On the 29-th of May, Ambassador of Ukraine to Japan Mykola Kulinich on the instructions of the President of Ukraine presented to the Ukrainian origin prominent sumo wrestler Koki Naya (Taiho) the state award –  «the Order of Merit»  (III-rd – degree).

Decorating Ceremony for the legendary sumo wrestler held at Tokyo's prestigious “Royal Park Hotel” with participation of the leadership of Japan Sumo Federation, former famous sumo wrestlers, the current absolute sumo champion Hakuho as well as representatives of political and cultural circles of Japan.

The State Decoration of Ukraine was presented to Koki Naya for his significant personal contribution to strengthening the international authority of Ukraine and Ukrainian-Japanese humanitarian relations.

Ambassador of Ukraine Mykola Kulinich in his opening speech highly appreciated activities of Koki Naya in deepening friendly contacts and mutual understanding between Ukrainian and Japanese nations, and expressed confidence that personality of Koki Naya is an excellent example in the context of youth education and further popularization of this traditional Japanese wrestling in Ukraine.