A lot has been said about what Nintendo would’ve or wouldn’t have done if still ran by Iwata. Let’s hear Furukawa on what he learned from Iwata instead.
When posted in Germany, Iwata advised me to “regularly have face-to-face meetings with your subordinates”. I was a bit skeptical, but eventually I think I became someone [my team] could rely on. I remember Iwata happily told me, “I guess the meeting strategy works in Europe too”.
I had many opportunities to accompany [Iwata] on overseas business trips, and what I learned from his side is immeasurable. However, I’d like to keep what I learned in my heart.
I believe strongly that Iwata himself would’ve never approved of any current Nintendo employees saying, “these are what I learned from Iwata-san.” That is why we’re keeping them close to ourselves.
Iwata was kind and warm to everyone. When it came to himself and his work, however, he was truly strict. If I, as President now, start speaking arrogantly, I could hear him scolding me from heaven, “don’t you have something more important to do?”
It isn’t a style that just anyone can imitate. Thus it’s best for each of us to do what we can, in our own way.
Iwata left the company filled with people who can think for themselves and act on their own initiative.
[Originally posted on 2025-07-11 Pacific Time]
