The Japanese government has honored Yuji Horii, the mastermind behind the iconic Dragon Quest series, with the prestigious Order of the Rising Sun. This accolade, one of the highest recognitions in Japan, is awarded to individuals who have made remarkable contributions to their fields. Horii’s groundbreaking work marks him as the first game creator to earn this esteemed decoration.
“It’s a great honor, and I’m surprised,” Horii expressed in a video interview with TBS. “Creating games for nearly 40 years has been a collaborative effort. It’s thanks to the dedicated staff and our loyal players that we’ve achieved so much.”
Yuji Horii’s Journey in Gaming
Horii’s foray into game development began with the 1983 release of Love Match Tennis, a title that led him to enter a game contest, capturing the interest of Enix. Soon after, he crafted the genre-defining visual novel The Portopia Serial Murder Case. However, Horii cemented his legacy through his work on the beloved Dragon Quest series, which has been captivating players since 1986.
The recent 2D-HD remakes of Dragon Quest I, II, and III have reignited interest in the series’ origins, highlighting Horii’s enduring influence. Currently, he is immersed in developing Dragon Quest XII: The Flames of Fate, an anticipated sequel introduced during the 35th-anniversary celebrations in 2021.
The Anticipated Dragon Quest XII
In May, Horii confirmed through various sources that Dragon Quest XII: The Flames of Fate remains in development. He stated, “I’m putting lots of work into it… The next project will be great; I’m working really hard on it.” This eagerly awaited release will be the first major installment since 2017’s Dragon Quest 11: Echoes of an Elusive Age.
During the TBS interview, Horii also shared advice for aspiring creators: “It’s crucial to create something tangible. Don’t just think about it—make it happen.”
Acknowledging Achievements
The Order of the Rising Sun encompasses six classes, and as reported by nippon.com, Horii was awarded the 4th class: Gold Rays with Rosette. Among other distinguished recipients in 2025 was Go Nagai, the renowned manga artist behind Devilman and Cutie Honey.
Photo by TOSHIFUMI KITAMURA/AFP via Getty Images.