Yuji Horii, the creator of the iconic Dragon Quest series, has been recognized with the prestigious Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette, becoming the first video game designer to receive this honor. This award, which dates back to 1875, is given to individuals who have made notable contributions to Japan, highlighting their work in promoting culture.
An honor that is only given to the highest excellence in a field
Horii, whose work has been fundamental in the creation and popularization of JRPGs (Japanese role-playing games), was humble in the face of this recognition, expressing his gratitude towards his team and the fans who have followed the series over the years. “It is thanks to all the staff who helped create the games with me, and to all the users who have always supported us,” declared Horii.
While Horii is the first video game designer to be awarded, other prominent members of the industry have also received the award, such as the late founder of Namco, Masaya Nakamura, and composer Koichi Sugiyama, known for his work on the Dragon Quest series.
The Dragon Quest series has maintained its relevance over time, with recent releases including the remake of Dragon Quest 1 and 2, which was released last week, and the expectations for the remake of Dragon Quest 7 next February. These releases keep the interest in the series alive, especially with the anticipated Dragon Quest 12 on the horizon, which is speculated to introduce significant innovations.
Square Enix has asked fans not to disclose spoilers about the remakes, suggesting that a “major surprise” is on the way. With a 38-year history, Dragon Quest remains a cornerstone in the history of video games, showcasing the lasting influence of its creator, Yuji Horii.
