Sonny Bill Williams arrived in Japan on Thursday, boosting the profile of the game in the country ahead of its 2019 hosting of the Rugby World Cup.
After being part of the All Blacks line-up that crushed Australia 22-0, will play with 2010 Top League winners, Panasonic Wild Knights.
Coach Norifumi Nakajima said it was exciting to have a player of Williams' calibre on board.
"I'm really happy that Sonny Bill Williams, one of the best centre backs in the world, has joined the Panasonic Wild Knights this season," he said.
"I think his performance will have a great impact not only for the Wild Knights but also the Japanese rugby world.
"I'm sure that he will help us to make further progress. He will be a great help to regain the titles of the Top League and the national championships."
The 27-year-old Rugby World Cup winner, who helped the Chiefs to the Super Rugby title in 2012, bagged a host of national caps for his native New Zealand in his rugby union spell.
However, the All Blacks' policy of only selecting players who ply their trade in New Zealand will likely put an end to his international career, for the time being at least.
Williams is also the reigning New Zealand Boxing Association heavyweight champion.
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