Kevin Youkilis has agreed to a one-year contract with the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles.
"He's looking at this as a terrific life experience for his family," agent Joe Bick said. "There were a number of opportunities and inquiries and conversations that took place here [in the U.S.]. But in the final analysis, this is what the family decided they wanted to do."
Youkilis, 34, is a three-time All-Star and .281 career hitter in 10 seasons.