Yuji Horii, creator of the "Dragon Quest" series, awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Silver Rays, for outstanding contributions to art and culture; first game creator to receive this honor.
Note: the original Japanese article can be found at:
https://www.4gamer.net/games/810/G081099/20251104033/
Editorial Department: Sakatsubo | 2025/11/04 08:59 (UTC)
The Cabinet Office announced the recipients of this year’s autumn Imperial decorations on November 3, 2025. Among them is Mr. Yuji Horii, creator of the “Dragon Quest” series, who has been awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette in recognition of his contributions to arts and culture.
This marks the first time a game creator has received this honor.
The photo above was taken during an interview in 2016 (article link) Thumbnail image No.001 / Yuji Horii, creator of the “Dragon Quest” series, awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette for contributions to arts and culture. First game creator to receive this honor
Yesterday, on November 3rd, Mr. Yuji Horii—the creator of the DQ series—was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette!
Congratulations!His comments can be found in “Dragon Quest Paradise,” so if you haven’t seen them yet, please check it out here: https://t.co/uVRK6PH3LO#ドラゴンクエスト
— Dragon Quest Public Relations (@DQ_PR) November 4, 2025
The Order of the Rising Sun is awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to the nation or public welfare, particularly those whose achievements are deemed remarkable (PDF file: https://www8.cao.go.jp/shokun/pdf/juyonominaosi.pdf).
Reflecting on the past environment surrounding video games and how they were perceived, Mr. Horii expressed his thoughts about this honor—believing it may be due to society now recognizing that games contribute positively to societal development.
I’ve been honored today with the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette. pic.twitter.com/4EQsz10Q9O
— Yuji Horii (@YujiHorii) November 3, 2025
Over 50 years ago, during summer vacation in my final year of high school, I went to visit Takashi Yanase, who was my idol and a manga artist. I brought along an unfinished manuscript hoping he’d take me on as his assistant. Despite the sudden visit—calling from outside the Otsuka station—he kindly received me, though I didn’t become his assistant; still, he even gave me his autograph. Now being honored alongside Takashi Yanase… I’m overwhelmed with emotion. https://t.co/qARIUmvmFm
— Yuji Horii (@YujiHorii) November 3, 2025