"For me, defining my role is half of a life-or-death commitment. Without such definition, I might crumble as a nobody, so I must give myself the strength to withstand this heavy responsibility," said Yamauchi. He realized that if he were to inherit the assets built as a computer game development, manufacturing, and sales company, committing to the next generation of children would become his mission.
When defining Nintendo's founding principles, Yamauchi mentioned "independence," "pioneering spirit," "foresight," and "user-centric thinking." In other words, he believes that being "Nintendo-like" means breaking free from societal norms and existing systems. He considers a mindset that explores beyond boundaries as necessary for children to thrive in the future.
The "Yamauchi No.10 Family Office" currently focuses on investing in startups, aiming to connect with individuals who think outside the box, such as global business leaders and creators. Yamauchi stated that the switch to change the world cannot be found merely through refining output capabilities, but also through impactful encounters with inspiring adults during childhood. He hopes to give back to children in the near future through these connections.
Another aspect drawing attention is Yamauchi's donation to the Takasegawa River embankment project in Kyoto. Despite the original estimate of seven years, he made substantial donations to ensure completion in time for the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo. This act might reflect his desire to express gratitude to the place where Nintendo was founded.
Yamauchi emphasized the importance of preserving the landscape and original local culture, not only focusing on "Marufuku-rou." He believes that using the same approach as before might not be the best for the region. Yamauchi mentioned conversations with Mayor Daisaku Monogawa and participating in disaster prevention activities and river cleaning, which brought him closer to the local community. He plans to continue listening to the people in the area and providing helpful advice for the embankment project.
While inheriting Nintendo's DNA, Yamauchi is also paving his own path. His vision of "contributing to the future of children and returning wealth and knowledge to the next generation" becomes evident through his activities.