Akito Suzuki was sterling up front for Shonan Bellmare in February and March, showing just how promising the 20-year-old is. For that terrific play, Suzuki has been awarded the season’s first J1 Young Player of the Month.

Suzuki started all five of Bellmare’s games in February and March, scoring his first goal of the season in the 82nd minute to beat Kyoto Sanga, 2-1.

He then followed that up with a two-goal showing in a 4-4 draw with Urawa Reds.

Bellmare had a young star forward in Shuto Machino, but they sold him to Holstein Kiel in Germany last summer. Now, it appears as if they have their new star in Suzuki.

J2’s Young Player of the Month went to V-Varen Nagasaki’s Hayato Tanaka. The 20-year-old center back went the full 90 in each of his club’s games as they conceded just six goals in seven matches through the end of March.

Young Player of the Month in J3 was also awarded to a defender, Rion Ichihara. The 18-year-old started in four of Omiya Ardija’s contests as they conceded only twice — and Ichihara added a goal of his own to boot.