Nintendo’s Shigeru Miyamoto has been selected to receive Japan’s Order of Culture in 2026 for his contributions to Japanese art and culture, according to a report from Japanese outlet Denfaminicogamer shared by GenkiJPN on X. The honour would make Miyamoto the first person from the video game industry to receive the prestigious award.
The Order of Culture is one of Japan’s highest cultural honours and recognises individuals who have made significant contributions to fields such as art, science, and literature. Recipients traditionally receive the award from the Emperor during a ceremony held on Culture Day, November 3.
Miyamoto joined Nintendo in 1977 and went on to create some of the company’s most recognisable franchises, including Super Mario, The Legend of Zelda, and Donkey Kong. His work has helped establish video games as a major part of Japanese popular culture.
He was named a Person of Cultural Merit in 2019, becoming the first video game developer to receive that recognition. The distinction preceded his selection for the Order of Culture.
Miyamoto now serves as Nintendo’s Representative Director and Executive Fellow, focusing on the company’s creative direction and the wider use of its intellectual properties. His recent work has extended beyond games, including involvement with Super Nintendo World and Illumination’s The Super Mario Bros. Movie.
