The first Konami Monthly MVP award for 2022 has been given to Ayase Ueda, whose sparkling form to start the season has catapulted Kashima Antlers up the table.

Ueda scored two goals in Kashima’s season-opening win over Gamba Osaka and added another goal in a win over Shonan Bellmare on March 19. His inch-perfect finishing and terrific movement made him a terror for opposing defenses and helped his team establish themselves as title contenders early on in the season.

Koki Ogawa was named Konami Monthly MVP in J2 for his excellent play in a Yokohama FC shirt. Ogawa scored six goals and added an assist in seven February and March matches for the Fulie, pushing his team to the top of the table and putting him atop the J2 scoring chart.

The top player for the month in J3 was Fukushima United’s Hiroki Higuchi. He had a goal and two assists in three matches, playing from midfield where he bossed the center of the pitch for his team.