So long, old friend
Image: Forbes

Last week we reported that Genyo Takeda - one of Nintendo's longest-serving and most influential employees - was retiring from his role within the company.

We now have the official English translation of the Nintendo Q&A which spawned this news, and can reveal that while Takeda is indeed stepping down, he will remain on-call to impart advice and guidance as a Special Corporate Adviser:

Q: Nintendo announced the retirement of Director Genyo Takeda due to the expiration of his term of office. I thought that the term of office for directors was one year, but was the age of 68 established as the retirement period due to internal regulations? Or is Takeda retiring because it is a good time to pass the torch on to the next generation? Please explain the background of this announcement.

A: Takeda expressed interest in retiring and passing the torch when his term of office expires this period. Takeda's guidance has fostered many technicians over the years, particularly in the technical development departments. Ko Shiota, who we have mentioned as a candidate for the new director, was one of those Takeda mentored while developing our business. Even after his retirement, we hope to continue seeking advice from Takeda as Special Corporate Adviser such as in terms of how we should look into new technology and play. Takeda's knowledge, experience and personal connections cannot be easily transferred. We plan to take over those over time in consulting with him. We hope to progress to the next stage by combining Takeda's advice and support (as Special Corporate Adviser) with the new skills of our young employees.

Takeda is often cited as one of Nintendo's unsung heroes; not only did he create the company's first arcade game, he was also heavily involved in the development of the GameCube and Wii. At one point, he was even considered to be the likely successor to the late Satoru Iwata as Nintendo president.

[source nintendo.co.jp]