The J.League appointed Kashima Antlers President Kazumi Ohigashi as its new chairman at an extraordinary board meeting on Tuesday.
The 61-year-old Ohigashi will succeed Kenji Onitake, who stepped down after completing his two-year term. Ohigashi will become the second chairman from Kashima, following Masaru Suzuki in 2002-06.
"After Japan's successful run in the World Cup, the Japanese people are watching soccer with more attention," Ohigashi said in a press conference. "It is our aim to bring the J.League closer to the world level. I also want to help strengthen the national team."
Ohigashi, a former member of the national rugby team, became the president of Kashima in 2006 and supported the team's run to an unprecedented three consecutive J.League crowns in 2007-09.