Game Creator Yuji Horii and Manga Artist Go Nagai Receive Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette

In the Autumn 2025 Imperial Decorations, game creator Mr. Yuji Horii and manga artist Mr. Go Nagai were awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette. Their long-standing contributions to spearheading Japanese entertainment culture and creating a significant impact both domestically and internationally were highly commended through these decorations.

Mr. Yuji Horii's award, known as the father of the "Dragon Quest" series, is seen as a groundbreaking event for the game industry. Many social media users offered their congratulations, praising "Dragon Quest" as "a game loved across generations," honoring its enduring value. Many were also moved by Mr. Horii's own words, "Life is a role-playing game," with comments such as "Thank you for creating a stage where everyone can joyfully come together." Previously, Koichi Sugiyama, who composed music for the "Dragon Quest" series, also received the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette, symbolizing the recognition of games as a vital Japanese culture and industry.

Meanwhile, the award for manga maestro Mr. Go Nagai has also garnered significant attention. Known for numerous innovative works such as "Devilman," "Cutie Honey," and "Harenchi Gakuen" (Shameless School), fans expressed their gratitude: "You've excited us since childhood" and "You had a tremendous impact and influence on me during my adolescence." Notably, Mr. Nagai's award is received with deep emotion by many stakeholders, especially considering he once faced fierce criticism from PTAs for "Harenchi Gakuen" and his works were even "burned during certain eras." This award is seen as an honor for a manga artist who tirelessly pursued "freedom of expression."

The awarding of the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette to Mr. Horii and Mr. Nagai is a symbolic event demonstrating that content like games and manga has transcended the realm of mere "play" to become important Japanese cultural assets and globally celebrated industries. Social media comments highlighted this as "a symbolic moment showing manga/games elevating from mere entertainment to culture/industry," raising expectations for accelerated IP policies and creator support. Renewed respect is extended to both individuals for their contributions to the development of Japan's entertainment world.

The Context

The Order of the Rising Sun (旭日章, Kyokujitsu-shō) is a Japanese order, established in 1875 by Emperor Meiji. It is awarded to individuals, both Japanese and foreign, who have rendered distinguished service to the state or public. The "Gold Rays with Rosette" (旭日小綬章, Kyokujitsu Shōjushō) is one of the grades within this order, signifying a substantial level of contribution.

Traditionally, these prestigious honors have often been bestowed upon individuals from fields such as politics, diplomacy, science, medicine, and academia. The awarding of such a high honor to a video game creator (Yuji Horii) and a manga artist (Go Nagai) marks a significant cultural shift in Japan. It symbolizes the official recognition of video games and manga as not just forms of entertainment, but as vital cultural pillars and globally significant industries that have profoundly shaped Japanese identity and left an indelible mark on the international stage. This recognition underscores the evolving perception of these creative fields from niche interests to mainstream artistic and economic powerhouses.