Shigeru Miyamoto Makes History with Japan’s Order of Culture

Shigeru Miyamoto is officially making history. The Japanese government recently announced that the gaming icon will receive the Order of Culture. This is a huge deal because Miyamoto is the very first person from the video game industry to ever be chosen for this prestigious award.

At 73 years old, Miyamoto is being honored for his massive impact on entertainment. He is the mastermind behind legendary franchises like Super Mario, The Legend of Zelda, and Donkey Kong. His work has defined Nintendo and shaped the way millions of people play games all around the globe.

The Japanese government selected eight recipients for the 2026 honor, placing Miyamoto alongside other prominent figures in arts and culture. This recognition is a major win for the medium of video games, proving that gaming is finally being celebrated as a vital part of modern art and culture.