NZ Rugby has added a test against Japan in Tokyo to the front end of the All Blacks' northern hemisphere tour in November.
New Zealand are already scheduled to face Wales at Principality Stadium on November 6 (NZ time) - the first of three tests in the United Kingdom - but will now stop off on the way to take on the 'Brave Blossoms' on October 29.
The two nations have met four times - the last was a 69-31 victory to the All Blacks in 2018.
"Rugby in Japan has grown its profile in recent years and that's been reflected in the results of the national team, so the All Blacks will expect a tough test in Tokyo," said NZ rugby chief executive Mark Robinson.
"We are looking forward to building on our relationship with Japan Rugby and our partner Taisho Pharmaceutical in October. Taisho’s support for this fixture has been key and I have no doubt it will be a great occasion seeing the two teams play at the National Stadium."
Japan are coached by former All Blacks loose forward Jamie Joseph, assisted by outgoing Highlanders coach Tony Brown, and are coming off a two-test defeat by France last month.
"Today's announcement is tremendous news that will be welcomed by our fans in Japan and around the world," said Joseph. "We're very much looking forward to hosting the All Blacks in Tokyo and playing in front of our home fans.
"We are excited to be now facing New Zealand at home, and then England and France on our European tour, three teams that will be in line to lift the Webb Ellis Cup next year in Paris. This is the level of competition that we need to be testing ourselves against to strengthen our squad ahead of next year's World Cup."
The All Blacks are also scheduled to face Scotland at Murrayfield on November 14 and England at Twickenham on November 19.
