back.
But it was only for a short time, as Fulham decided to keep the midfielder in London - he was desperate to be a success in the Premiership. Again it was a loan deal with the option of a permanent switch.
- WHO'S WHO