Shigeru Miyamoto to receive Japan's Order of Culture

Shigeru Miyamoto has been selected to receive Japan's Order of Culture in 2026, according to recent reports. This achievement marks him as the initial gaming sector representative to attain the prestigious honor. The Order of Culture is a high-level national recognition in Japan highlighting contributions to disciplines such as art, science, and literature. Honorees customarily accept the medal from the Emperor during a November 3 event.

Miyamoto, who joined Nintendo in 1977, stated at the company's Kyoto headquarters that his accomplishments stem from cooperation with numerous peers. He noted that he accepts the accolade on behalf of those collaborators. Furthermore, he characterized the forthcoming recognition as slightly awkward because he perceives video games as outcomes of collective teamwork rather than individual brilliance.

Miyamoto previously became the initial video game developer to be designated a Person of Cultural Merit in 2019. He currently holds the position of Nintendo's Representative Director and Executive Fellow.