Forward Yusaku Ueno moved to Kyoto on Friday as he joined relegated Purple Sanga after just one season at J. League first division club Sanfrecce Hiroshima.
Kyoto, relegated to the second division this year, also announced the return of goalkeeper Masahiko Nakagawa after a spell on loan to Nagoya Grampus Eight.
Meanwhile, striker Shinya Mitsuoka went in the other direction as he signed for J2 side Vegalta Sendai after failing to play a single league or cup game for Kyoto this season.
Vegalta also completed the signing of on-loan defender Toshihiro Yahata, 20, on a short-term contract from newly crowned J1 champions the Kashima Antlers.
Albirex boss
NIIGATA (Kyodo) Former Yokohama Flugels manager Yasuharu Sorimachi has signed a two-year deal to take charge of Albirex Niigata, officials of the J. League second division club announced Friday.
Sorimachi, 36, a former Japan international, will take over from Yoshikazu Nagai, whose current contract expires on Jan. 31, Albirex officials confirmed.