Tokyo, Japan, July 30, 2026: Japanese speed skater Miho Takagi will receive the People’s Honour Award at the Prime Minister’s Official Residence in Tokyo on August 4, Japanese sports media reports.
Takagi, 32, won 10 medals over four appearances at the Olympic Winter Games, including two gold. This is the most Olympic medals won by any female Japanese athlete.
She also won five medals at the Asian Winter Games, including a golden hat-trick at Obihiro during Sapporo 2017.
Now retired from competition, the Hokkaido-born speed skater “has brought joy and inspiration to the people through her dreams and achievements,” said a statement from the PM’s office.
Takagi said: "This is my first award in speed skating but it is all thanks to my teammates who have fought alongside me and all the people who have supported me.
“Above all, it is because of my family and fans who have supported me. I would like to accept it with the spirit of representing all of you. In the future, I would like to continue my activities of returning what I have learned to society.
“I am still in the process of finding my way, but I will continue to strive every day to create new value. I look forward to your continued guidance and support.”
The People’s Honour Award is aimed at praising those who are widely respected by the people and who have made outstanding achievements that give bright hopes to society.
It has been awarded to 27 individuals and one team from fields including sports and entertainment.