Nintendo veteran Shigeru Miyamoto to receive Japan’s Order of Culture award
By Miyamoto is the inaugural game creator to attain the accolade; he was previously recognized with Japan’s Person of Cultural Merit distinction in 2019.
Image credit: Kyodo News
Nintendo’s Shigeru Miyamoto will be the inaugural game developer to receive Japan’s Order of Culture accolade.
According to GameWatch (via Automaton), the creator of Super Mario and Legend of Zelda is among eight recipients chosen by the Japanese government in the Media Arts (Gaming) category.
The Emperor of Japan will personally bestow the award upon Miyamoto during a ceremony on Culture Day, November 3, 2026.
Established in 1937, Japan’s Order of Culture is granted “to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the promotion of Japanese culture” in fields such as art, literature, science, and technology.
“I am genuinely privileged to receive such a distinguished accolade,” stated Miyamoto. “As I have often mentioned, these accomplishments were not the result of a singular effort, but rather the culmination of collaboration with numerous others. I accept this honor on their behalf.”
Miyamoto received Japan’s Person of Cultural Merit distinction in 2019 for his contributions at Nintendo, which globally advanced the Japanese gaming industry.
Last November, Quest creator Yuji Horii was featured in Japan’s autumn honors list as the first game designer to receive the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette.
“I’ve been developing games for a lengthy time, approximately 40 years now, but it’s not solely my individual efforts; it’s largely due to the staff who assisted me, and the users who have consistently supported me,” explained Horii (via Japanese news source FNN).
“I’ve evolved in numerous ways, achieved various things, and all my diligence has been rewarded.”
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