Dragon Quest Creator Yuji Horii Awarded Japan’s Order of the Rising Sun

Dragon Quest Creator Yuji Horii Awarded Japan’s Order of the Rising Sun Yuji Horii, the visionary behind the renowned Dragon Quest series, has been honored with one of Japan’s highest accolades, the Order of the Rising Sun, 4th Class: Gold Rays with Rosette.

This distinction, awarded by the Japanese government during its autumn honors, celebrates Horii’s monumental contributions to the video game industry.

Recognized for its profound impact on global gaming culture, Dragon Quest stands as a cornerstone of Japanese role-playing games and a longtime staple of Nintendo platforms, including the Nintendo Switch and its successors. Established in 1986 under the development expertise of Square Enix, Dragon Quest set a new standard for role-playing games.

Under Horii’s leadership, the franchise achieved enduring popularity, influencing generations of developers and players alike.

The Order of the Rising Sun is one of Japan’s most esteemed decorations, surpassed only by the Order of the Chrysanthemum and the Order of the Paulownia Flowers, both of which are typically reserved for royalty and top state officials.

Yuji Horii is now the first video game designer to receive this particular honor, highlighting not only his individual achievements but also the growing recognition of video games as an integral part of modern culture. Addressing this milestone, Horii reflected on his decades-long career with characteristic humility.

He emphasized that his achievements were the result of teamwork and support from both his colleagues and the extensive player community.

Horii remarked that after forty years in the industry, it is the collective effort of his team and the loyalty of Dragon Quest fans that allowed him to reach such heights.

"Creating games has been a journey of growth and collaboration," he shared, underscoring the significance of community and perseverance in the art of game development. Horii’s influence continues with the recent release of Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake, available now on the Nintendo Switch and Switch 2.

This meticulously crafted remake revitalizes the early classics for a contemporary audience, enhancing accessibility and appeal through modern hardware.

Dragon Quest titles have consistently performed strongly on Nintendo platforms, and the latest remake is poised for similar success, particularly in Japan’s robust gaming market. Looking ahead, Horii remains at the forefront of the franchise’s evolution.

He is currently engaged in the development of Dragon Quest XII, the eagerly anticipated mainline sequel.

Since its initial announcement, fans worldwide have been awaiting further updates, though no official release date has been revealed.

With Yuji Horii’s continued dedication and vision, the legacy of Dragon Quest on Nintendo hardware and beyond shows no signs of waning. This landmark recognition for Horii not only cements his place in gaming history but also signals a broader acknowledgment of video games’ significant cultural influence.

As the Dragon Quest series moves forward on platforms like Nintendo Switch and eShop, its creator’s journey stands as a testament to the collaborative spirit and creative ambition that drive the gaming industry forward.

Japan Yuji Horii Dragon Quest Japanese government Order of the Rising Sun Square Enix Nintendo Nintendo Switch Dragon Quest XII Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake Switch 2