Shigeru Miyamoto, the legendary Nintendo game designer behind Super Mario and The Legend of Zelda, has been selected to receive Japan’s prestigious Order of Culture, becoming the first person from the video game industry to receive the honour.
The Japanese government announced the decision on October 23, 2026, recognising Miyamoto’s decades of contributions to entertainment and culture. The 73-year-old creative veteran is among eight recipients selected for the 2026 award. The official ceremony is scheduled for November 3 at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, where Emperor Naruhito will present the honour.
Established in 1937, Japan’s Order of Culture recognises individuals whose achievements have made significant contributions to the country’s cultural development. Miyamoto’s selection marks a major milestone for video games, which have grown from a niche form of entertainment into a global cultural phenomenon.
Although Miyamoto has already received significant recognition for his work, this award places him among the distinguished figures honoured for their contributions to Japanese culture. In 2019, he was named a Person of Cultural Merit, another important national recognition.
Miyamoto joined Nintendo in 1977 and went on to help shape some of the most influential video game franchises in history.
His breakthrough came with Donkey Kong in 1981, the arcade game that introduced the character who would become Mario. He later played a central role in developing the Super Mario series, helping establish conventions that continue to influence platform games today.
He also co-created and designed The Legend of Zelda, first released in 1986. Inspired in part by his childhood experiences exploring the countryside around his hometown in Kyoto Prefecture, the series encouraged players to discover worlds, solve puzzles and embark on adventures.
His work has helped make Nintendo characters and games recognisable to audiences across generations and around the world.
Reacting to the recognition, Miyamoto expressed gratitude and humility, emphasising that the games associated with his name were never the work of one person alone. He said he intended to accept the honour as a representative of the many people who had worked alongside him throughout his career.
In recent years, his creative work has extended beyond video games into films and themed attractions. He served as a producer on The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023) and The Super Mario Galaxy Movie (2026), further expanding Nintendo’s entertainment presence. He is also involved in the upcoming live-action The Legend of Zelda film, scheduled for release in 2027.
Miyamoto’s selection reflects the growing recognition of video games as a significant part of modern culture. Games can combine storytelling, music, visual design, technology and interactive experiences, reaching audiences in ways that extend beyond traditional entertainment.
For Nintendo and the wider gaming industry, the award represents a landmark moment: a creator whose work has entertained generations is being honoured at the highest level of Japan’s cultural awards.
The ceremony on November 3 will formally confer the Order of Culture on Miyamoto, marking a historic first for the video game industry.
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