Lukas Podolski arrived in Japan on Thursday to a raucous reception by his new club, Vissel Kobe.

After reaching Kansai International Airport early on a Thursday, a chartered jet ferried the 31-year-old striker to Kobe Airport, where he greeted hundreds of fans surrounding a red carpet with photos and autographs.

Podolski was later formally unveiled by Vissel owner Hiroshi Mikitani in a joint press conference.

The former German international, who will wear the No. 10 in his new home, is expected to make his debut following the J.League's summer break.