Yomiuri Giants skipper Tatsunori Hara says he will step down following his team's exit from the Central League playoffs.

Hara's job had been reportedly in jeopardy should the Giants fall short of winning a fourth straight CL pennant this year. Hara, who was in his second stint as skipper, won seven CL pennants and three Japan Series championships over 12 seasons in charge.

"We fought with all our strength, and the results are what they are," Hara told reporters at Jingu Stadium on Saturday after his club lost three straight to the CL champion Tokyo Yakult Swallows.