Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles right-hander Masahiro Tanaka and Chiba Lotte Marines first baseman Tadahito Iguchi took the most valuable player awards for the month of May, the Pacific League said Wednesday.

It was the 24-year-old Tanaka's eighth time receiving the monthly MVP — the most ever for a PL pitcher. Tanaka has won at least one monthly award in five consecutive seasons, the second-longest streak in league history after the seven-year stretch compiled by Ichiro Suzuki in his days with the Orix BlueWave.

Hanshin Tigers lefty Atsushi Nomi and Chunichi Dragons third baseman Hector Luna won the accolade for pitchers and position players, respectively, in the Central League.

"This is not something that I could've done on my own," said Tanaka, who was fourth with an ERA of 2.13. "I am thankful to my teammates, staff and everyone."