The Tokyo Yakult Swallows said Wednesday they have named former Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters general manager Shigeru Takada as manager of the Central League team.
Takada, 62, has agreed on a three-year deal with Yakult and took over from Atsuya Furuta, who has stepped down following a two-year stint as player-manager after the Swallows finished last in the league for the first time in 21 years.
A former Yomiuri Giants player, Takada managed Nippon Ham for four years, starting in 1985, and became its general manager after the 2004 season, helping the club win back-to-back league titles in 2006-07.
Takada officially left Nippon Ham on Wednesday.