Okudera was the first Japanese player to play professionally in Europe (Getty)

Plymouth Argyle have further strengthened their Japanese links by appointing Yasuhiko Okudera as their new president.

Okudera was the first Japanese player to play professionally in Europe when he joined FC Koln in 1977 and won 32 caps for his country.

He is revered as one of the country's greatest ever players.

He was the unanimous choice of the Argyle board and follows businessman Yasuaki Kagami's investment in April.

Argyle chairman Paul Stapleton told the club website: "We are delighted that Mr Okudera has accepted our invitation to become the new president of Plymouth Argyle.

"Mr Okudera's standing in the Far east, and particularly in Japan, is without parallel. When he speaks, people listen.

"His name alone will open new doors and present new opportunities for us, especially in the commercial sphere, that would otherwise remain closed to us."

Okudera is also the current president of J-League side Yokohama Marinos.

He will meet the board on Friday, along with Yasuaki Kagami.

Mr Kagami's K&K Shonan Management Corporation took a 20% stake in Argyle's holding company in April.

Mr Kagami has yet to meet the board or visit Home Park.