The
government of Japan announced that the legendary manga creator Go Nagai and
the video game developer Yuji Horii they have been recognized
with the Order of the Rising Sun, one of the most prestigious
decorations in the country. Both were included in the list of 3,963
winners from the autumn edition of the recognition, which highlights
exceptional cultural and artistic contributions.
Go Nagai, author of classics such as Devilman, Mazinger
Z, Honey Box and Getter Robo, debuted as a
mangaka in 1967 with Meakashi Polikichi. His work defined entire
genres within Japanese animation, from mecha to supernatural action. In recent
years, Nagai has continued to publish new stories such as Devilman Saga and
the autobiographical series Gekiman!, focused on the creation of
its most emblematic titles.
For its
part, Yuji Horii, born in 1954 in Hyogo, is recognized as the
creator of Dragon Quest, one of the most influential JRPG
franchises. Since the release of the first game in 1986, the saga has sold more
than 83 million copies worldwide and has become a cultural
reference in Japan. In 1982, Horii won a programming competition organized by
Enix, marking the beginning of his career. Last year, he also received a
distinction from Japan's Commissioner of Cultural Affairs.
A legacy that transcends generations
In a
statement shared by his studio Dynamic Production, Nagai expressed
his gratitude for the honor, noting that he has dedicated almost six decades to
manga since his childhood. He also noted that animated adaptations of his works
have achieved popularity in more than 20 countries, consolidating
its international influence.
The official delivery ceremony will take place on November 11. It should be noted that, in 2023, the composer Joe Hisaishi (Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro) received the same recognition, underscoring the importance of art and entertainment in contemporary Japanese culture.
