Legendary Nintendo designer Shigeru Miyamoto will receive Japan’s highest honor for cultural merit next month, becoming the first video game developer to receive the Order of Culture. The 73-year-old Miyamoto expressed his gratitude and humility in accepting the award, crediting the numerous people he has worked with throughout his career. He will receive the award on November 3, Japan’s Culture Day national holiday, along with seven other recipients. Miyamoto has played a pivotal role in Nintendo’s move towards making video games, creating iconic franchises like Mario, The Legend of Zelda, and Star Fox. He feels fortunate to have been part of the industry since its early days and considers himself incredibly lucky in life. Miyamoto’s contributions to the development of culture have been recognized by the Emperor of Japan, who will present the awards. The Order of Culture is awarded to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to various fields, including the sciences, literature, and the arts. Previous recipients include film director Akira Kurosawa, fashion designer Issey Miyake, and Godzilla composer Akira Ifukube. Miyamoto’s award is a testament to his dedication and influence in the gaming industry, and he will share the joy of this honor with everyone he has worked with.
