Nintendo legend Shigeru Miyamoto has become the first person from the video game industry selected to receive Japan’s Order of Culture, one of the country’s highest national honors for cultural achievement. The Japanese government announced the 2026 recipients on October 23, recognizing Miyamoto’s contributions to video games alongside achievements in science, literature, music, and other creative fields.
The 73-year-old game designer, best known for creating Mario and helping establish The Legend of Zelda, is among eight individuals selected for this year’s award. Emperor Naruhito is scheduled to formally present the medals at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on November 3, Japan’s Culture Day.
Established in 1937, the Order of Culture recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to Japan’s cultural development. Although the award has historically honored achievements across traditional arts, literature, and scientific research, Miyamoto’s selection marks the first time someone from the gaming industry has received the distinction.
Miyamoto joined Nintendo in 1977 and went on to become one of the most influential figures in the history of interactive entertainment. His work includes Donkey Kong, Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, and Pikmin, franchises that helped shape game design across multiple generations of Nintendo hardware.
He currently serves as Nintendo’s Representative Director and Executive Fellow, remaining involved in the company’s creative direction decades after beginning his career.
Speaking at a press conference held at Nintendo’s Kyoto headquarters on October 22, Miyamoto expressed gratitude for the recognition while emphasizing the collaborative nature of game development.
He explained that Nintendo’s games were not created through his efforts alone but through the work of many people. Miyamoto said he viewed the award as recognition that he was receiving on behalf of those who had contributed alongside him.
The Nintendo veteran also reflected on his experience creating games, describing the enjoyment of developing interactive entertainment as something shared between players and creators.
His recognition comes as video games continue to gain acceptance as a form of cultural and artistic expression. By honoring Miyamoto in the media arts category for games, Japan’s government has formally recognized contributions from an industry that has become a major part of the country’s global cultural influence.
The announcement also included lighting designer Motoko Ishii, architect Toyo Ito, composer Shunichi Tokura, and chemist Kenso Soai, among the eight recipients.
During interviews surrounding the announcement, Miyamoto also discussed generative artificial intelligence and its potential role in creative work. He suggested that as technology automates more production tasks, the importance of human creative judgment and original design intentions could become clearer.
Miyamoto distinguished between developing an original creative idea and carrying out the technical work needed to complete it. In his view, increasingly capable tools may change how creators work without eliminating the need for human imagination.
The November 3 ceremony will formally mark the first presentation of Japan’s Order of Culture to a figure from the video game industry.
