Naohisa Takato, a judo boy from Tochigi Prefecture who won the first gold medal in Japan at the Tokyo Olympics, was awarded the Prefectural Honor Award.
Originally from Shimotsuke City, Tochigi Prefecture, Takato participated in the Tokyo Olympics Judo Men's 60 kg class and won the first gold medal as a Japanese player in this tournament.
An award ceremony was held at a hotel in Utsunomiya City on the 16th, in which Tochigi Prefecture presented the prefectural honor award for their success.
Governor Tomikazu Fukuda praised his success by saying, "It has been a brilliant activity, giving bright hope and vitality to the citizens of the prefecture, and has become a great force to promote the creation of healthy Tochigi. Congratulations."
In response, Takato said, "I'm really happy to receive a wonderful prize. It was held in Corona, but with a lot of support, I managed to win even though I was suffering. Also, Paris. I will do my best for the tournament, so please look forward to the second straight victory. "