Ventforet Kofu announced the arrival of Taisuke Akiyoshi, the first Japanese to play in Bulgaria’s top flight, on a full transfer on Friday.

The midfielder made history in 2012 when he signed for A Grupa side Slavia Sofia, and has since played for Bosnia’s Zvijezda Gradacac and Austria’s Sturm Graz.

“I’m grateful to Ventforet Kofu for offering me this contract,” the 26-year-old said. “I want to work hard in order to adjust to playing in Japan and adapt to the style of football here.”

Akiyoshi has spent his entire career to date abroad, his early days traceable to the Singaporean S.League with Albirex Niigata Singapore and Singapore Armed Forces Warriors FC.