Miyamoto first developer to get Japan’s Order of Culture

Shigeru Miyamoto was chosen to receive Japan’s Order of Culture, the nation’s highest cultural honour. He is the first video‑game developer to be awarded the Order.

The Order of Culture has been given since 1937 to people who have made significant contributions to Japan’s art, science or culture. It is considered equivalent to the top rank of the Order of the Rising Sun, the Order of the Sacred Treasure and the Order of the Precious Crown.

Photo: Nico Hofmann · CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo credits

Takashi Tezuka, Shigeru Miyamoto and Kōji Kondō (cropped) · Own work · Resized; thumbnails may be cropped. Adaptations under the same license.

Miyamoto said he feels embarrassed but honoured, and that he accepts the award on behalf of his colleagues. He highlighted that the achievement is the result of many people, noting projects such as Super Nintendo World and the film business. He thanked his team.

Miyamoto joined Nintendo in 1977 and has been making games for five decades. He has seen the industry grow from a niche pastime to a cultural force that spans three generations. He reflected on being part of this evolution.

Miyamoto’s award signals that video‑game creators are recognised as cultural contributors. He hopes that the honour will inspire continued innovation and that future games will remain central to everyday life.