Shingo Katayama, who took the money rankings title for the second straight year, was named the Most Valuable Player by the Japan Golf Tour Organization on Monday.
Katayama, who claimed the money rankings crown for the third time overall, won the MVP title for the first time in five years and second time in his career.
The number of titles won during the season, money-ranking position and average number of strokes are converted into points to decide the winner of the award.
Katayama, who suffered from back strain problems toward the end of the season, captured his first Japan Open in October.