J. League first-division side Kawasaki Frontale on Tuesday announced they have signed a pair of players whose clubs have been relegated to the second division.

The 30-year-old defender Sota Nakazawa leaves Gamba Osaka, where he scored two goals in 19 games last year, while 25-year-old Masaki Yamamoto moves from Consadole Sapporo. The midfielder scored three goals last season in 25 games.

In other news Tuesday, Ventforet Kofu, who will be promoted to the J. League's first division this season, said they have signed Yokohama F. Marinos defender Naoaki Aoyama.

The 26-year-old Aoyama has scored five goals in 138 top league matches. Aoyama played in seven games last season, starting four times in the closing weeks.

Also, Kofu said that goalkeeper Kohei Kawata will join the club on loan from Gamba. Kawata played 10 games at the end of the season for J2 Avispa Fukuoka, where he spent the year on loan.