Plymouth have strengthened their Japanese links by appointing Yasuhiko Okudera as the new president of the Coca-Cola Championship outfit.

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

Plymouth chairman Paul Stapleton told the club's official 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."