"I'm preparing to compete (at the nationals) and want to increase my motivation," said Kitajima, who currently lives in Los Angeles and restarted training at the end of June at the pool facility at the University of Southern California.

Kitajima opted out of this year's nationals and the world championships in Rome in July.

When asked which events he plans on competing in this year, Kitajima said, "I have pretty much decided but it is a secret."

Kitajima was speaking at an event for elementary school children at Tokyo Tatsumi International Swimming Center.

Swimming sources in July said Kitajima was planning to take part in the time trials at his training base at Tokyo Swimming Center in November and possibly other meets in the fall or later.