Nintendo Apparently Didn’t Celebrate Its 100th Anniversary
A Look at Nintendo’s Past and Its Understated Milestone
When it comes to major milestones, most companies go all out. However, Nintendo’s 100th anniversary in 1989 didn’t warrant the grand celebration you might expect. In fact, it passed almost unnoticed, leaving many fans unaware of the company’s remarkable century-long history.
Nintendo, founded in 1889, has had a much longer history than its gaming competitors, Sony and Microsoft. While it’s easy to associate Nintendo with its more modern console innovations, such as the Nintendo Switch, the company actually had a century of history in 1989, stretching well beyond video games into various ventures like playing cards and toys.
In an interview with 4Gamer (via TheGamer), former Nintendo artist Takaya Imamura shed light on how the 100th anniversary was handled. Despite the significance of the occasion, there was no public celebration, with the company opting for a more reserved approach. Imamura explained that the company’s then-president, Hiroshi Yamauchi, set a stern tone at Nintendo. He encouraged the staff to remain composed, regardless of circumstances. This approach contrasted with the public-facing personalities that would come to define Nintendo, such as Shigeru Miyamoto, Reggie Fils-Aimé, and the late Satoru Iwata, known for their affable and enthusiastic demeanors.
A Company Ahead of Its Time
At the time, Japan was undergoing a significant economic bubble, with wealth and profit soaring across the country. Many companies at the time went out of their way to ensure the comfort and happiness of their employees. Yet, Nintendo bucked this trend, remaining calm and grounded, according to Imamura. This no-nonsense attitude was particularly unique for the time, as other companies were often more extravagant and celebratory.
In contrast to today’s more visible and celebrated milestones—such as game anniversaries or special edition releases—Nintendo’s 100th anniversary came and went without fanfare. However, this pragmatic approach didn’t hinder the company’s growth. Over the years, Nintendo has weathered its share of ups and downs. From the success of the Nintendo DS and Wii to the failure of the Wii U, Nintendo has proven its resilience. With the Nintendo Switch marking a major success, fans are left wondering what lies ahead as the company looks to the future, especially with the anticipated release of the Nintendo Switch 2.
Though it seems unlikely Nintendo will let its 200th anniversary slip by unnoticed, it’s easy to imagine that, by then, the company will be even more celebrated for its impact on gaming and culture.