Olympic speedskating silver-medalist Hiroyasu Shimizu and women's moguls bronze-medalist Tae Satoya and a host of other Olympians received awards from the education ministry on Tuesday for their performances in the Salt Lake City Olympics and Paralympics.
"We'd like to commend all of you with these awards as representatives of Japan. We wish to extend our gratitude from the bottom of our hearts for your efforts," said Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Minister Atsuko Toyama.
Another 37 athletes who finished in eighth place or better, as well as two coaches were also presented with awards.
Paralympian alpine skiing bronze medalist Kuniko Obinata and cross country skier Yoshihiro Nitta also received awards from the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry for their performances in Salt Lake City.