Namco Founder Masaya Nakamura Passes Away at 91

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.