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[Good news]
Antonio Inoki (79), who died last October, has reportedly been awarded the "Order of the Rising Sun", the highest civilian honor in Japan.
The late Destroyer (88) and Mil Mascaras (79) have also received the Order of the Rising Sun honor, but this is the first time for a Japanese wrestler.
>He is the first Japanese professional wrestler to achieve this feat. While his many accomplishments in the world of professional wrestling, martial arts, and sports are well known to all, he was also recognized for his extensive contributions to the development of society. [...] Last year, the Cabinet decided to award [Inoki] the rank of Jushii (fourth degree of honor) and the Order of the Rising Sun.
>According to Inoki's management company, Inoki Genki Factory (IGF), Inoki has been awarded medals by four countries: Brazil, Cuba, Pakistan and North Korea. In 2012, he was awarded the Order of Friendship of Cuba. He was a close friend of the late Fidel Castro and Raul Castro, who led the Cuban Revolution, and was recognized for his contribution to exchanges between the two countries.
