Matsui, Nagashima receive People's Honor Award from Abe

It is given to those who have made significant achievements in their careers and are beloved by the public.

Matsui's still doesnt qualify in my opinion. Neither did the women's soccer team. The women's wrestlers? Yes, three golds in consecutive Olympics, that's almost unheard of. Nagashima, LONG overdue, they gave it to Oh years ago.

Matsui.....give him a few years of working for Japanese bball, then maybe.

And I humbly recognized that both of them satisfied its qualifications

And I humbly disagree, there are plenty of other folks that are "beloved" by the public here and have made significant achievements in their respective fields.

-Yabaru

Qualification of the People's Honor Award

It is given to those who have made significant achievements in their careers and are beloved by the public.

And I humbly recognized that both of them satisfied its qualifications. There are too many selfish athlets in these days who only care about themselves. I may suggest a good book to business leaders and teachers on a human motivation written by Moslow. Thanks.

Matsui was a guy who never had a bad thing to say about anybody and whom few people had a bad thing to say about.

I agree, but is this reason enough to give him this award? If this is what is a part of the criteria for receiving the award then there are probably millions of Japanese who deserve it too!

"I have not forgotten the moment when all NYY players rushed to Matsui and congratulated him for his MVP award even he was traded to Angeles. He was truly respected and loved by the team players."

Same here. I am a Redsox fan due to my father being from the Boston area but even I liked the Yankees---just a little!--during Matsui's tenure. Matsui was a guy who never had a bad thing to say about anybody and whom few people had a bad thing to say about.

Am I the only one who saw a Japanese Samurai in Matsui?

Come on now Samurai? No, not at all I believe you are being melodramatic in even suggesting such a thing, I hope you don't go and think that all samurai were wonderful humble people.

Am I the only one who saw a Japanese Samurai in Matsui?

Sam

In Matsui's case, he also brought humility to the arrogant world of US sports.

Humility...

Well said, sam. I have not forgotten the moment when all NYY players rushed to Matsui and congratulated him for his MVP award even he was traded to Angeles. He was truly respected and loved by the team players.

Matsui demonstrated his great love and respect today to his mentor Nagashima. I saw a strong bonding between them like a student/teacher. What a beautiful thing!!

"Why are people that chase their own dreams called hero`s?"

Because through their own accomplisments they often give others permission or inspiration to do the same. It's not so much the hitting of a baseball that is important but rather working hard and long to become among the best in the world at something. In Matsui's case, he also brought humility to the arrogant world of US sports.

I am very fortunate to see them receiving this award while visiting Japan. Congratulations to both of them and fans.

Listen up what Matsui had to say. He is not only a baseball hero, but also a teacher (mentor) for many kids. Thank you, Matsui!!

Arise, Sir Matsui! Well done to a humble champion.

Why are people that chase their own dreams called hero`s?

A couple of guys from the same sport, in the same year? Sounds a little bogus.

Congratulations to Nagashima! His lifetime achievements and face of Japanese baseball merited this!

Matsui, you should have refused the award like Ichiro did, at least until you did something worthy of the award.

What is this all about, aside from being a popularity contest? Aren't there any people in Japan but sports figures and entertainers who have done something to deserve this award?