The New Zealand government announced Thursday it will award one of its civilian honors to Japan Rugby Football Union adviser and former international winger Yoshihiro Sakata for his contributions to the sport and bilateral friendship.The first Japanese inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame, Sakata will be named an Honorary Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit as part of the country's New Year's honors list.He is the sixth Japanese national to receive the honor, given to people who have distinguished themselves in their respective fields.The 78-year-old Sakata, who played for New Ze…READ FULL ARTICLE
