We have an unfortunate piece of news to share with Momotaro Dentetsu fans today.

Momotaro Dentetsu creator Akira Sakuma, aged 66, was admitted to the hospital after suffering from an acute heart attack. According to Sakuma’s wife, the heart attack occurred when the couple were dining at a restaurant in Kyoto. An ambulance was dispatched and Sakuma was admitted to the ICU of a nearby hospital.

Thankfully, it seems Sakuma’s condition has stabilized as he has regained consciousness and is now feeling well. Sakuma’s wife tells everyone not to worry for him. Sakuma and his wife will return to Tokyo in about five days once doctors feel he’s ready to be discharged.

Akira Sakuma’s latest game, Momotaro Dentetsu 2017: Tachiagare Nippon!, was released for Nintendo 3DS with relative success in Japan. Due to his health condition, he is no longer working on the Momotaro Dentetsu series. His colleagues have created a similar game and IP called Billion Road which launched for Nintendo Switch in November 2018.