Kazuyoshi Miura, set to turn 59 next month and is recognized globally as football's most senior pro, has signed a temporary transfer until June with J3 League club Fukushima United.
This move means Miura could play in the J.League - the top three divisions of Japanese football - for the initial occasion in five years.
The former Japan striker, who began his professional journey with Brazilian side Santos in 1986, failed to score in 69 minutes across seven appearances last season while on loan at JFL side Atletico Suzuka.
"My love for the game remains undimmed, regardless of my age," 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 everything I have to help the team. Together, we can create a legacy!"
Referred to as 'King Kazu' in Japan, this will be Miura's fourth loan since 2022 from second division club Yokohama FC.
The veteran, who has also featured in Australia, Italy, and Croatia, signed for the club in 2005 but has not played a minute 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 surprising exclusion from the squad for Japan's maiden FIFA World Cup campaign.
Miura, 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 the country's lower regional divisions.
Fukushima United ended the season in tenth place in the 20-team third division last season.
