Nintendo veteran Takashi Tezuka to stay on as production producer after leaving executive board

Takashi Tezuka will keep contributing to Nintendo projects in a production producer capacity after departing the executive board on June 26, 2026.

Tezuka steps down from executive board today. The company disclosed one month ago that the designer would retire from his executive officer post today. He discussed the change at Nintendo’s 2026 shareholders meeting during a Q&A session.

A shareholder inquired about his departure. President Shuntaro Furukawa answered that Tezuka had been involved since the Famicom era and would remain active in development. The designer then affirmed the plan.

Tezuka confirms ongoing role as production producer. In Japan the production producer title commonly refers to a position akin to line producer, bridging creative and financial teams while supervising daily content creation. X user NStyles, who attended the meeting and has covered earlier sessions, relayed the exchange.

Tezuka looked back on his 42 years at the firm, describing the experience as enjoyable work and stating he felt it had been the right decision to join. He expressed gratitude for the chance to speak.

Tezuka reflects on Nintendo career and company growth. He remembered crafting original games that toy stores did not stock. The designer observed that Nintendo has since expanded dramatically, creating satisfaction through collaboration with large teams.

He pointed to innovations including 3D graphics, stereoscopic imagery and motion controls as sources of engineering delight. Tezuka noted that the firm focuses on producing items that deliver happiness worldwide, an effort pursued with adaptability across the organization.

Shareholders applaud Tezuka's remarks. His statements drew loud applause from those present. Tezuka is among Nintendo’s most seasoned designers, having directed The Legend of Zelda, Super Mario World, The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past and Yoshi’s Island while most recently producing Super Mario Bros. Wonder. Now 65, he has reached the firm’s usual retirement age, although longtime partner Shigeru Miyamoto, 73, continues working as executive fellow.