A record number of Japanese players are in the Premier League this season, with clubs attracted by their proven quality, value for money and the "very little risk" involved in signing them.

Kaoru Mitoma returned as Japan survived a second-half wobble to set up an Asian Cup quarter-final with Iran or Syria after a 3-1 win over Bahrain on Wednesday.

Brighton signed Mitoma for a bargain £2.5 million ($3 million) from Kawasaki Frontale in 2021 and he arrived in England a virtual unknown last summer following a loan spell in Belgium.