
Thousands paid their respect when Nintendo company president Satoru Iwata passed away in July, facing the brunt of typhoon at his service in Kyoto or leaving notes and letters at The Nintendo World Store in New York and the Nintendo headquarters in Redmond, Washington.
The ripples of Iwata’s death are still spreading throughout the gaming community. Metal Gear Solid series composer Norihiko Hibino and pianist Ayaki covered the song “Onett” from EarthBoundin tribute on the duo’s single Prescription for Peace: A Tribute to the Departed earlier this month. It also includes the track “Sincerely Yours” to honor late musical mentor Eiki Oshimi.
Norman Caruso is also chronicling Iwata’s career in his latest Gaming Historian 30-minute episode, “The Life of Satoru Iwata.”
Iwata saw the start of his gaming career at HAL Laboratory, developing known classics likeEarthbound and the Kirby franchise. As CEO of Nintendo, he pioneered many gaming innovations such as the Nintendo DS and introducing motion control to games with the Nintendo Wii. He often served as the face of Nintendo Direct, which were short online press conferences that showed off upcoming Nintendo titles. Many Nintendo Directs placed Iwata in quirky and humorous situations such as an intense mock battle with Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime back at E3 2014.
[Via Otakomu]
More from Anime News Network:

Watch the touching animated tribute to late Nintendo president Satoru Iwata【Video】
Late Nintendo president Satoru Iwata to be awarded Lifetime Achievement award
Easter egg tribute to late Nintendo president Satoru Iwata found in Pokémon Ultra Sun and Moon
Nintendo president Satoru Iwata has died
Star Fox Zero’s tear-jerking ending tribute to late Nintendo president Satoru Iwata
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
A spotlight on Japanese singles figure skating: Jumping into the 2026 Olympics【Pt. II】
Japan’s first all-matcha ramen restaurant is now open in Kyoto【Photos】
Ramen shop manager arrested for punching self in the face and pretending he was robbed
Three beautiful places to see Japan’s plum blossoms after starting your day in downtown Tokyo
Nephew receives SD card after his uncle passes away, finds treasure trove of gems from the past
12 toilet oddities around the world that surprise Japan
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Act of Japanese kindness touches one man’s heart, provides hope for elevator etiquette
Chinese classroom introduces roller coaster-style desks, hopes to protect kids’ eyesight
Yokai are descending upon Tokyo this spring in the latest immersive art experience
New Studio Ghibli stamps leave an impression on your stationery…and your heart
Cherry blossom forecasts map shows Japan’s OTHER sakura season is starting right now
Japanese women sound off on their minimum height requirements for a husband【Survey】
Japanese man gets drunk and falls asleep on Tokyo streets, then gets robbed by foreign national
Japan has a new bar just for people thinking about quitting their jobs, and the drinks are free
420 million yen in cash-filled suitcases stolen on Tokyo streets, incidents at Haneda and Hong Kong follow
Japan’s suicides fall to lowest recorded number ever, but one demographic hits all-time high
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Japan releases first official sakura cherry blossom forecast for 2026
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Archfiend Hello Kitty appears as Sanrio launches new team-up with Yu-Gi-Oh【Pics】
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning looks to be affecting tourist crowds on Miyajima
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys from Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
“Dedicated to Satoru Iwata” is the musical Balloon Fight tribute we have been waiting for
Nintendo Switch has hidden NES emulator, accessed with two tributes to the late President Iwata
Someone asked Nintendo President Satoru Iwata to lay off workers, and his response was awesome
The next Nintendo president has finally been decided!
“Nintendo president assassinated by Freemasons” conspiracy theory floats around social networks
Word of a brand new Wii U Zelda not so far away?
Nintendo to Host Game Design Seminar this Summer, Accepting Applications from May 13
9 things we know about Nintendo’s plans for the near future following today’s conference
Nintendo: Next console’s OS is not Android
Nintendo: Wii U production to continue in next fiscal term or later
Universal Studios Japan to (probably) get Nintendo-themed attractions
Nintendo Reveals New Pokémon Game for 3DS: Pokémon X and Y
New visual unveiled for Universal Studios Japan’s Nintendo World shows a pixel-perfect panorama
Leave a Reply