Masaya Nakamura (Namco)

Masaya Nakamura (中村 雅哉, born December 24, 1925, in Tokyo, Japan) is the founder of Namco, the third largest video game developing entity in Japan. The Japanese government awarded Nakamura the “Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette” in their Spring Conferment of Decorations for his contribution to Japanese industry.

After Namco bought the film studio Nikkatsu in 1993, Nakamura became involved in film production and was credited as executive producer on a number of Nikkatsu movies.

Mr. Nakamura was inducted into the International Video Game Hall of Fame in Ottumwa, Iowa at The Big Bang Gaming Extravaganza, which took place from August 5-8, 2010. Pac-Man was also inducted and honored at a party celebrating his 30th birthday. Mr. Nakamura acknowledged his induction via a video feed. Pac-Man was present in Ottumwa for the festivities.