Major League Baseball (MLB) two-way phenom and former WBSC Premier12 star Shohei Ohtani, who was unanimously voted the American League MVP, decided to turn down the Japanese government offer to award him the People's Honour Award.
The Kyodo news agency reported that Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno told a press conference that he regards Ohtani turning down the award as a sign of "his strong desire to continue focusing on reaching even greater heights."
The People's Honour Award was first given to legendary Sadaharu Oh for setting the world record for career home runs. There's not been another baseball player amongst the 26 recipients of the Award.
"We join the Japanese people in looking forward to Ohtani doing even better next season and beyond," added Matsuno.
Author Atsuko Asano, who sold over 10 million books with a baseball-themed novel series named Battery, commented: "I think he decided (the award) is not necessary now as he is still at the foot of the mountain and knows he has yet to reach the top. Let us just enjoy the existence of Shohei Ohtani."
