TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Kawasaki Frontale manager Toru Oniki, who has won a record four J-League first-division titles, is stepping down at the end of the season when his contract expires, the J1 club said Wednesday.

The 50-year-old, who managed current Japan internationals Hidemasa Morita, Kaoru Mitoma and Reo Hatate, won his maiden J-League title in 2017, his first season in charge after being promoted from a coaching role.

Oniki's attacking Kawasaki side won further J1 titles in 2018, 2020 and 2021 as well as the Emperor's Cups in 2020 and 2023 and the League Cup in 2019, but they are set to end a season without a trophy for the second time since he became manager.

"From the moment I started as a manager, I was braced for leaving the club one day," the former Kashima Antlers and Kawasaki midfielder said in an online press conference.

"This year especially, as the results are not coming our way. Only I can take responsibility."

Oniki has seen many of his top talents leave for Europe while in charge of Kawasaki, who sit 10th in J1 this season after 11 wins, 10 draws and 11 losses. His 157 J1 wins are fifth on the all-time list.