Yakult Swallows right-hander Kenjiro Kawasaki, who declared free agency last month, announced Sunday his decision to join Central League rivals the Chunichi Dragons.

Kawasaki, who turned down a $6.6 million offer over two years from the Boston Red Sox on Wednesday, said: "(The Dragons were) the first team that raised their hand after I declared free agency and they were sincere and enthusiastic."

Kawasaki went 8-10 this season with a 3.55 earned run average. He is 88-80 with a 3.63 ERA in his 12-year professional career. He led the CL with 17 wins and was named the winner of the Sawamura Award in 1998.

"I only decided on Chunichi very recently," Kawasaki said at the Yakult clubhouse in Tokyo. "I haven't had the big numbers these past couple years, but Chunichi likes the way I've always done well against the (Yomiuri) Giants."

Chunichi manager Senichi Hoshino was pleased with the news, saying in Nagoya, "We've strengthened one of our weaknesses.

"We share a common wish to knock off the Giants and I think he will also have a positive affect on the other pitchers."

Dragons won the CL pennant in 1999 and finished second to Yomiuri this past season.

The 29-year-old right-hander told the Yakult Swallows on Nov. 8 that he would become a free agent and was actively pursued by Chunichi, Yakult and the Red Sox.

Last week, Kawasaki cited family reasons for deciding to turn down the offer from the Red Sox.