The midfielder is reported to have agreed terms with the Foxes - however both parties face an anxious wait to see if the deal can be completed due to international clearance rules.
Despite being capped 49 times by his country and featuring in all four of Japan's World Cup matches in South Africa, rules and regulations state that a player must have played 75% of his clubs international matches in the last two years.
However, because of Abe's contribution to the international set up, it is believed an exception will be made and the player will be given permission to join City from J-League side Urawa Reds.
Meanwhile, Paolo Sousa has signed Wolves' 24-year-old goalkeeper Carl Ikeme on a 28-day emergency loan to provide cover whilst number one Chris Weale remains sidelined with a minor shoulder injury.