In news first reported in the Japanese media the other day and now confirmed by the promotion, New Japan has announced that Antonio Inoki (real name Kanji Inoki) will be honored posthumously by Japan with the Order of the Rising Sun and Junior Fourth Rank in the Japanese Court. The Japanese Cabinet voted to bestow these honors on Inoki last year in recognition of both his achievements in wrestling and MMA as well as his work as a politician, diplomat and social activist.
A ceremony is scheduled for January 23 with Inoki’s younger brother, Yoshinari Inoki, scheduled to receive the awards on behalf of Antonio Inoki.
