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The Japanese government announced on October 23, 2026, that Shigeru Miyamoto, the 73-year-old representative director and special advisor at Nintendo, has been selected to receive the Order of Culture. This marks the first time an individual from the video game industry has received this prestigious honor, which recognizes significant contributions to cultural development.
Miyamoto is renowned for his foundational work on iconic franchises including Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, and Pikmin. His career began after joining Nintendo in 1977, leading to his involvement in the 1981 arcade title Donkey Kong. Beyond software, he has recently expanded into cross-media projects such as the Super Nintendo World theme park area and various animated film productions.
Reflecting on the achievement, Miyamoto expressed humility, emphasizing that game development is a collaborative effort rather than a solo endeavor. He noted that the recognition of games as a cultural asset reflects their integration into daily life across three generations. He remains committed to creating experiences that appeal to both gamers and those previously uninterested in the medium.
The official investiture ceremony is scheduled for November 3 at the Imperial Palace, where the Emperor of Japan will personally present the medal. This award follows Miyamoto's 2019 designation as a Person of Cultural Merit, another milestone where he was the first recipient from the gaming sector.
