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Storied Japanese developer Nihon Falcom has announced the passing of its chairman, Masayuki Kato. He was 78 years old, having originally founded the company all the way back in 1981.
Previously, Kato was Falcom president until he stepped down in 2001. He oversaw the inception of role-playing properties like The Legend of Heroes, Ys, Xanadu, Dragon Slayer, and Sorcerian — most of which continue to this day.
Kato was succeeded by Shinji Yamazaki, who was then replaced by current president Toshihiro Kondo in 2007. As alluded, Kato stuck around as chairman until his death on the 15th December, 2024.
Needless to say, there would be no Falcom without Kato — and so his legacy lives on through the company's continued efforts.
We extend our condolences to Kato's family, friends, and everyone at Nihon Falcom.
[source falcom.co.jp, via timeextension.com]
Comments 17
RIP. It must be a great feeling to know you are leaving a lasting legacy. His company's games bring a lot of joy to a lot of people.
R.I.P to a JRPG legend.
Pretty impressive guy to found a company and still continue on till such an old age impressive work ethic
What a Falcom Punch to the company.
This is very sad news. RIP good sir 🙏
Thanks Kato-San for helping to give life to one of my most favourite game companies <3
I'm glad I was able to make a really nice video about Nihon Falcom ages ago and mention the beginning of it too.
I'm sorry to read that. He can rest easy knowing his company has grown into one of the best RPG developers in the business. Long live Falcom!
Thank you for all the gaming pleasure i wish the family all the strenght and rest in peace mr Kato.
May he rest in peace. Thanks for all your hard work mister Kato.
RIP good sir, you left a great legacy behind.
RIP. What a run! I wish I would have learned to appreciate Falcom much sooner. I have spent the last two to three years playing through every Ys remake and new release, and just finished Cold Steel 4 after all of the previous games. Reverie coming up next.
The Trails series is the greatest RPG series in history. There is no competition.
RIP 🙏
Without him, there would be no Dragon Slayer, Ys, Legend of Heroes, or Xanadu series...
R.I.P. and many thanks for your contribution to the industry and for helping put a smile, to millions of people around the world.
Ys, The Legend of Heroes, Gurumin and most of all (for me personally) Popful Mail. Rest in Peace Masayuki Kato, Popful Mail will forever hold a special place in my heart. The length I had to go to, to obtain it and play it at that time being as a European. Thank you for having such influence on my life.
God bless to him. His games have given me a great deal of comfort during my darkest years. RIP.
Sending my prayers and condolence to his family and friends. R.I.P. in Heaven!!
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