Brazilian striker Emerson is preparing to apply for Japanese citizenship, local media reported Sunday.
Emerson, who plays for the Urawa Reds in the J. League, will likely file his application for citizenship with the Justice Ministry in March, the Nikkan Sports newspaper reported Sunday on its Web site.
Emerson, 22, won last year's J. League Player of the Year award when he scored 18 goals in 25 matches for Urawa.
Japan's Brazilian-born coach Zico has reportedly been encouraging Emerson to seek Japanese citizenship.