Miyamoto wins Japan’s Order of Culture
Legendary figure Shigeru Miyamoto is set to receive Japan’s highest cultural honor next month, marking a monumental recognition for his unparalleled contributions to culture. At 73, Miyamoto is the first video game developer to be bestowed with the prestigious Order of Culture, an award presented by the Emperor of Japan.
When asked about the honor, Miyamoto expressed a humble sense of surprise. “I feel incredibly awkward but truly honored to be selected for such a prestigious award,” he shared with the press on October 23. Rather than claiming the accolade for himself, Miyamoto emphasized that the recognition is a reflection of the incredible team he worked alongside, stating, “I don’t create games on my own. This award is the result of working together with a great number of people, so I will accept it on their behalf.”
Miyamoto’s career at Nintendo is a deep dive into the history of interactive entertainment. Joining the company in 1977, he played a pivotal role in guiding Nintendo’s evolution into the world of video games. While he is most famous for creating the iconic Mario series—whose mascot first appeared in 1981’s Donkey Kong—his influence extends far beyond gaming. He was instrumental in developing other major franchises, including The Legend of Zelda and Star Fox.
Looking back over his journey, Miyamoto reflects on the medium’s history. “50 years ago, I became involved in video games, a medium whose form was still very undefined, and I have been fortunate to continue in this line of work ever since,” he noted. He believes that his longevity in the industry, spanning from the dawn of the gaming era, is precisely why he is being honored today, a testament to his incredible luck in life.
The Order of Culture itself is a high distinction, reserved for individuals who have made outstanding contributions across the spectrum of culture, ranging from the arts to the sciences. Previous recipients include celebrated figures such as film director Akira Kurosawa, fashion designer Issey Miyake, and composer Akira Ifukube.
The ceremony honoring Miyamoto and the other seven recipients will take place on November 3, Japan’s Culture Day national holiday, marking a significant celebration of cultural achievement.
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