Portrait of Shigeru Miyamoto
Biography for young readers

Shigeru Miyamoto

Creating famous video game characters like Mario and The Legend of Zelda

Lived
1952-present
From
Japanese
Reading time
About 2 min
Reading guide
Independent-reader guide

Watch Shigeru Miyamoto's story unfold

Portrait of Shigeru Miyamoto
01

Early Life

Shigeru Miyamoto was born on November 16, 1952, in Sonobe, Japan (now part of Nantan, Kyoto Prefecture).

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Why this story matters

A life worth remembering

Creating famous video game characters like Mario and The Legend of Zelda

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  • Which moment changed the direction of this person's life?
  • Which achievement or idea do you think mattered most?
  • What is one question you would ask them?
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Early Life

Shigeru Miyamoto was born on November 16, 1952, in Sonobe, Japan (now part of Nantan, Kyoto Prefecture). As a child, he loved exploring the countryside near his home, drawing pictures, and imagining stories.

He enjoyed music, art, and toys, and he was very curious about how things worked. These hobbies helped shape his creative thinking later in life.

Finding His Way to Games

Miyamoto studied industrial design in college, which is about creating useful and fun objects. After graduating, he joined a video game company called Nintendo in 1977.

At first, Nintendo was still learning how to make popular video games. Miyamoto was asked to help design a new game, even though he had never made one before.

Amazing Achievements

Miyamoto helped create the game Donkey Kong in 1981. This game introduced a brave character who would later become Mario, one of the most famous characters in the world.

He went on to create Super Mario Bros. and The Legend of Zelda. These games were special because they encouraged players to explore, solve puzzles, and have fun adventures.

Miyamoto believed games should be joyful and easy to understand, but also full of surprises. His ideas changed how video games were made.

Changing the World of Games

Thanks to Miyamoto, Nintendo became one of the most successful game companies ever. His games are played by kids and adults all over the world.

He also helped guide the design of game consoles like the Nintendo Wii, which encouraged players to move and play together. Miyamoto always wanted games to bring smiles to people’s faces.

Legacy and Inspiration

Shigeru Miyamoto is known as one of the greatest video game creators of all time. Many game designers today say he inspired them to be creative and bold.

He reminds us that imagination, curiosity, and play can lead to amazing things. Even simple ideas can turn into adventures loved by millions.

Did you know?

Fun facts about Shigeru Miyamoto

  1. Mario was originally called "Jumpman" before Miyamoto renamed him.

  2. Miyamoto loves gardening and often compares making games to growing plants.

  3. He helped shape how characters move and feel in games, not just their stories.

  4. The Legend of Zelda was inspired by Miyamoto’s childhood adventures exploring nature.

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Make the story yours

2 min read · Independent-reader guide

Three things to remember

  1. Known for: Creating famous video game characters like Mario and The Legend of Zelda
  2. Lived: 1952-present
  3. From: Japanese
Quick check

What do you remember?

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What is Shigeru Miyamoto best known for?

Creating famous video game characters like Mario and The Legend of Zelda

When did Shigeru Miyamoto live?

1952-present

What place or nationality is connected to this story?

Japanese

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