Kazuyoshi Miura, who turns 59 in February and is the world's oldest professional footballer, has agreed to a loan deal until June with J3 League club Fukushima United.
The transfer means Miura could play in the J.League - encompassing the highest tiers of football in Japan - for the first time in half a decade.
The former Japan striker, who began his professional journey with the Brazilian club Santos in 1986, failed to score in just over an hour across seven appearances last season while on loan at fourth-tier club Atletico Suzuka.
"My passion for football remains undimmed, no matter how old I get," he said as he prepares for a 41st season as a pro footballer.
"I'm very grateful to be given this opportunity. I promise I will play with all my heart to make a contribution. Together, we can create a legacy!"
Known as 'King Kazu' in Japan, this will be Miura's fourth temporary move since 2022 from J2 League side Yokohama FC.
Miura, 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 international career that ended in 2000, shortly following his surprising exclusion from the squad for Japan's maiden FIFA World Cup campaign.
The footballer, who has expressed a desire for playing until he is 60, said he was ready to "embrace a fresh test" after being demoted last season to the country's lower regional divisions.
Fukushima United ended the season in tenth place in the twenty-club third division last season.
