Aoyama collects award in Japan

Article from http://www.motogp.com/en/news/2010/Aoyama+receives+award+in+Japan

MotoGP rider Hiroshi Aoyama attended the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science & Technology earlier this week to collect a Sporting Merit Award in recognition of his 2009 250cc World Championship title.
The 29 year-old became only the second World Championship rider to receive the award after Daijiro Kato collected the prize in 2001, and only the third motorcyclist to obtain the honour, the last being trial biker Takahisa Fujinami in 2004.
Alberto Puig was also recognised for his role in Aoyama’s career as the rider’s manager, coach and mentor, whilst World Champions from other sports such as gymnastics, judo and figure skating were also honoured by the Ministry.