Isao Aoki, one of Japan's most successful golfers, celebrated the 50th year of his career Friday, with Prime Minster Shinzo Abe among guests that joined him at a party in Tokyo.

Former Yomiuri Giants manager Shigeo Nagashima was also at the party for the 72-year-old, which was attended by around 800 guests.

"Thinking about it now it seems short," Aoki, the first Japanese man to win on the U.S. tour at the 1983 Hawaiian Open and a five-time money winner on the Japanese tour, said of his career.

Aoki is back playing again after going through a tough rehabilitation program following surgery on his left knee in May.

"That (surgery) put a dampener on the year," said Aoki. "I will double my efforts next year."