Top > What's up around the Prime Minister > January, 2005

Awards Ceremony for the Japan Professional Sports Grand Prize Monday, January 24, 2005 The Awards Ceremony for the Japan Professional Sports Grand Prize was held at the Prime Minister's Official Residence. Sponsored by the Japan Professional Sports Association, the Japan Professional Sports Grand Prize is awarded each year to the individual or group that is deemed to have made the largest contribution to overall professional sports throughout the country. Sumo wrestler Yokozuna Asashoryu was awarded the Grand Prize for the year 2004, who won five tournaments throughout the year for the first time in 18 years. Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi presented him with the Prime Minister's Award. Prime Minister Koizumi received a model figure of a tsuna, or ceremonial belt, for Yokozuna and said, "You are strong indeed. Yokozuna must be abominably strong. People even cheer in the matches you lose applauding your opponent's ability to beat you who is almost unrivaled. I am in awe of your strength. You don't lose many matches."