Namco's founder Masaya Nakamura passed away on Sunday, 22nd January, publisher Bandai Namco has announced. The executive was 91-years-old at the time of his death. A private wake and funeral with close family and relatives has already been held, with the deceased requesting that the news of his passing be kept private until after the services.
Born on 24th December in 1925, Nakamura graduated from Yokohama National University in 1948 before founding Nakamura Manufacturing in 1955. The company was renamed Namco in 1977, and he became president of the company in 2002. Following its merger with Bandai, Nakamura assumed a variety of different roles, including honorary adviser of Bandai Namco Games in 2006.
Nakamura was also an honorary member of the Tokyo Chamber of Commerce and Industry, as well as a senior adviser to the Japan Amusement Machine and Marketing Association. Our condolensces go out to Mr. Nakumura's family and friends.
[source bandainamco.co.jp, via gematsu.com]
Comments 10
Well thanks for making the company that would eventually make the Tekken series and the Tales RPGs. Other than that, my main enjoyment of them came from the games they published in more recent years like the various anime fighting games and the Dynasty/Samurai Warriors series.
Thanks for the work you've done! May you rest in peace
R.I.P. Nakamura-san. He another pioneer in the gaming industry. He also had a hand in Atari as well.
Pickup Pacman 256...it's a blast with friends.
Namco are the GODS of coin-ops. Their old Retro games are the BEST. Sad News this is
Sad news indeed.Rest in piece
Tekken and Ridge Racer... Thanks Nakamura-san. RIP.
Aye, I think Soul Calibur is Namco, fantastic game.
The old greats who created some very classic video games are starting to pass away...
R.I.P. Namco has been responsible for some of my favorite games. Tekken obviously, but even their arcade classics like Pac-Man, Galaga, and Rally X. I loved those.
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