Born in 1954 in Hyogo Prefecture, Yuji Horii is a renowned game designer. After graduating from Waseda University School of Humanities and Social Sciences I, he worked as a freelance writer for magazines and newspapers. In 1982, he won a game programming contest hosted by Enix (now Square Enix), which set him on the path to becoming a game designer.
 
In 1986, he released the first installment of the DRAGON QUESTseries. The third entry in the series, DRAGON QUEST III: The Seeds of Salvation, became a massive hit that left a lasting cultural impact. Horii has remained at the forefront of the gaming industry ever since. His many accolades include the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award at the Japan Game Awards 2010, the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 22nd Game Developers Choice Awards in 2022, and the Commissioner for Cultural Affairs Award in 2024. In 2025, he was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette – the first time a video game creator has received the honor.
 
Notable works: The DRAGON QUEST series, Chrono Trigger, The Portopia Serial Murder Case, the Fortune Street series, and more.