Japanese Cabinet Reviews National Honour for Retired Speed Skater Miho Takagi

The Japanese government has initiated a formal review into awarding the National Honour to retired speed skater Miho Takagi, following a direct instruction from Prime Minister Takagi. The proposal was confirmed by Cabinet Secretary Kihara during a press conference held on 22 May 2026, immediately after a Cabinet meeting.

Prime Minister Takagi directed the Cabinet Secretary to consider the prestigious accolade for Takagi, who recently concluded her competitive career. The National Honour, known in Japanese as the Kokumin Eiyōshō, is reserved for individuals who have demonstrated outstanding accomplishments in their respective fields, marking a significant recognition of her contributions to sport.

Miho Takagi holds the record for the highest number of Olympic medals won by a Japanese female athlete, with a total of 10 medals accumulated throughout her career. Her retirement from international competition has prompted the government to evaluate her legacy through this state-level honour, which has historically been bestowed upon figures who have elevated Japan’s profile on the global stage.

Cabinet Secretary Kihara addressed the media to clarify the status of the proposal, noting that the award is currently under consideration rather than being an official grant. The Prime Minister’s instruction serves as the preliminary step for the government to assess whether Takagi’s achievements meet the stringent criteria required for the National Honour.

While the announcement marks a pivotal moment in the recognition of Japanese sporting excellence, the final decision and any associated timeline for the award ceremony have not yet been disclosed. The government is expected to proceed with its internal review process to determine the next steps regarding the potential conferral of the honour.