"Gundam" creator Yoshiyuki Tomino awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon; "An unexpected honor, the result of the staff's handiwork"

Yoshiyuki Tomino, the creator and director best known for Mobile Suit Gundam, received Japan’s Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star in the 2026 spring honors.

The award recognizes Tomino’s decades-long influence on Japanese anime and his role in shaping landmark television animation.

Tomino thanked the animators and production staff behind his works and said the honor may inspire younger creators.

The recognition underscores anime’s cultural importance and its place among Japan’s honored fields.