Kazuyoshi Miura, who turns 59 in February and is the world's oldest professional footballer, has finalized a temporary transfer until June with J3 League club Fukushima United.
This move means Miura might feature in the J.League - the top three divisions of football in Japan - for the first time in half a decade.
The ex-international forward, who began his professional journey with Brazilian side Santos in 1986, failed to score in 69 minutes across seven outings last season while on loan at fourth-tier club Atletico Suzuka.
"My passion for football hasn't changed, no matter how old I get," he said as he prepares for a 41st season as a professional footballer.
"I am truly thankful to be given this opportunity. I vow I will play with everything I have to help the team. Let's make history together!"
Referred to as 'King Kazu' in Japan, this will be Miura's fourth temporary move since 2022 from second division club Yokohama FC.
The veteran, who has also featured in Italy, Croatia and Australia, joined the club in 2005 but has remained absent from the pitch for them since 2020.
He netted 55 goals in 89 games in an career for the national team that ended in 2000, shortly following his notable omission from the squad for Japan's maiden FIFA World Cup campaign.
The footballer, who has talked of playing until he is 60, said he was ready to "take on a new challenge" after being demoted last season to Japan's regional leagues.
Fukushima ended the season in tenth place in the twenty-club J3 League last season.
