Here is a story to warm your gamer heart: Shigeru Miyamoto, the creator of Mario and The Legend of Zelda, will receive the Order of Culture, Japan’s highest cultural honor. It is the first time anyone from the video game industry has received it. The Japanese government announced the 2026 recipients on October 23, and Miyamoto, 73, is one of eight honorees.
An honor shared with the team
At a press conference at Nintendo’s headquarters in Kyoto, the day before the announcement, Miyamoto looked modest and a little embarrassed. He called the honor a privilege and said he accepts it on behalf of the many people who worked with him, because games are not made alone. The award will be presented on November 3, Japan’s Culture Day, by Emperor Naruhito.
It is not the first time he has opened the door: in 2019, Miyamoto became the first game developer named a Person of Cultural Merit in Japan.
What about AI?
In the same conversation, he talked about generative AI and drew a line between coming up with an idea and carrying out the tasks needed to finish it. In his view, there is still plenty people can do. He also said he is involved in several projects and might try making “something like a game” again.
Meanwhile, Miyamoto remains a producer on the big screen: after the Super Mario Galaxy movie, he is working on the live-action The Legend of Zelda film.
Where to buy
Source: Government of Japan, The Japan Times, Automaton and Nintendo Wire.
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