Shohei Otani, the slugging ace of the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters, was among 10 first-time winners of the Best Nine Awards announced by Nippon Professional Baseball on Tuesday.

The flame-throwing right-hander Otani led the Pacific League in wins, winning percentage and ERA. Joining him as a Best Nine debutant is Seibu Lions center fielder Shogo Akiyama, who set NPB's single-season hit record this year with 216 and received a league-high 221 votes.

"I want to prepare well enough so I can keep winning this from next year," the 21-year-old Otani said. "I'll do my best to be Japan champion next season and win this on top of that."