Chunichi Dragons right-hander Kenshin Kawakami and Fukuoka Daiei Hawks infielder Nobuhiko Matsunaka were named the Most Valuable Players of the 2004 season on Wednesday.
Kawakami, who posted a career-high 17 wins for the Central League champion, won his first MVP honors by a wide margin over teammates Kazuyoshi Tatsunami and Masahiro Yamamoto, who received the second and third most votes.
"I didn't expect to win this award so I'm happy. I believe I was credited for doing my best. I also won the Sawamura Award and it was a dream-come-true season," said Kawakami.