In a year that will be remembered for the huge triumphs by the Giants of both NPB and MLB, Yomiuri catcher Shinnosuke Abe finally won the big prize.

Abe's spectacular 2012 campaign was capped on Wednesday when he was named the Central League MVP for the first time prior to the 2012 NPB convention.

Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters pitcher Mitsuo Yoshikawa was the Pacific League winner.