Papas, 38, from Melbourne, has most recently been coaching in India's booming ISL. 

There he was an assistant coach with North-East United under Dutch coach Eelco Schattorie and alongside another young Aussie coach Shaun Ontong.

Although Papas has been an assistant coach at Melbourne Heart and Newcastle Jets, he began his coaching career as a head coach in the Victorian NPL - during which time he plotted two successful FFA Cup runs with Oakleigh Cannons and Green Gully.

"He's a fantastic man manager, he knows how to get the best out of players. And his attention to detail is incredible," Ontong told FTBL. 

Papas has predominantly coached abroad.

He managed the Indian U23s side for three years from 2012 as well as working with Indian clubs Goa and Dempo.

Papas also teamed up with Schattorie in the Saudi Pro League in the latter part of 2017.

In Yokohama, Papas will work with former Australia and Brisbane Roar coach Ange Postecoglou and ex-Australian national team assistant coach Pete Clamosvki.

The club, part owned by Melbourne City's UAE-based City Football Group, will spend much of January in camp preparing for the new season.

Postecoglou’s men finished 12th last season in the 18-team J-League, but changed to playing an extremely attractive brand of football, with only champions Kawasaki Frontale outscoring the club in the league.