Shigeru Miyamoto, the renowned creator behind iconic franchises such as Mario and The Legend of Zelda, is set to become the first figure from the video game industry to be awarded Japan’s Order of Culture. This prestigious distinction, established in 1937 to honor individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the cultural development of the country, has never before recognized achievements in video game creation.
The announcement was made on octobre 23, coinciding with Miyamoto’s 73rd birthday and nearly fifty years since he joined Nintendo in 1977. The formal award ceremony will be held at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on Novembre 3, Culture Day, where the honor will be personally bestowed by the Emperor.
A Milestone for Video Game Culture
Previously, Miyamoto was named a Person of Cultural Merit in 2019, but the Order of Culture represents a greater level of recognition and, notably, officially includes video game development among the disciplines honored by this award. This milestone highlights the increasing acknowledgment of video games as a significant cultural medium within Japan and beyond.
During a press conference at Nintendo’s Kyoto headquarters held on the day of the announcement, Miyamoto expressed his gratitude while emphasizing the collaborative nature of his achievements. He shared credit with the many colleagues and teams who have worked alongside him throughout his career, underlining the collective effort behind the success of his creations.
