Japan's multiple Olympic swim king Kosuke Kitajima has no plans to hang up his ­goggles, promising to come back ­stronger after missing qualification for this year's Pan Pacific and Asian Games.

"For the time being I won't be retiring," the 31-year-old - and Japan's most-decorated swimmer - told reporters after failing to make Sunday's 200 meters breaststroke final at the Japan Open.

The 31-year-old in 2008 ­became the first man to do the 100 and 200 meters breaststroke double at two Olympic Games, but after also missing out in the 100 in the ­Tokyo event, his future was ­immediately plunged into doubt.