Kazuyoshi Miura, who turns 59 in February and is recognized globally as football's most senior pro, has signed a loan deal until June with J3 League club Fukushima United.
This move means Miura could play in the J.League - the top three divisions of football in Japan - for the first time 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 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 presented with this chance. I promise I will play with everything I have to make a contribution. Let's make history together!"
Known as 'King Kazu' in Japan, this will be Miura's fourth loan since 2022 from J2 League side Yokohama FC.
Miura, who has also featured in Australia, Italy, and Croatia, signed for 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 first World Cup finals appearance.
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 ended the season in tenth place in the 20-team J3 League last season.
