Memorials/Tomoharu Saito
International Game Developers Association
| Tomoharu Saito |
|
| b. 1968
- d. July 29, 2006 |
| Mobygames page |
| External memorial page |
Tomoharu Saito was the character designer for Streets of Rage 2 and Culdcept Saga, and died on July 29th 2006 of synovial sarcoma at age 38.
Table of contents |
[edit] Biography
On July 29, 2006, Tomoharu Saito, a character designer beloved for such games as Streets of Rage 2 (Sega, 1993), Culdcept Saga (Namco Bandai, 2008) and Segagaga (Sega, 2001), died of synovial sarcoma, a common cancer. The cancer originated in his leg, which was later amputated. Despite this physical and emotional pain, Saito said in true samurai fashion, “Legs aren't necessary in the illustration industry.” Despite his utmost determination to continue living and designing games, sadly the cancer metastasized in his lungs, ending the life of the young and promising designer, who was only 38.
For Tomoharu Saito, working on games was his true passion. Even while in the hospital, Saito continued to work on game art and would often say “I want to work.” His passion for his work may be seen in the vitality of the characters he designed for games like Ketsui and the Culdcept series, a trading card board game that comprised his largest body of work, and this determination possibly helped him extend his life. His final games, Culdcept Saga (Namco Bandai Games America, 2008) and Sorcerian Online (pending 2008) are being released posthumously.
A memorial had been placed on Tomoharu Saito's website, which is still available through the Internet Archive's Wayback Machine. An English translation of this memorial is below:
7-29-2006 "Sayonara"
In October 2003, a swelling behind Tomoharu Saito's leg was determined to be a malignant tumor of known as synovial sarcoma. The tumor spread to his lungs despite multiple surgeries and repeated relapses, and after approximately three years of continuous medical treatments and shrine visits, he passed away peacefully on the 29th of July, 2006 at 1:57 PM.
During the time he was in the hospital, Saito hid his pains and ailments, though this took a lot of work, and during his time at the hospital, his foremost goal was to continue to work for his company [Omiya Soft]. When his right leg was amputated for the sake of medical treatment, the only complaint he gave was, "Legs aren't necessary in the illustration industry." He was forward-looking and persistent as he endured painful cancer treatment in order to be healed, and after repeated hospitalization and giving his all even through the company's unfortunate and unavoidable split, only once did he raise his voice, crying 'I want to work!' Tomoharu Saito loved making games more than anything.
Culdcept Saga, scheduled for release this autumn for Xbox 360, as well as Sorcerian Online, officially released this autumn are Tomoharu Saito's final works that he completed.
The work that Saito left behind will remain in everyone's hearts for hears to come, and will continue to be ardently loved.
(Translated by Devin Monnens)
[edit] Works
[edit] Video games
- Sorcerian Online – designer – (scheduled for release in 2008) PC
- Culdcept Saga – illustration artist - (Namco Bandai Games America, 2008) 360
- Bleach: The Blade of Fate – designer - (SEGA of America, 2007) DS
- Astro Boy: Omega Factor – designer - (SEGA, 2003) GBA
- Ketsui – character design – (Cave, 2003) Arcade
- Segagaga (Sega, 2001) Dreamcast*
- Culdcept -creature design, illustration- (Sega, 1997) PS1, Saturn
- Gurumesentai barayarou (1995, Winds) Super Famicom
- Streets of Rage 2 (aka Bare Knuckle 2) – designer – (Sega, 1993) Genesis
- Shockman/Kaizou Choujin Shubibinman 2 (Winds Co., Ltd., 1992) TG-16, Wii
* Tomoharu Saito appears as a hidden character in this game, which is a simulation for managing the game company, Sega.
[edit] Non-Video Games
In addition, Satio is credited with designing various CD jacket illustrations and set designs, among other things. He also wrote a serialized manga of game reviews for people who don't read.*
*this translation is doubtful
他、イラストレーションやCDジャケット作成、設定デザインなど諸々。 ゲーム批評にて誰も読まない漫画を連載中。
[edit] Links
- Ketsui review
- Gamasutra's obituary
- Insert Credit
- Xbox 360 News
- Memorial thread on Evil Avatar
- Got-Next Message board obituary
Tomoharu Saito's homepage, from the Internet Archive. The Japanese font may have compatibility issues with some browsers.
His website was turned into an obituary.
