Masayuki Kato, Founder of Nihon Falcom has Passed Away

Nihon Falcom, a pioneering Japanese video game developer, has announced the passing of its founder, Masayuki Kato, who died on December 15, 2024, at the age of 78. The company shared the news in a notice to shareholders on December 17, marking the end of an era for one of the most influential figures in the Japanese role-playing game (JRPG) industry.

取締役会長の逝去及び役員の異動に関するお知らせ（訃報）を掲載いたしました。https://t.co/cLvma5sfwJ

— 日本ファルコム (@nihonfalcom) December 17, 2024

Kato founded Nihon Falcom Corporation in March 1981, initially producing PC software before establishing himself as a crucial figure in video game development. His vision and leadership were instrumental in creating some of the most beloved game franchises in Japanese RPG history, including the Ys series, The Legend of Heroes, and the expansive Trails spin-off series.

Before entering the gaming world, Kato worked as a computer engineer in the automotive industry, including a role at Hino Motors. His technological curiosity was sparked by the Apple II computer, and what began as a hobby of creating games for his son eventually transformed into a groundbreaking game development company.

Kato served as Nihon Falcom’s president until 2001, after which he became the chairman of the company’s board of directors. The company underwent significant leadership changes, with Shinji Yamazaki taking over as president in 2001, followed by Yoshihiro Kondo in 2007.

Nihon Falcom expressed deep gratitude for Kato’s lifetime of contributions and kindness. The company has announced that a farewell ceremony will be held at a later date to honor the legacy of their founder.

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