Ceremony Held at the Imperial Palace
Japan held its annual Order of Culture award ceremony at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on November 3, 2026, recognising individuals for their significant contributions to culture, science, architecture, design and other fields.
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Emperor Naruhito presented the honours to seven recipients who attended the ceremony. The government had announced eight recipients for fiscal 2026, including Nintendo executive Shigeru Miyamoto, who was absent from the event.
Scientists, Artists and Architects Among Recipients
The ceremony brought together distinguished figures from several professional fields. Those who attended included Kenso Soai, a distinguished professor at Tokyo University of Science who was named a Nobel Prize in Chemistry laureate for 2026; lighting designer Motoko Ishii; architect Toyoo Ito; biological science expert Tsuneyoshi Kuroiwa; French literature scholar Tetsuya Shiokawa; composer Shunichi Tokura; and immunologist Shigekazu Nagata.
Their work has contributed to scientific research, the arts, architecture, lighting design, literature and music, reflecting the wide range of achievements recognised through the Order of Culture.
Emperor Naruhito Praises Years of Dedication
During the ceremony, Emperor Naruhito expressed his appreciation for the recipients’ achievements and their contributions to the promotion of culture through years of dedication and hard work.
The annual event is an important part of Japan’s Culture Day celebrations, held on November 3. The Order of Culture recognises people whose accomplishments have made a significant contribution to the development of Japanese culture and related fields.
Shigeru Miyamoto’s Recognition Draws Attention
Among this year’s eight recipients was Shigeru Miyamoto, the Nintendo creative leader known for helping create popular video game franchises, including Super Mario and The Legend of Zelda.
Miyamoto’s selection marked a historic milestone for the video game industry, as he became the first person from the industry to receive Japan’s Order of Culture. Although he did not attend the November 3 ceremony, his inclusion highlighted the growing recognition of video games as a contributor to cultural creativity.
Celebrating Japan’s Cultural Contributions
The Order of Culture ceremony highlights Japan’s commitment to recognising achievements across disciplines. By honouring researchers, artists, designers and creative professionals, the annual event showcases the diverse ways individuals contribute to society and cultural development.
This year’s recipients represented both established traditions and modern creative fields, illustrating how science, art and technology continue to shape Japan’s cultural landscape.
Japan’s 2026 Order of Culture ceremony celebrated seven attending recipients at the Imperial Palace, with Emperor Naruhito presenting the honours. The event recognised decades of achievement across science, architecture, design, literature, music and immunology, while Shigeru Miyamoto’s selection underscored the cultural significance of the video game industry.
