Inter Milan defender Yuto Nagatomo was named the Asian International Player of the Year at the Asian Football Confederation Awards on Tuesday evening.
The award goes to Asia's best player based outside the continent. China and Guangzhou Evergrande captain Zheng Zhi was recognized as the top player within the continent.
"It's an honor to receive such a fantastic award," said Nagatomo, who followed in the footsteps of last year's winner and international teammate, Shinji Kagawa of Manchester United.
"I'll keep working hard, to show the world Asia is only getting better."