Former Japan coach Takeshi Okada has been approached by the Japan Football Association for its vice president's post, a source close to the matter said Wednesday.

The two-time World Cup manager currently owns FC Imabari in the regional Shikoku League. He has previously served on the JFA's board of directors and it is hoped he will play a leading role in player improvement and development as vice president

"He isn't quitting Imabari but could accept the offer on a part-time basis," the source said.

The vice president role will be central to recently appointed president Kozo Tashima's new regime, which will begin work following a meeting of the directors on March 10 and the trustees on March 27.

Okada led Japan to its first World Cup in 1998 but lost all three group stage games in France. Japan reached the round of 16 in South Africa under him in 2010. At the club level, the 59-year-old led Yokohama F. Marinos to J. League titles in 2003 and 2004.