Film director Akira Kurosawa, who died Sunday, will posthumously receive the People's Honor Award in recognition of his lifetime work, the top government spokesman said Monday.
Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi expressed his intention earlier in the day to give the award to Kurosawa, Chief Cabinet Secretary Hiromu Nonaka told a news conference.
"His works are highly valued not only in Japan but also internationally. They heightened ratings in the world of Japanese films and gave confidence to Japan after its defeat in World War II," Nonaka said.