Gamba Osaka's Brazilian goal machine Araujo, whose goal-a-game average helped his side win the J. League first division this season, was named J. League Player of the Year on Tuesday.
The 28-year-old striker, who will leave Gamba at the end of their Emperor's Cup campaign, scored 33 goals in as many league matches this term, including two in the 4-2 win over Kawasaki Frontale that helped Akira Nishino's men win their first league title on the final day of the season.
The Golden Boot winner joined fellow J. League first-division side Shimizu S-Pulse from Brazilian club Goias FC in 2004 before moving to Expo Stadium this year.