Takehiro Izushi has Retired From Nintendo

I don't like hearing about people leaving Nintendo for one reason or another. Every time I do, I fear that it will somehow cause the company to lose that magic with video games that the ever so reliably retain. Odds are that won't happen here, but I'm uneasy all the same. Nintendo engineer Takehiro Izushi has retired.

Who, now? Odds are you don't know his name. He was never much of a front-man for Nintendo products. His efforts are undeniable, however. Having started with Nintendo in 1975, he would go on to join Nintendo Research and Development 1 under a mentor. Once that mentor left, he took over as general manager. It was here when a majority of his time developing games took place. He would go on to produce over 55 titles in his career, with a special thanks in several more. When Satoru Iwata restructured the company in 2007, he took the chance to move into a more comfortable position in the general affairs division.

Some of his work includes (but is not limited to) the following:

• Donkey Kong (Game & Watch) - Programmer
• Kirby's Dream Land 3 - General Manager
• Pokémon Red and Blue - Producer (International Version)
• Pokemon Yellow: Special Pikachu Edition - Producer
• Pokémon Gold and Silver - Producer
• F-Zero: Maximum Velocity - Producer
• Wario Land 4 - Producer
• Advance Wars - Producer
• Metroid Fusion - Producer
• Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire - Producer
• Fire Emblem- Producer
• Metroid: Zero Mission - Producer
• Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U - Supervisor

No doubt, Takehiro Izushi was a valuable member of Nintendo's staff. While it is unfortunate to see him go, I commend his efforts and wish him an enjoyable retirement.