Masahiro Sakurai, who recently gave an interview to promote the Iwata-san book, has revealed more details about his personal relationship with Satoru Iwata, the late Nintendo President loved by many gamers worldwide. The following were translated by PushDustIn.

When Iwata was ill and had to be hospitalized, Sakurai was unfortunately unable to visit him as he was busy with creating the DLC for Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS/Wii U. Sakurai also mentioned that he first learned of Iwata’s passing when he was at home. When he was informed of his passing through a phone call, he knew something was wrong. It was the same feeling he felt when his grandparents passed away.

After Iwata’s passing, Sakurai decided to set a goal for himself – to make Super Smash Bros. a huge success. Thus, everything he did for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and the two Fighter Passes had this goal in mind. However, he isn’t sure what’s his next mission is after Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, and that the second Fighter Pass is beyond this mission.

Lastly, Sakurai shared that he and Iwata used to visit Tokyo together. He also had meals with him at the hotel, and Iwata always recommended books to Sakurai to read. He also revealed that Iwata used to call him “Sakurai-kun” when he was still working at HAL Laboratory, and that changed to “Sakurai-san” after he left HAL.

In conclusion, Sakurai calls Iwata a “very sincere person”.

What do you think of his words?