Nintendo designer Shigeru Miyamoto awarded Japans Order of Culture

Nintendo game developer Shigeru Miyamoto will become the first video game creator to receive Japans Order of Culture award, GamesIndustry.biz, Eurogamer, and IGN reported. The official announcement came from Japans Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, according to My Nintendo News. IGN noted that the 73 year old developer described feeling awkward but truly honored by the recognition. [1][2][3][4][7][8]

The Order of Culture was established in 1937 as an honor awarded by the Japanese government, GamesIndustry.biz reported. The Emperor of Japan will personally present Miyamoto with the award during a ceremony scheduled for Culture Day on November 3, 2026, GamesIndustry.biz and IGN noted. GamesIndustry.biz added that Miyamoto was previously awarded Japans Person of Cultural Merit award in 2019. [1][4]

Miyamoto serves as an executive and representative director at Nintendo, where he created major franchises including Mario, The Legend of Zelda, Donkey Kong, Star Fox, and Pikmin. During a press conference celebrating the award, Miyamoto addressed the growing use of generative artificial intelligence in game development, Eurogamer and Nintendo Everything reported. Miyamoto argued that even if generative tools eventually handle automated tasks, human designers will always retain an essential role. [2][3][6][11]

GamesRadar reported that Miyamoto stated he is currently working on several projects at Nintendo. He added that he intends to continue developing games for as long as possible. [5]