Newly appointed Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters manager Hideki Kuriyama said Wednesday the job comes with a great sense of responsibility.
"I'm a bit scared," Kuriyama told a press conference in a Sapporo hotel as he was introduced by the club. "I feel heavy responsibility."
The 50-year-old former Yakult Swallows outfielder was a sportscaster after retiring in 1990 at the age of 29 and has no coaching experience.
"I'd like to create an exciting team," Kuriyama said.
Masataka Nashida, the former manager, stepped down after four seasons.
The Fighters were eliminated by the Seibu Lions in two games in the first stage of the Pacific League Climax Series in late October.