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Yuji Horii, the legendary creator of the Dragon Quest series, received The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette from the Japanese government. This prestigious honor recognizes individuals who have made distinguished contributions to society. Notably, Horii becomes the first video game creator to earn this award.
Horii expressed his gratitude, saying, “It’s thanks to all the staff that helped create the games with me, and to all the users who have always supported us.” His recognition highlights the cultural impact of Dragon Quest and its role in shaping Japanese entertainment.
From Contest Winner to Cultural Icon
Born in 1954 in Hyogo, Horii won a game programming contest hosted by Enix in 1982. This victory led him to develop the original Dragon Quest in 1986. Since then, the series has sold over 83 million units worldwide.
Dragon Quest has influenced Japanese pop culture for decades. Its characters, monsters, and gameplay mechanics frequently appear in other media. Moreover, the series set the standard for Japanese role-playing games. Last year, Japan’s Commissioner for Cultural Affairs recognized Horii for his contributions to the gaming industry.
Celebrating Japanese Creators
Horii shares this honor with Gō Nagai, the manga legend behind Devilman, Mazinger Z, Cutie Honey, and Getter Robo. Nagai began his career in 1967 and continues creating influential works. His manga and anime have earned fans worldwide, demonstrating the global appeal of Japanese pop culture.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications announced Horii and Nagai among 3,963 honorees during the annual Autumn Conferment of Decorations. The government will host a ceremony on November 11. Previously, composer Joe Hisaishi, famous for Studio Ghibli films, received the same honor.
Horii’s award emphasizes the importance of video games as a cultural medium. It also acknowledges creators who shape Japanese society through entertainment. For fans, this recognition celebrates both Horii and the lasting influence of the Dragon Quest series.
