Shigeru Miyamoto promises not to retire as he wins culture award

The government of Japan is selecting famed Mario creator Shigeru Miyamoto as the country’s latest Person of Cultural Merit. This is an award Japan has handed out since 1999 to bring attention to standout professionals in fields like art, science, sports, and academics. Now, the country is pointing that spotlight at one of the most accomplished game designers ever.

“I’m thankful that light is being shined upon the medium of games.,” Miyamoto said in an interview with Japanese news site Sankei (thanks to Cheesemeister3K on Twitter for the translation).