Japan are on the lookout for a new coach only two months before the World Cup begins after sacking Vahid Halilhodzic following a poor recent run of form.
The decision was announced by the Japan Football Association on Monday, with the news personally delivered to Halilhodzic on Saturday by president Kozo Tashima.
The 65-year-old, who hails from Bosnia-Herzegovina, steered Japan to Russia as group winners in their AFC qualifying group, but is believed to have been under pressure following the 1-1 draw against Mali and 2-1 defeat versus Ukraine in the March international window.
JFA technical director Akira Nishino has been chosen as Halilhodzic's replacement with just 10 weeks to go until Japan kick off their World Cup campaign.