Shigeru Miyamoto has been selected as a recipient of Japan’s prestigious Order of Culture, becoming the first person from the video game industry to receive the honour.
Shigeru Miyamoto, the legendary Nintendo executive fellow and creator of Super Mario, The Legend of Zelda, Donkey Kong and many other foundational franchises, will receive one of Japan’s highest cultural honours. The Order of Culture, established in 1937, recognises individuals who have made exceptional contributions to Japanese culture in fields including art, literature, science and technology. Miyamoto is one of eight recipients announced for the 2026 fiscal year.
In a press conference at Nintendo’s Kyoto headquarters, the 73-year-old expressed humility. He noted he felt “a little embarrassed” or “truly honoured” and emphasised that games are collaborative: “Games aren’t something you make alone; they’re the result of working together with many people. I accept this award with the feeling that it represents that.” He also welcomed the recognition of games as a cultural form and expressed a desire to continue creating experiences “always at the heart of the living room.”
This is a landmark moment. Miyamoto previously received Japan’s Person of Cultural Merit award in 2019. His career began at Nintendo in 1977 and has spanned the creation of global icons that shaped modern game design, console hardware direction, theme park experiences (Super Nintendo World) and major film productions (including producer roles on The Super Mario Bros. Movie and The Super Mario Galaxy Movie). He is also involved with the upcoming live-action The Legend of Zelda film (scheduled for April 30, 2027)
The award will be formally conferred on Culture Day. Other 2026 Order of Culture recipients include figures from lighting design, science (including a recent Nobel Prize winner in Chemistry) and the arts. The selection of Miyamoto signals formal state recognition of video games as a significant cultural medium—an important milestone for the industry in Japan and worldwide.
Congratulations to Miyamoto-san and the countless collaborators whose work this honour also represents.
UPCOMING NINTENDO RELEASES: (As of October 22, 2026)
November 2026:
- Games & DLC:
- (NS2) The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time | November 5, 2026
- (NS2) Pikmin 4 – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Dandori Academy | November 12, 2026
- amiibo:
- Noir Dedede & Hydra amiibo (Kirby Air Riders) | November 12, 2026
- Sword Kirby & Dragoon amiibo (Kirby Air Riders) | November 12, 2026
December 2026:
- Games & DLC:
- (NS2) Xenoblade Chronicles 3 – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition | December 3, 2026 (Digital & Physical)
Holiday / Late 2026:
- Games & DLC:
- (NS2 DLC) Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave Expansion Pass Wave 2 | Holiday 2026
- (DLC) Pokémon Pokopia Expansion Pass: Part 2 | Late 2026
January 2027:
- Games & DLC:
- (NS2) Metroid Ravenous | January 28, 2027
- amiibo:
- Chozo amiibo (Metroid Ravenous) | January 28, 2027
- Samus amiibo (Metroid Ravenous) | January 28, 2027
- Samus (Metroid Suit) amiibo (Metroid Ravenous) | January 28, 2027
February 2027:
- Games & DLC:
- (NS2) Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity – Definitive Edition | February 25, 2027
2027 Onwards:
- Games & DLC:
- (NS2) Kirby and the World Beyond | Spring 2027
- (NS2) Pokémon Wind and Pokémon Waves | 2027
- (NS2 DLC) Pokémon Pokopia Expansion Pass: Part 3 | 2027
- (NS2 DLC) Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave Expansion Pass Wave 3 | 2027
- (NS2) Xenoblade Genesis | 2027
- amiibo:
- Mega Man amiibo (Mega Man: Dual Override) | Spring 2027
- Proto Man amiibo (Mega Man: Dual Override) | Spring 2027
- Young Link amiibo (The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time) | 2027
- Young Zelda amiibo (The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time) | 2027
Source: Denfaminicogamer
