Toru Oniki: Difference between revisions

Japanese footballer

Toru Oniki (鬼木 達, Oniki Tōru; born April 20, 1974) is a Japanese football manager and former player. He is the currently manager of J1 League club, Kashima Antlers.

Oniki was born in Funabashi on April 20, 1974. After graduating from high school, he joined Kashima Antlers in 1993. He played as mainly defensive midfielder. However he could not become a regular player behind Jorginho and Yasuto Honda. In 1998, he moved to Japan Football League club Kawasaki Frontale on loan. He played as regular player and the club won the 2nd place. In 1999, although he returned to Antlers, he could not play many matches. In 2000, he moved to newly promoted J1 League club, Kawasaki Frontale again. In 2000, he played many matches and the club won the 2nd place 2000 J.League Cup. Although the club finished at bottom place in the league and was relegated to J2 League, he became a regular player from 2001 season. Although his opportunity to play decreased from 2003, the club won the champions in 2004 and was promoted to J1 League. He could hardly play in the match from 2005 and he retired end of 2006 season.

After retirement, Oniki began his coaching career with Kawasaki Frontale in 2007. He mainly served as a coach for the top team until 2016. In 2017, he was named manager. During Oniki’s tenure, the club would amass numerous titles, including four J1 League championships, two Emperor’s Cups, and one J.League Cup.

Oniki officially announced he would depart as manager due to his contract expiring at the end of 2024 season.^[1] He was subsequently announced as the new manager of his former club, the Kashima Antlers, starting from the 2025 season.^[2]

As of the end 2006 season.^[3]

As of 6 December 2025^[4]

Kawasaki Frontale

Kashima Antlers