Nadeshiko midfielder Fuka Nagano will join the North Carolina Courage in the National Women's Soccer League in the United States, her WE League side Mynavi Sendai said Tuesday.
"I want to take the experiences I gained at Mynavi Sendai and continue to challenge myself in the United States," said the 23-year-old, who according to Sendai will join on a one-year deal with an option for another year.
"Though I was only at Mynavi for 1½ years, I'm incredibly grateful to have played in the city I love as a member of this club."
Known for her passing ability, Nagano won both the Under-17 and Under-20 World Cups with Japan, and has been called up regularly to the senior Nadeshiko Japan side since last year with 10 appearances to her credit.
The Courage are co-owned by Japanese tennis star Naomi Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam winner. The club previously counted defender Yuri Kawamura, a member of Japan's 2015 Women's World Cup runner-up squad, among its players in 2017 and 2018.
“We are thrilled with the addition of Fuka to our team,” Courage head coach Sean Nahas said on the team's website. “She has an extremely high technical standard and soccer IQ. Her ability to break lines and find positive spaces to occupy is something we are excited to add to our midfield.
"We cannot wait to have her with us and look forward to adding her quality to our roster."
Nagano is the third Japanese player to make the jump from the WE League — which will kick off its second season in October — to the NWSL this season, following Portland Thorns midfielder Hina Sugita and Angel City forward Jun Endo.