Speedskating Star Miho Takagi to Receive People’s Honor Award

Tokyo, July 22 (Jiji Press)–The Japanese government plans to grant the People’s Honor Award to Miho Takagi, an Olympic medalist in speedskating, informed sources said Wednesday. An award ceremony will be held at the prime minister’s office in Tokyo as early as Tuesday, according to the sources. Takagi, 32, participated in four Winter Olympic Games and won a total of 10 medals, the most for a Japanese female Olympian. She retired from competition in spring this year. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi instructed government staff in May to consider offering the prestigious award to Takagi, and preparations have been made since then. The People’s Honor Award is aimed at praising those who are widely respected by the people and have made outstanding achievements that give bright hopes to society. It has so far been awarded to 27 individuals and one team from fields including sports and entertainment. The People’s Honor Award was last offered in March 2023. The recipient was leading male wheelchair tennis player Shingo Kunieda, who retired from competition in January that year. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]