It is the second spell with the Japanese champions for the 'other Nakata'.

The 28 year-old can play in defence or midfield and has just finished his two-year contract with the Swiss club. He joined Basel in 2006 from Marseilles.

Kashima was where it all started for the player.

After a good start to the 2008 J-League season, the title-holders have slipped down the table.

Nakata has appeared 57 times for Japan and turned out 144 times in the J-League.