Germany, Jun 13: Hannover has signed Japan defender Hiroki Sakai from defending J-League champion Kashiwa Reysol.
The Bundesliga side says in a statement that the 22-year-old right back will be contracted to June 30, 2016.
Hannover does not give details of a transfer fee.
Sakai came through the ranks of Kashiwa's youth setup and helped the club to the title last year after securing promotion the year before.
He was named the J-League newcomer of the year last year, when he was also named in the league's team of the season.
Sakai played 61 games for Kashiwa, scoring five goals and setting up 13 more.
He was recently capped for Japan and is due to play for the Olympic team at the London Games.
