ATLANTA (AP) -- Japan honored former home run king Hank Aaron with one of its highest awards on Thursday, saying he is a symbol of its close relationship with the United States and their shared love of baseball.
The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette was presented during a ceremony and reception at the home of Japan's consul general in Atlanta, Takashi Shinozuka.
''It is an honor for Japan to have such a wonderful friend,'' Shinozuka said.
The 81-year-old Aaron was singled out for his long relationship with Japan's home run leader, Sadaharu Oh, and their efforts to bring young people together through the World Children Baseball's Fair, which recently celebrated its 25th anniversary.