Avispa Fukuoka on Saturday announced the appointment of former Japan international Ryoichi Kawakatsu as manager of the J. League first division club.
Kawakatsu, 48, will succeed Hiroshi Matsuda, 45, who was fired late last month because of his side's lackluster performances this season.
Fukuoka earned promotion back to the top flight after a five-year absence this season but is now languishing in 16th place on eight points with a 1-6 record and five draws in league matches.