Kawasaki Frontale on Thursday announced the signings of Omiya Ardija midfielder Akihiro Ienaga and Albirex Niigata defender Michael James Fitzgerald.

Ienaga led Ardija to their best-ever fifth-place finish in last years’ MEIJI YASUDA J1 League with 11 goals from 26 matches.

Meanwhile, former New Zealand international James, who took Japanese citizenship in 2013, played in 22 matches for Albirex.

“It’s an incredible honor to join a club with as great a history as Kawasaki Frontale’s,” Ienaga said. “I can’t wait to fight together with our supporters on the Todoroki Stadium pitch.”

“I’m very happy to join this team and want to show our supporters a new me on the pitch,” added James. “I want to contribute to a championship for Frontale.”