Former Germany forward Lukas Podolski will move to Japan at the end of the season.
The 31-year-old, who was part of his country's 2014 World Cup-winning squad, is currently with Turkish side Galatasaray but announced on Instagram on Thursday that he would join Vissel Kobe in the summer.
He said: "It's not a decision against Galatasaray, it's a decision I made for a new challenge, and I will explain more when the time is right. But right now my only focus is helping Galatasaray and our fantastic fans!"
The Poland-born striker came through the ranks at Cologne and had a second stint at the club after three years with Bayern Munich between 2006 and 2009.