For the first time ever an electric car is named the Japanese Car of the Year. It is the Nissan LEAF, obviously.

The electric hatchback adds this award to its other COTYs, including European and World titles. Nissan LEAF was also named the 2012 RJC Car of the Year award winner, presented by the Automotive Researchers’ & Journalists’ Conference of Japan.

Like other parts of the world, the judges were impressed by the LEAF’s value and attractiveness that has received high praise from customers around the world. They think the upsides achieved with this car are so great that you can overlook its drawbacks such as lack of fun and performance, or low range, or more importantly its long recharge time.

The announcement was made at the 42nd Tokyo Motor Show.

“We have sold 20,000 Nissan LEAFs and also delivered on our promise of affordable, zero-emission mobility on a global scale. This award is as much a win for Nissan as it is for our customers,” said Nissan President and CEO Carlos Ghosn. “All these accolades show that zero-emission vehicles can clearly be competitive alternatives to conventional ones.”