The 29-year-old Japan international, who had spells in England with Arsenal, Fulham and West Brom, made 19 appearances for Frankfurt last season before making the switch to France on a free transfer.

He will join up once more with Frederic Antonetti, who coached Inamoto during a spell with J.League side Gamba Osaka in the late 1990s.

"I worked with Frederic Antonetti for nearly two seasons, and he is very popular in Japan," Inamoto told the Rennes official website, www.staderennais.com.

"I like him as a coach and I wanted to work alongside him once again."

He added: "There are several Japanese players in the French league, such as (Saint Etienne midfielder Daisuke) Matsui. I've seen the DVDs and it's a high-quality league."

Rennes general manager Pierre Dreossi added: "He is a player we've been following for a long time.

"He's a midfielder who's played at the highest level both in club football and with the national side.

"The fact that he was available for free was not the most important factor. This was a decision made purely and simply for sporting reasons."