The award is richly deserved as Takarada played a sterling role in Japan winning the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup for the first time in August.

In a Japanese side that grew in strength as the tournament progressed, Takarada contributed five goals, including one in the final which saw the Young Nadeshiko defeat Spain 3-1 with Takarada winning the Player of the Match award.

AFC President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa recently presented the award to Zhang Jilong in Beijing.

The AFC’s top accolade is the perfect recognition to a man who brought calm and peace to the Confederation at a critical point in its history and is true recognition of his service to football.

Through his tireless devotion, Zhang Jilong has been instrumental in raising the standards of football in the Continent.

Born on February 9, 1952 in Yantai City in Shandong province, Zhang has dedicated more than four decades of outstanding service to sport and football.

Oiwa steered Kashima Antlers to the 2018 AFC Champions League title after defeating Persepolis FC of Islamic Republic of Iran 2-0 on aggregate, for the Japanese club's first Continental crown.

Oiwa, 46, has been head coach of Kashima since May 2017, having been part of the coaching squad at the club since 2011.

"I feel very proud that I have this honour almost every year. But this is really for my players and all coaches who have given so much to the game.

"Of course, we aim to win the World Cup next year. And I am confident that with unity, we can make our country proud," said Takakura.

Takakura, who previously won the award in 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2017, guided Japan to the 2018 AFC Women's Asian Cup Jordan, with the Nadeshiko defeating Australia 1-0 in the final to defend the title won in 2014.

Japan also claimed the 2018 Asian Games Indonesia gold medal, defeating China PR 1-0 in the final.

"I am very pleased with this award. This will give me more power, more desire to do even better next year. This reminds me that I cannot stop, I must continue to give my best every time I enter the court," said Hasanzadeh.

Hasanzadeh, 31, also won the award in 2014, 2016 and 2017, surpassing compatriot Vahid Shamsaei who won the accolade in 2007, 2008 and 2015.

Faghani has taken charge of a number of high-profile games in Asia and is up there among the best in the world.

The 2018 edition of the FIFA World Cup in Russia was Faghani’s second stint at the global stage.

The Iranian was tasked with refereeing the 2018 FIFA World Cup third-place playoff between Belgium and England at the Saint Petersburg.

Japan were the only Asian side to advance to the Round of 16 at the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia while the senior women's defended the 2018 AFC Women's Asian Cup Jordan in April and won the 2018 Asian Games Indonesia gold.

At the age-group level, Japan won the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup while the men emerged champions in the AFC U-16 Championship Malaysia 2018 and were semi-finalists in the AFC U-19 Championship Indonesia 2018.