And here is your daily almanac for Tuesday, the sixth of December 2023.
Today, in 1950, Joe Hisaishi was born. He would go on to be a renowned composer known for his scores in many of Studio Ghibli's films. His music has undoubtedly touched the hearts of many, making him a favorite composer in Japan
It is also the birthday of Satoru Iwata, born in 1959. In the gaming world Iwata's impact on Nintendo and the gaming industry at large was huge.
Iwata's career in gaming started at HAL Laboratory, where he worked on titles like Kirby and helped bring EarthBound to life. He joined Nintendo in 2000 and quickly rose through the ranks, becoming the company's fourth president in 2002. Under his leadership, Nintendo released the Nintendo DS and the Wii, two of the most successful gaming consoles in history.
Iwata's approach was revolutionary. He believed in creating games that were accessible to everyone, not just hardcore gamers. This philosophy led to the development of games like Wii Sports and Brain Age, which expanded the gaming audience to include people of all ages and backgrounds. Before the rise of smartphones, Brain Age was the casual game that many non-gamers bought the DS for and would be seen playing.
His beloved status at Nintendo was not just due to his innovative vision but also because of his approachable and humble demeanor. He was known for his willingness to put himself on the front lines with his development teams, a rarity in corporate culture. His famous quote, "On my business card, I am a corporate president. In my mind, I am a game developer. But in my heart, I am a gamer," perfectly encapsulates his dedication and love for gaming and is why he is so beloved in the industry today.
His untimely passing in 2015 was a significant loss to the gaming community and industry. Yet, his legacy continues to inspire new generations of game developers and players.
Today is senbu (先負), traditionally considered a day where the morning is auspicious, but caution is advised in the afternoon. (Read more about the rokuyō here)
On the old calendar, today would have been the twenty-fourth day of the tenth month. We are still within the mini-season Shōsetsu (小雪), marking the period of early snow, and the microseason Tachibana hajime te kibamu (橘始黄), when tachibana (Japanese bitter oranges) begin to turn yellow. This time of the year, when nature subtly shifts its colors, reminds us of the gentle, yet impactful, change nature has on our lives.
Bird on Snow Covered Berry Branch by Hirose Biho
Here's a haiku from Kagami Shikou:
うらやまし美しう成て散る紅葉
urayamashi utsukushuu natte chiru momiji
envied by all
turning beautiful then falling
autumn leaves
Autumn Maple Leaves and a Stream by Watanabe Seitei
This haiku touches on the concept of mono no aware (物の哀れ), the awareness of the impermanence of things, and the gentle sadness and wistfulness at their passing. It is a sentiment deeply ingrained in Japanese aesthetics and culture, much like the appreciation for each season's unique beauty and the recognition of life's ephemeral nature.
Shikou's haiku invites us to appreciate the beauty in transient moments and the impact they leave behind. It's a reminder to cherish the present and the legacy we create through our own fleeting yet meaningful journeys.
As we observe the early signs of winter and the ripening tachibana, let us remember Satoru Iwata's incredible journey. His work not only reshaped the gaming landscape but also brought joy and entertainment to millions around the world. Let's cherish the creativity and passion that drive innovation and touch our lives in myriad ways. Be well, do good work, and stay in touch.
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David LaSpina is an American photographer and translator lost in Japan, trying to capture the beauty of this country one photo at a time and searching for the perfect haiku. He blogs here and at laspina.org. |
