Nintendo’s Shigeru Miyamoto will be the first game developer to receive Japan’s Order of Culture award.
As reported by GameWatch (via Automaton), the Super Mario and Legend of Zelda creator is one of eight recipients selected by the Japanese government in the Media Arts (Gaming) category.
The Emperor of Japan will present Miyamoto with the award in person during a ceremony on Culture Day, November 3, 2026.
Japan’s Order of Culture was established in 1937 and is awarded “to individuals who have made remarkable contributions to the advancement of Japanese culture” in art, literature, science, and technology.
“I am truly honoured to receive such a prestigious award,” said Miyamoto. “As I have often said, these achievements were not the work of one person, but the result of collaboration with many others. I accept this honour on their behalf.”
Miyamoto received Japan’s Person of Cultural Merit award in 2019 for his contributions at Nintendo, which elevated the Japanese games industry globally.
Last November, Quest creator Yuji Horii was included in Japan’s autumn honours list as the first game designer to receive the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette.
“I’ve been making games for a long time, about 40 years now, but it’s not just my own efforts, it’s all thanks to the staff who helped me make it, and the users who have always supported me,” said Horii (via Japanese news outlet FNN).
“I’ve levelled up in many ways, done many things, and all my hard work has paid off.”