The Japanese government announced on October 29 the various personalities who will be rewarded with the 2019 Order of Culture, along with the Persons of Cultural Merit. Most notably, Nintendo's Shigeru Miyamoto was selected as a Person of Cultural Merit for his cultural contribution to society.

Shigeru Miyamoto, now 66, commented via Sankei: I want to keep making games  so I won't be told "shouldn't you retire soon?", I don't want to stop before I can make everyone in the world smile.

As a slightly related note, Moto Hagio, one of the best mangaka ever and pioneer in the industry, was also selected this year as a Person of Cultural Merit. While I'm far from having read all of her works yet, I'm super happy for her just as I am for Miyamoto.

Though personally speaking, I wouldn't feel any ounce of joy if I was ever awarded by the current Japanese government. I believe it wouldn't be fair to not mention it, but I know it's not the right place either, so let's just say Japan has a lot of issues like many other countries and isn't some perfect place. There are Japanese personalities who were awarded but refused to receive this award in the past as well.

Those who received the Order of Culture will be awarded at the Imperial Palace on Culture Day, on November 3. Those who were recognized as Persons of Cultural Merit such as Shigeru Miyamoto and Moto Hagio will be receiving their award at a prestigious hotel in Tokyo on November 5.