Seattle Mariners outfielder Ichiro Suzuki has declined to accept the national government's People's Honor Award to recognize his sporting achievements, according to a government source.
When the government conveyed its plan to the star player, Suzuki replied, "Because I'm young, I'd like not to receive it, if possible," the source said Friday.
Suzuki, 28, relayed his decision hours after Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Shinzo Abe said the government was considering him for the award.
"We have not taken specific steps for consideration. But we are well aware of such calls from the public and will think about it," Abe said.
Asked by reporters about the possibility of presenting Suzuki with the award, Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi said, "His achievements are worth the People's Honor Award, aren't they?"
Suzuki ended the major league regular season with the most stolen bases and tied for the highest batting average.
Last year, the government presented the award to Olympic marathon gold medalist Naoko Takahashi.