Kashima Antlers had a stellar May, taking 16 of a possible 18 points to move into the title race, and Ranko Popović has been named Manager of the Month for leading that outstanding effort.

Kashima began the month in sixth place, but finished it in second after winning five and drawing another in May. They outscored opponents by a combined 15-6 on the month as Popović orchestrated both a dynamic attack and excellent defense.

The manager has guided Antlers into the thick of the title race as the J.League’s most historically successful club makes a serious bid for a record ninth crown.

Vegalta Sendai’s Yoshiro Moriyama took home top manager honors in J2 after guiding his side to a terrific May. They won four of five matches, climbing an astounding 10 spots in the table to third place by the end of the month.

J3 Manager of the Month was awarded to Shuhei Terada. His Fukushima United FC side won all three of their contests in May, going from the relegation fight all the way up to eighth place.