Takashi Tezuka, the longtime Nintendo producer best known for his work on the Mario and The Legend of Zelda series, confirmed at Nintendo’s 2026 shareholders meeting that he will continue to be involved with the company in a new capacity despite a recent retirement announcement.
Tezuka, a 42-year veteran who has been with Nintendo since the Famicom era, said he will remain engaged in game development as a "production producer." VGC noted that production producers typically act as liaisons between creative and financial teams and help oversee day-to-day development.
Meeting remarks and official confirmation
At the June 26, 2026 shareholders meeting, Tezuka reflected on his time at Nintendo and described his next role.
In journalistic terms, Tezuka said that working at Nintendo has meant creating and delivering products that bring joy to people around the world, that the company fosters collaborative and flexible development, and that he feels fortunate to have taken part in that work.
He added that, going forward, he will continue to contribute to Nintendo’s game development in the role of production producer.
Current Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa also confirmed Tezuka will remain involved with the company.
Public reporting and on-site transcript
A transcript of Tezuka’s response was shared on Twitter by user Nstyles, who attended the shareholders meeting.
Reports compiled by outlets including VGC summarized both Tezuka’s remarks and the nature of the production producer role.
Those reports underline Tezuka’s long tenure at Nintendo and his decision to continue supporting projects beyond his formal retirement.
Context and relevance for Nintendo platforms
Tezuka’s continued involvement comes as Nintendo maintains active development and publishing across platforms such as the Nintendo Switch and continues to communicate new releases and updates via Nintendo Direct and the Nintendo eShop.
As a senior figure with four decades of experience, Tezuka’s shift to a production-focused role is being framed by the company and media as a continuation of his legacy support rather than a complete departure.
What’s verified
- Tezuka announced his retirement the month prior to the shareholders meeting and has 42 years with Nintendo. - He stated at the June 26, 2026 shareholders meeting he will continue working as a production producer. - Shuntaro Furukawa confirmed Tezuka’s ongoing involvement. - Media outlets and an attendee tweet (Nstyles) provided a transcript and reporting of the exchange.
For industry watchers, Tezuka’s move retains a direct line to Nintendo’s creative heritage while formalizing a role that bridges creative and production oversight during an active period for Nintendo’s platform lineup.
Tezuka, a 42-year veteran who has been with Nintendo since the Famicom era, said he will remain engaged in game development as a "production producer." VGC noted that production producers typically act as liaisons between creative and financial teams and help oversee day-to-day development.
Meeting remarks and official confirmation
At the June 26, 2026 shareholders meeting, Tezuka reflected on his time at Nintendo and described his next role.
In journalistic terms, Tezuka said that working at Nintendo has meant creating and delivering products that bring joy to people around the world, that the company fosters collaborative and flexible development, and that he feels fortunate to have taken part in that work.
He added that, going forward, he will continue to contribute to Nintendo’s game development in the role of production producer.
Current Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa also confirmed Tezuka will remain involved with the company.
Public reporting and on-site transcript
A transcript of Tezuka’s response was shared on Twitter by user Nstyles, who attended the shareholders meeting.
Reports compiled by outlets including VGC summarized both Tezuka’s remarks and the nature of the production producer role.
Those reports underline Tezuka’s long tenure at Nintendo and his decision to continue supporting projects beyond his formal retirement.
Context and relevance for Nintendo platforms
Tezuka’s continued involvement comes as Nintendo maintains active development and publishing across platforms such as the Nintendo Switch and continues to communicate new releases and updates via Nintendo Direct and the Nintendo eShop.
As a senior figure with four decades of experience, Tezuka’s shift to a production-focused role is being framed by the company and media as a continuation of his legacy support rather than a complete departure.
What’s verified
- Tezuka announced his retirement the month prior to the shareholders meeting and has 42 years with Nintendo. - He stated at the June 26, 2026 shareholders meeting he will continue working as a production producer. - Shuntaro Furukawa confirmed Tezuka’s ongoing involvement. - Media outlets and an attendee tweet (Nstyles) provided a transcript and reporting of the exchange.
For industry watchers, Tezuka’s move retains a direct line to Nintendo’s creative heritage while formalizing a role that bridges creative and production oversight during an active period for Nintendo’s platform lineup.
