The 27-year-old made three appearances for the Saints, scoring in the 4-1 Capital One Cup win at Stevenage in August, but has yet to feature in the Barclays Premier League.
Lee, who has seen his progress hampered by injury, will return to the J-League when their season starts next month, subject to international clearance.
Southampton hope the striker will return for pre-season in the summer.
James Horncastle explains how Italy's Andrea … More »
Pitchside Europe - 7 hours agoPaul Parker believes Joe Kinnear's appointment as … More »
Paul Parker - 11 hours agoThis summer Eurosport is counting down the … More »
Pitchside Europe - 17 hours agoEarly Doors revels in Tahiti's showing at the … More »
Early Doors - 20 hours agoThis summer Eurosport is counting down the … More »
Pitchside Europe - Mon, Jun 17, 2013 09:54 BST