In what can only be described as a long-overdue recognition, Yuji Horii, the creator of the Dragon Quest franchise, has become the first video game designer in history to receive Japan’s Order of the Rising Sun. At 71 years old, Horii was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette, during Japan’s autumn honors in November 2025. It’s the third-highest state honor awarded by the Japanese government, and it marks a watershed moment for the video game industry’s place in broader culture.
A Legacy That Spans Four Decades
Yuji Horii didn’t just create a video game series. He created a blueprint that defined an entire genre. When Dragon Quest launched in 1986 on the Nintendo Family Computer, it didn’t revolutionize gaming through cutting-edge technology. Instead, Horii’s genius was in making complex role-playing games accessible to ordinary people. He took inspiration from Western RPGs like Ultima and Wizardry, which were notoriously difficult for casual gamers, and redesigned the experience from the ground up with intuitive controls and thoughtful design.
Dragon Quest became so culturally significant in Japan that the Japanese government has historically declared holidays and asked convenience stores to close when new Dragon Quest games launch. That’s the level of cultural impact we’re talking about. For nearly 40 years, Horii guided every major entry in the series, personally contributing game design and scenario work to each installment. He’s not just a celebrity game designer – he’s a living institution.
Breaking Barriers in an Industry
What makes this award particularly significant is that it’s the first time the Japanese government has bestowed this honor specifically upon a video game designer. While others in the gaming industry have received recognition before, they came from different backgrounds. Masaya Nakamura, the late founder of Namco, received the award as a business leader and founder, not specifically as a designer. Koichi Sugiyama, the legendary composer best known for his Dragon Quest scores, received it as a composer and conductor – roles the government has historically recognized more readily.
But Horii is the first to be honored explicitly for his work as a video game designer. That’s a watershed moment. It signals that the Japanese government, and by extension Japanese society, has officially recognized video game design as a legitimate artistic and cultural contribution worthy of the highest honors. Gaming has finally earned a seat at the table alongside traditional arts, literature, and music.
Horii’s Humble Response
In typical fashion, Horii’s response to the award was gracious and humble. Rather than celebrating his personal achievement, he credited his success to the collaborative nature of game development. “It’s thanks to all the staff that helped create the games with me, and to all the users who have always supported us,” he said in a statement. He also reflected on his long career, noting that he’s been working on games for approximately 40 years, accomplishing many things along the way.
This humility is characteristic of Horii’s approach to the gaming industry. Despite creating one of the most beloved and influential franchises in gaming history, he’s never sought the spotlight. He’s remained focused on the work, on the craft, and on making sure that Dragon Quest continues to evolve while staying true to its core identity.
The Order of the Rising Sun Explained
For those unfamiliar with Japanese honors, the Order of the Rising Sun is one of Japan’s most prestigious decorations. It was first established way back in 1875 and is awarded to individuals who have provided distinguished service to the state. The order recognizes contributions across many fields including the arts, sciences, culture, sports, and public service. What makes Horii’s award particularly noteworthy is that it’s awarded for cultural contribution – specifically for his promotion of Japanese culture through video games.
The order itself has multiple classes. Horii received the fourth class, which is still incredibly prestigious. Only the top three classes – Order of Chrysanthemum, Order of the Paulownia Flowers, and the second class – rank higher. Those are typically reserved for state leaders, politicians, and the most exceptional contributors to Japanese society. Horii’s fourth class honor puts him in the company of historical figures, artists, scientists, and cultural icons.
| Class | Typical Recipients | Prestige Level |
|---|---|---|
| First Class (Paulownia Flowers) | State leaders, dignitaries | Highest |
| Second Class (Chrysanthemum) | Senior government officials | Very High |
| Third Class (Gold Rays) | Government ministers, cultural figures | High |
| Fourth Class (Gold Rays with Rosette) | Artists, scientists, cultural contributors | Prestigious |
| Fifth/Sixth Classes | Athletes, community leaders | Honorable |
Dragon Quest’s Continued Dominance
Even at 71, Horii shows no signs of slowing down. The Dragon Quest I and II HD-2D Remake just launched and has been well-received by players nostalgic for the series’ origins while appreciating the modern visual treatment. Dragon Quest VII Reimagined is scheduled to release in February 2026, bringing another classic entry up to modern standards. And looming over it all is Dragon Quest XII, which has been in development for years and represents the future direction of the franchise.
Through his company Armor Project, Horii co-owns the Dragon Quest franchise alongside Square Enix. This isn’t just a ceremonial role – he’s actively involved in creative decisions. That level of creative control and longevity is virtually unprecedented in the gaming industry. Most franchises change hands, get rebooted, or lose their original vision. Dragon Quest has remained remarkably consistent in quality and identity precisely because Horii has maintained that creative stewardship.
What This Means for Gaming Culture
Horii’s award represents a cultural shift. For decades, video games were viewed as entertainment, a product, something children wasted time on. Over the past 20 years, that perception has slowly changed. Games have been recognized as an art form, as a vehicle for storytelling, as a medium worthy of serious consideration. But Japan’s Order of the Rising Sun honor takes it one step further – it officially recognizes video game design as cultural contribution of the highest caliber.
This opens doors for other game designers to be similarly honored. The award essentially says: yes, this person’s life work has shaped culture, inspired millions, and made the world more interesting. That legitimacy matters. It matters for how young people view gaming careers. It matters for how parents view their children’s interests. And it matters for how society views interactive media as a whole.
FAQs
What is the Order of the Rising Sun award?
The Order of the Rising Sun is Japan’s third-highest state honor, first established in 1875. It’s awarded to individuals for distinguished service to the state in various fields including arts, culture, science, and sports. Horii received the fourth class, Gold Rays with Rosette, which is still exceptionally prestigious.
Is Yuji Horii the first person to receive this award?
No, the Order of the Rising Sun has been awarded to many people since 1875. However, Horii is the first video game designer to receive it. While other gaming industry figures like Masaya Nakamura (Namco founder) and Koichi Sugiyama (Dragon Quest composer) have received the honor, they were recognized for different roles.
How long has Yuji Horii been working on Dragon Quest?
Horii has been involved with Dragon Quest since its creation in 1986, meaning he’s worked on the franchise for approximately 40 years. He’s personally contributed game design and scenario work to every mainline entry in the series.
Does Yuji Horii still work on Dragon Quest games?
Yes. Horii remains actively involved in Dragon Quest development through his company, Armor Project, which he co-owns with Square Enix. He continues to contribute to current projects including Dragon Quest XII, which is still in development.
What makes the Order of the Rising Sun significant for gaming?
This award officially recognizes video game design as a worthy cultural contribution at the highest governmental level. It signals that games are now considered legitimate art forms and cultural exports worthy of the same recognition given to traditional arts and sciences.
Why is Dragon Quest so important in Japan?
Dragon Quest essentially created the template for Japanese role-playing games. It made complex RPGs accessible to casual players through intuitive design. The franchise became so culturally significant that Japan has historically declared holidays and asked businesses to close when new Dragon Quest games launch.
Will there be a Dragon Quest XII soon?
Dragon Quest XII has been in development for several years since its logo reveal in 2021. No official release date has been announced. However, players can look forward to Dragon Quest VII Reimagined launching in February 2026 in the meantime.
Conclusion
Yuji Horii’s recognition with the Order of the Rising Sun is more than just an award to an exceptional individual, though it certainly is that. It’s a cultural marker – a moment when society officially acknowledges that video games matter. That game designers are artists. That 40 years of creating entertainment that brought joy to millions deserves the highest honors a nation can bestow.
For Dragon Quest fans, this is vindication of something they’ve known for decades – that Horii’s work is important, meaningful, and culturally significant. For the broader gaming industry, it’s permission to take itself seriously. And for Horii himself, it’s the kind of recognition that caps an extraordinary career, even though he’s still creating, still pushing Dragon Quest forward into new territories. The first game designer to receive this honor probably won’t be the last. Horii just opened a door that an entire industry has been waiting to walk through.