Nintendo veteran Shigeru Miyamoto to receive Japan's Order of Culture award
Legendary Nintendo designer Shigeru Miyamoto will become the first game developer to receive Japan’s Order of Culture in a November 2026 ceremony.
Nintendo’s Shigeru Miyamoto will be the first game developer to receive Japan’s Order of Culture award. As reported by GameWatch, 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. Miyamoto’s selection recognizes his decades-long impact on the global games industry through his work at Nintendo.
In a statement, Miyamoto said, 'I am truly honoured to receive such a prestigious award.' He added that his achievements were not the work of one person but the result of collaboration with many others, accepting the 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, Yuji Horii, creator of Dragon Quest, became the first game designer to receive the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette.