Former Japan midfielder Shinji Ono is set to join Shimizu S-Pulse from Bundesliga side VfL Bochum, the J. League club said Saturday.
The 30-year-old has decided to return to Japan to increase his slim chances of making the 2010 World Cup squad, with about six months remaining on his contract with Bochum.
Ono moved to Bochum in January 2008 from Urawa Reds for his second stint in Europe. He also had a spell with Dutch side Feyenoord in 2001-05.
He played in the past three World Cups and has scored six goals in 56 matches for Japan.
In August 2008, Ono made his first national team appearance since the World Cup finals in Germany as Japan lost 3-1 to Uruguay in a friendly.
"I will do my best to help Shimizu win as many titles as possible," said Ono.