Deaths on January 22

Masaya Nakamura, Japanese businessman (b. 1925)

Masaya Nakamura: A Visionary Pioneer of the Global Entertainment and Video Game Industry

Masaya Nakamura (中村 雅哉), born on December 24, 1925, and passing away on January 22, 2017, was a transformative Japanese businessman and the esteemed founder of Namco. His profound influence shaped not only the burgeoning video game sector but also the broader entertainment landscape. Nakamura served as the president of Namco until 2002, after which he transitioned into a significant ceremonial role within the company's management. Following the strategic formation of Bandai Namco Holdings through the merger of Namco and Bandai, Nakamura continued to hold an honorary position within the newly established video game division, Bandai Namco Entertainment, underscoring his enduring legacy and advisory capacity.

Early Entrepreneurship and the Birth of Namco

A native of Tokyo, Masaya Nakamura laid an unconventional foundation for his future empire, graduating from the Yokohama Institute of Technology in 1948 with a degree in shipbuilding. This technical background, though seemingly unrelated, may have contributed to his innovative approach to mechanical and interactive entertainment. In 1955, amidst Japan's post-war economic resurgence and a growing demand for leisure activities, Nakamura embarked on his entrepreneurial journey by founding Nakamura Seisakusho, Ltd. (often shortened to "Nakamura Works"). This early venture focused on manufacturing delightful pop-cork guns and captivating coin-operated mechanical rides, which became popular attractions, particularly on the rooftops of Japanese department stores—a common and cherished recreational space for families during that era.

Pivoting to Video Games: The Strategic Acquisition of Atari Japan

Nakamura's strategic foresight became evident in 1974 when he seized a pivotal opportunity to enter the nascent, yet promising, video game market. He successfully purchased the Japanese division of Atari, Inc., from its co-founder, Nolan Bushnell. This acquisition was a masterstroke, granting Nakamura immediate access to popular arcade game licenses and the technology necessary to distribute and eventually develop video games within Japan. This bold move positioned his company at the forefront of the electronic entertainment revolution. To better reflect its evolving identity and focus on amusement machines, Nakamura Seisakusho, Ltd. was officially renamed "Namco" (an acronym for Nakamura Amusement Machine Manufacturing Company) in 1977. Just a year later, in 1978, Namco released its very first video game produced entirely in-house: Gee Bee. This marked a significant milestone, shifting the company from merely distributing licensed content to creating its own original, innovative titles.

Leading Namco to Dominance and the Birth of a Global Icon

Under Masaya Nakamura's visionary leadership, Namco rapidly ascended to become one of the most dominant and influential video game companies in Japan, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with industry giants like Nintendo, Sega, and Konami. Namco's success was driven by a relentless pursuit of innovation, exceptional game quality, and the creation of globally recognized intellectual properties. Perhaps his most enduring legacy in this realm is his instrumental role in the creation and promotion of Pac-Man. Launched in 1980, Pac-Man transcended the realm of video games, becoming a global cultural phenomenon and the highest-grossing arcade game of all time. Nakamura's keen business acumen and belief in the game's potential are why he is widely revered as "the father of Pac-Man," even though he was not its direct designer, but rather the executive who empowered its development and recognized its revolutionary appeal.

Diversification and Broader Industry Influence

Nakamura's entrepreneurial spirit extended beyond video games into various facets of the entertainment industry. In 1993, he orchestrated the acquisition of the renowned Japanese film studio Nikkatsu, one of the nation's oldest and most historically significant film companies. His involvement with Nikkatsu was substantial, with Nakamura receiving credits for several of their film productions, showcasing his interest in diverse entertainment mediums.

Expansion into Amusement Facilities

Under Nakamura's guidance, Namco also significantly expanded its footprint in the amusement sector, establishing and maintaining a vast network of arcade centers and innovative amusement parks across Japan and eventually overseas. Notable examples include Wonder Eggs in Tokyo, which operated from 1992 to 2000 and was renowned for its cutting-edge, interactive, and multimedia attractions that pushed the boundaries of arcade entertainment. Demonstrating his global ambitions, Nakamura also oversaw Namco's purchase of the Aladdin's Castle chain of arcade centers from Bally in the United States, greatly expanding Namco's presence in the North American market.

Nurturing New Talent and Industry Leadership

Masaya Nakamura's influence further permeated the industry through his support for emerging talent. He notably assisted in the formation of the highly regarded Japanese game developer Monolith Soft in 1999, a studio now celebrated for its critically acclaimed role-playing game series, Xenoblade Chronicles. Beyond his corporate roles, Nakamura dedicated himself to shaping industry standards and collaboration as the chairman of the Japan Amusement Machine and Marketing Association (JAMMA), a crucial organization representing arcade manufacturers and operators, highlighting his commitment to the broader health and growth of the amusement industry.

Later Years, Merger, and Enduring Legacy

In 2002, Masaya Nakamura transitioned from his executive role as Namco's CEO, taking on a more ceremonial position as Chairman Emeritus, allowing new leadership to steer the company while retaining his invaluable guidance. A significant chapter in his career unfolded in 2005 when Namco merged with the toy and anime giant Bandai to form Bandai Namco Holdings. This monumental merger, one of the largest in Japanese entertainment history, aimed to create a powerhouse in diversified entertainment. Nakamura continued to serve with distinction in an honorary capacity within the group's flagship video game division, Bandai Namco Entertainment, a testament to his foundational role.

Accolades and "The Father of Pac-Man"

Masaya Nakamura is universally acknowledged as a true pioneer in the video game industry and one of the most pivotal figures in its history. His profound accomplishments were recognized by the Japanese government in 2007 when he was awarded the prestigious "Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette"—a high honor bestowed upon individuals for their significant contributions to public life. Further global recognition came in 2010 when he was inducted into the International Video Game Hall of Fame, solidifying his status as an industry titan. His indelible influence, particularly through the groundbreaking success of Pac-Man, earned him the revered title "the father of Pac-Man," symbolizing his critical role in bringing the iconic character to life and cementing its place in popular culture. Nakamura passed away peacefully on January 22, 2017, at the age of 91. His passing was announced by Bandai Namco a week later, out of profound respect for his family's privacy, allowing them time for mourning.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Masaya Nakamura and Namco

Who was Masaya Nakamura known for?

Masaya Nakamura was primarily known as the visionary founder of Namco, a highly influential Japanese video game and entertainment company. He is also widely revered as "the father of Pac-Man" due to his pivotal role in developing and promoting the iconic arcade game.

When was Namco founded?

Namco was founded in 1955 by Masaya Nakamura under its original name, Nakamura Seisakusho, Ltd. The company was officially renamed "Namco" in 1977.

Why is Masaya Nakamura called "the father of Pac-Man"?

While not the direct game designer, Masaya Nakamura is credited as "the father of Pac-Man" because, as Namco's president, he greenlit the game's development, provided the strategic vision for its release, and championed its groundbreaking concept, ultimately transforming it into a global phenomenon and one of the most successful arcade games of all time.

What was the significance of Namco's acquisition of Atari Japan?

The acquisition of Atari's Japanese division in 1974 was highly significant as it provided Nakamura Seisakusho (later Namco) immediate entry into the burgeoning video game market, granting them access to popular arcade game licenses and the necessary technology to begin distributing and eventually developing their own video games in Japan.

What distinguished Namco under Nakamura's leadership?

Under Masaya Nakamura's leadership, Namco was distinguished by its relentless innovation, high-quality game development (leading to iconic titles like Pac-Man), strategic diversification into various entertainment sectors like amusement parks and film production, and a strong focus on both domestic and international market expansion.