Masaya Nakamura (Namco) facts for kids

Masaya Nakamura (中村 雅哉) was a Japanese businessman. He was born in Tokyo, Japan, on 24 December 1925. He is best known as the founder of the famous video game company, Namco.

Many people called him the "father of Pac-Man" because he started the company that created this iconic game. He was the CEO of Namco for many years, stepping down in 2002. Besides video games, he also produced movies for an entertainment company called Nikkatsu.

Masaya Nakamura passed away on 22 January 2017, at the age of 91. His death was announced on 30 January 2017.

Early Life and Starting Namco

Masaya Nakamura was born in Tokyo, Japan. He had a big interest in entertainment and business from a young age. He decided to start his own company focused on fun and games.

In 1955, he founded a company called Nakamura Manufacturing. This company first made coin-operated rides for department stores. Imagine small rides for kids that you put a coin into! This was the start of something much bigger.

The Birth of Namco

Nakamura Manufacturing slowly grew and changed. In 1977, the company's name was officially changed to Namco. This name came from "Nakamura Amusement Machine Manufacturing Company."

Namco became famous for making arcade games. These were the big game machines you would find in arcades or shopping malls. They were very popular before home video game consoles became common.

The Father of Pac-Man

One of Namco's biggest successes was the game Pac-Man. It was released in 1980 and quickly became a worldwide hit. Pac-Man is still one of the most famous video games ever made.

Because Masaya Nakamura founded Namco and led the company during the creation of Pac-Man, he earned the nickname "father of Pac-Man." He helped shape the early days of the video game industry.

Beyond Video Games

While Namco is best known for video games, Masaya Nakamura also worked in other areas of entertainment. He produced movies for Nikkatsu, a Japanese film studio. This shows his wide interest in bringing entertainment to people in many forms.

He continued to be involved with Namco for a long time. He was the CEO until 2002, and then he became an honorary advisor. His vision helped Namco become a major player in the entertainment world.

Legacy and Impact

Masaya Nakamura's work had a huge impact on the video game industry. He helped create a company that brought joy to millions through games like Pac-Man. His leadership and ideas helped shape how we play and enjoy digital entertainment today.

He received honors for his contributions, including the Order of the Rising Sun, 4th Class, from the Japanese government. This award recognized his important role in Japanese industry and culture.

Images for kids

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  A robot, symbolizing technology and innovation, areas Masaya Nakamura greatly influenced.