Happy 50th Birthday Mr. Miyamoto!
By Andy Robinson

Who would of thought it. For over 25 years the world has felt the creative influence of Shigeru Miyamoto. 25 years at the same company is an achievement on it's own but when you consider what this man has achieved in these 25 years you begin to wonder why he isn't better known among the general public. Of course there is a simple answer to this brief thought; Gaming simply isn't big enough among the general media for Mr. Miyamoto's name to be recognized by anyone but the most dedicated of gamers. Never the less, Mr. Miyamoto has had an extra-ordinary and successful half-century. Mr. Miyamoto has a talent that simply cannot be taught, he has the gene for raw imagination.

Earlier last month we gave you, our readers, the opportunity to join us in sending Shigeru Miyamoto our thanks and best wishes for the future in a big folder full of birthday messages. Over 150 messages were printed on Miyamoto Shrine stationary and put into the folder which was edited and organized by our own Carl Johnson, the folder was then sent to Mr. Miyamoto's office in Japan via global priority mail. Along with this folder we included a country music CD by a group called "Diamond Rio,"  and numerous Miyamoto Shrine business cards. Mr. Miyamoto has long been a fan of stringed instruments.

Here is what was printed on the letter to Mr. Miyamoto:

Dear Mr. Miyamoto,

In celebration of your 50th birthday we decided to do something special. We asked the readers of our website to send personal birthday greetings along with their name, location, and favorite Shigeru Miyamoto videogame. We were very surprised by the response! In the enclosed red binder you'll find approximately 150 greetings from loyal fans all over the world. All of this is to let you know that we truly care about the man behind our favorite videogames, and to let you know that we're all wishing you a very happy 50th birthday!
Also enclosed is a CD by a country music group called "Diamond Rio." I've been told you enjoy some country music groups, and so I've sent a CD from my personal collection. I hope you will accept this as a birthday gift, and I truly hope you will enjoy the music that's on it. I am honored to have you listen to a CD from my collection.
Our "Shrine" website is dedicated to letting the world know more about the person behind Mario, Link, and many other beloved videogame characters. The website features a biography, interviews, features, pictures, and even screenshots of your name in the credits of the games you make. I was honored to give you a business card at the last E3, but in case you've misplaced it I've enclosed another. 
In closing, let me once again wish you a very happy 50th birthday, and on behalf of the readers of MiyamotoShrine.com, let me tell you that we're looking forward to 50 more years of great videogames! But if you decide to take a vacation, that will be okay. ;-)

Sincerely, 

Carl Johnson 
Founder
MiyamotoShrine.com

If you would like to read the many messages we sent to Mr. Miyamoto click here for a text document containing them all.

How about celebrating Mr. Miyamoto's 50th birthday by taking some time out on this cold November Saturday to play through one of the many videogames Mr. Miyamoto has created? This is the perfect time to reflect in the great memories Shigeru Miyamoto's creations have given us.

Happy Birthday Mr. Miyamoto!

Here's to another 50 years.

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