The Tokyo Yakult Swallows have removed the "acting" title from manager Junji Ogawa as they announced his return as skipper for the 2011 season on Monday.
Ogawa was promoted from head coach in late May to replace Shigeru Takada, who quit after the Swallows started the year 13-32. Since Ogawa took over, Yakult has gone 50-31 with three ties.
"I'm not going to do anything differently," Ogawa said. "I'll work with the players just as I always have done. I think next season will make or break me; if I can't do the job well next year, I don't think I'll ever be able to do it."