Hara will take charge of Japan on interim basis

Tokyo, Japan (Sports Network) - Hiromi Hara, the technical director of the Japanese Football Association, will take charge of the national team for a pair of upcoming friendlies as he continues to search for a new manager.

Japan advanced to the second round of the 2010 World Cup under former boss Takeshi Okada, but the 55-year-old stepped down following the tournament, leaving Hara to find a suitable replacement.

However, the search has not gone as planned with former Real Madrid coach Manuel Pellegrini and Olympiakos boss Ernesto Valverade both turning down the opportunity to lead the Blue Samurai.

Hara will now take charge of Japan for its friendly against Paraguay on September 4, while also leading the team in another friendly three days later against Guatemala.