A memorial was held this week to rejoice the lifetime of Tomonobu Itagaki, the founding father of Workforce Ninja and designer behind Lifeless or Alive and Ninja Gaiden.
Photos shared by Japanese trade leaders present a venue lined in tributes to the late designer, together with copies of his many video games, distinctive art work, swords, and a few of his iconic clothes.
Among the many tributes shared on the memorial was a speech by Yosuke Hayashi, the chief vice chairman at Koei Tecmo. Though he’s now a part of Koei Tecmo’s board, Hayashi began his profession beneath Itagaki, serving to design 2004’s Ninja Gaiden, and main the undertaking for 2005’s Black.
In a heartfelt speech translated on Reddit, Hayashi recalled how he first got here into contact with Itagaki:
It’s been some time, Itagaki-san. That is Hayashi. I by no means thought we’d meet like this. My encounter with Itagaki-san dates again to 2001, after I joined the corporate as a brand new graduate. I used to be assigned to your division as a sport planner. You instructed me you had no work for me. That’s what you instructed me. Two weeks after I used to be assigned, I actually had no work, haha. On the time, I lamented my dangerous luck, pondering it was the worst doable encounter.
My most memorable reminiscence with Itagaki-san was the event of Xbox Ninja Gaiden from 2003 to 2004. The event crew was in full chaos, and it appeared like the sport would by no means be accomplished, haha. However you have been the one one who didn’t quit. The 2 of us spent 12 hours each night time checking each adjustment to the sport. These six months are a treasured a part of my game-development profession.
As you all know, the title was efficiently accomplished after which made a giant leap ahead afterwards. In 2008, we labored collectively on a number of titles. That was the time our paths parted methods (Itagaki leaving the corporate).
After Itagaki left Koei Tecmo, Hayashi stated the pair fell out of contact for a time. Nonetheless, he revealed a stunning promise he made to his boss.
You spoke to me earlier than you left: “Don’t change the emblem,” was all he stated. No different pointless phrases have been exchanged. You have been so pure and funky.
From there, our paths diverged. I may by no means imitate your brilliance and recklessness. Whereas carrying in your will, I’ve continued preventing in my very own manner. Inside Itagaki’s world, direct communication was nearly non-existent.
Round a 12 months in the past, Hayashi stated he acquired again in contact with Itagaki and their communication grew to become extra frequent.
The change in our relationship started a few 12 months in the past. Alternatives to obtain direct messages from you elevated. However truthfully, messages from you have been now written in a well mannered language, whilst you at all times used to talk in instructions. This was extremely awkward for me haha. I nonetheless have that final message you despatched me from that point.
Please enable me to publish it right here:
“Thanks for remembering our promise from again then (to not change the emblem). Instances have modified recently, and promoting 1,000,000 copies doesn’t earn you a lot recognition from the world anymore. That’s the period we’ve entered. Please maintain making nice merchandise any further”.
I fought relentlessly as a result of I needed your approval. Did I earn even a bit of of it? Since this has change into your closing phrases to me, I’ll at all times treasure the phrases you gave me. Your corporation card is dated October sixteenth. This present day can also be my spouse and my marriage registration anniversary. My spouse stated to me, “You actually do have a reference to Mr. Itagaki, don’t you? I’ll always remember it.” The phrase “connection” is so very you. That my first boss was Mr. Itagaki. That we have been capable of construct a house collectively continues to be a contented reminiscence. It wasn’t the worst encounter; it was the perfect encounter.
Please proceed watching over us from the window Itagaki. Thanks.
A closing message written by Itagaki was posted on his Fb web page, following his passing final month.
“My life has been a collection of battles. I stored profitable. I’ve brought on a whole lot of bother, too. I’m proud to say that I adopted my beliefs and fought to the top. I’ve no regrets,” he wrote.
