Tokyo, who were promoted back to Japan's top flight after winning the J2.League in 2011, won a thrilling final with Brazilian Lucas scoring a double while there were also goals from Yasuyuki Konno and Masato Morishige.

Former Newcastle Jets and Wellington Phoenix defender North wasn't in the Tokyo squad which won the decider.

However, opportunities might be more forthcoming for North next season given Tokyo will have additional commitments now they've qualified for Asia's top club tournament.

Tokyo will go into Group F of the 2012 ACL alongside A-League champions Brisbane Roar as well as Joel Griffiths' Chinese runners-up Beijing Guoan and Korean Championship finalists Ulsan Hyundai.

Other Australians who will compete in the 2012 edition are Nagoya Grampus' Joshua Kennedy and Seongnam Ilhwa's Sasa Ognenovski.