Kazuyoshi Miura, who turns 59 in February and is the world's oldest professional footballer, has finalized a loan deal until June with J3 League club Fukushima United.
The transfer means Miura could play in the Japanese professional league - the top three divisions of Japanese football - for the first time in five years.
The former Japan striker, who started his career with the Brazilian club Santos in 1986, did not find the net in 69 minutes across seven outings last season while on loan at fourth-tier club Atletico Suzuka.
"My passion for football hasn't changed, regardless of my age," he said as he prepares for a 41st season as a pro footballer.
"I'm very grateful to be presented with this chance. I vow I will play with everything I have to make a contribution. Together, we can create a legacy!"
Known as 'King Kazu' in Japan, this will be Miura's fourth loan since 2022 from second division club Yokohama FC.
Miura, who has also featured in Italy, Croatia and Australia, joined the club in 2005 but has not played a minute for them since 2020.
He scored 55 goals in 89 games in an international career that concluded in 2000, two years after his surprising exclusion 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 finished 10th in the 20-team third division last season.
