Olympic skaters receive prestigious Japanese honors

In April 2026, the Japanese government awarded the prestigious Medal with Purple Ribbon to figure skaters Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara.

This recognition follows their historic achievement as the first Japanese pair to win an Olympic gold medal at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics.

These national honors celebrate exceptional contributions to sports and the promotion of the national spirit.

The Medal with Purple Ribbon is granted to those who demonstrate excellence in various fields, including academics, culture, and athletics.

Japan’s history of honoring skaters is well-documented.

For instance, the legendary skater Yuzuru Hanyu received the People’s Honor Award in 2018 for his back-to-back gold medals and his ability to inspire a nation.

Through their success on the global stage, skaters like Miura, Kihara, and Hanyu have become symbols of excellence, representing the high standard of dedication that these prestigious government honors aim to highlight across Japanese society.