Ramirez gets minister’s award

Former Japan pro baseball star and manager Alex Ramirez was presented with the Foreign Minister’s Commendation on Oct. 13 for his contribution to promoting mutual understanding between Japan and his native country of Venezuela.

“He is a ectionately known as Rami-chan, and his attitude conveyed the joy of sports, which is a perfect model for Japanese people,” said State Foreign Minister Shunsuke Takei, who presented Ramirez with a certi cate in Tokyo.

Ramirez, 48, said he would do his best to continue promoting friendship between the two countries. (Oct. 15)

The Yomiuri Shimbun Alex Ramirez, left, smiles as he receives the Foreign Minister’s Commendation certificate from State Foreign Minister Shunsuke Takei at the Foreign Ministry on Oct. 13.