The Japanese baseball commissioner's office said Friday it has approved Chunichi Dragons outfielder Kosuke Fukudome to join the nation's squad for the World Baseball Classic.
The 30-man roster is set, with Fukudome filling the spot of New York Yankees outfielder Hideki Matsui, who decided not to take it last week.
In 2005, Fukudome batted .328 with 28 homers and a career-high 103 RBIs.
Seattle Mariners outfielder Ichiro Suzuki, Chicago White Sox infielder Tadahito Iguchi and Seibu Lions pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka are on the team.
In the first round of the 16-nation tournament, Japan will face China, Taiwan and South Korea at Tokyo Dome on March 3-5.