Difference between revisions of "Yuji Naka"

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[[File:Yuji_Naka.jpg|thumb|right|185px|Yuji Naka]]
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{{cleanup}}{{PersonBob
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| image=EPKAugust05 YujiNaka yn 1.jpg
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| birthplace=Hirakata, Osaka prefecture, Japan
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| dob=1965-09-17{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20040404050215/http://sega.jp/studio/st.html}}
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| dod=
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| employment={{Employment
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| company=[[Sega Enterprises, Ltd.|Sega Enterprises]]
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| divisions=[[Sega Personal Computer Div.]]{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20180702132447/https://www.famitsu.com/news/201807/02160203.html}}, [[Sega R&D 2]],{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20220428190003/https://twitter.com/nakayuji/status/985432627585826816}} [[Sega R&D 9]]{{ref|https://archive.ph/IUTx2|https://twitter.com/U1_Toyama/status/334666515905409025}}
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| start=1984{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20040404050215/http://sega.jp/studio/st.html}}
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}}{{Employment
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| company=[[Sega of America]]
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| divisions=[[Sega Technical Institute]]
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}}{{Employment
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| company=[[Sega Enterprises, Ltd.|Sega Enterprises]]
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| divisions=[[Sega CS1]],{{magref|bemega|1995-01|99}} [[Sega CS]]{{magref|ssmjp|1996-01|182}}, [[Sega CS3 (1996-1999)|Sega CS3]]{{magref|segamagjp|4|20}}{{magref|ssmjp|1998-03|62}}, [[Sega Software R&D Dept. 8]]}}
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{{Employment
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| company=[[Sonic Team (company)|Sonic Team]]
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}}{{Employment
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| company=[[Sega Corporation (2000-2015)|Sega]]
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}}{{Employment
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| company=[[Prope]]
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| notsega=yes
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}}
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| role=Programmer, Designer, Producer, Executive
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| education=Nishinoda Technology Senior High School
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| twitter=nakayuji
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}}
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'''{{PAGENAME}}''' (中 裕司), known by the alias '''YU2''' is a Japanese video game designer, programmer, and former head of [[Sonic Team]]. Most known as the co-creator of the ''[[sonic:Sonic the Hedgehog|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' series, he served as one of [[Sega]]'s most well-known developers and gained widespread recognition as one of the company's star programmers. Naka departed Sega in 2006 to establish his own game company, the [[wikipedia:Minato, Tokyo|Minato, Tokyo]]-based [[Prope]].
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==Career==
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When Yuji Naka was 17 years old, he decided that he wanted to program video games. He learned how to program by copying and debugging game code published in magazines, and these experiences prompted him to learn how to use assemblers and write his own programs. The electronic music group [[wikipedia:Yellow Magic Orchestra|Yellow Magic Orchestra]] was also an influence on the young Naka.
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Being a large fan of [[Namco]], Yuji Naka aimed to work for them after he graduated from college. However, Namco only accepted work from university graduates, and thus Yuji Naka would not be eligible as he did not want to go to university. He did however score a job at [[Sega]] as a programming assistant in 1984.
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===Sega===
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[[File:SonicTeam NiGHTS interview 1996.png|thumb|right|320px|A 1996 photograph of Yuji Naka and [[Sonic Team]].]]
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His first release was a game for the [[SG-1000]] called ''[[Girl's Garden]]''. Yuji Naka's distinction was producing/project managing projects while simultaneously handling the lead programming of them. Examples of this are ''[[Space Harrier II]]'' and ''[[Phantasy Star II]]''. He was at one point considered the top console games programmer at Sega, closely followed by [[Takahiro Hamano]] and [[Masanobu Yamamoto]]{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20231017065221/https://twitter.com/SiFi_TZK/status/753593166767415296}}{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20220820050144/https://twitter.com/SiFi_TZK/status/1560854218990563328}}. In 1990 he, along with [[Naoto Oshima]] and [[Hirokazu Yasuhara]], began to conceive what would become ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog]]'', assembling what would later be dubbed [[Sonic Team]], putting his leadership and programming talents into work. Naka would serve as a direct programmer on [[Sega]] titles up until ''[[NiGHTS into Dreams]]'', when Sonic Team members [[Tetsu Katano]] and Takahiro Hamano succeeded him in that regard.
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On March 16, 2006 it was announced that Naka would be creating his own independent game studio, with partial financial backing from Sega. Naka left Sega to set up this studio, called [[Prope]].
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===Prope===
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During his 2018-2021 employment with Square Enix, Prope remained in business with Naka as the only employee.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20210917223623/https://www.siliconera.com/yuji-naka-on-propes-status-downsized-to-one-person-company/}} By 2019, Naka's work with Prope was largely administrative tasks he performed during weekends. On December 18, 2021, Naka released the free mobile game ''Shot2048'' through Prope. It was built in Unity and his first time creating a game entirely by himself{{ref|https://ghostarchive.org/archive/6AG3p|https://twitter.com/nakayuji/status/1472186879588331525}}.
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===Square Enix===
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In January 2018, Naka joined Square Enix{{ref|https://ghostarchive.org/archive/6Va6J|https://twitter.com/nakayuji/status/955385616971247617}}. On July 16, 2020, it was announced that Square Enix had formed the subsidiary developer Balan Company{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20200716134508/https://www.gematsu.com/2020/07/square-enix-announces-balan-company-action-game-brand}}. The new developer would work with internal and external studios to make games that were more atypical for Square Enix. On July 23, 2020, ''[[wikipedia:Balan Wonderworld|Balan Wonderworld]]'' was revealed as a new 3D platformer from Yuji Naka and [[Naoto Oshima]]{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20200725021507/https://twinfinite.net/2020/07/balan-wonderworld-announced-by-square-enix-and-sonic-creators/}}.
  
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'''Yuji Naka''' (中 裕司), born 17 September 1965 in Osaka, Japan, is a video game designer, programmer, the former head of [[Sonic Team]] (usually credited by his alias, '''YU2'''), and currently the head of the video game development company, [[Prope]].
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In April 2021, upon the release and commercial failure of ''Balan Wonderworld'', Naka left Square Enix. He posted a fairly vague message concerning his reasons for doing so{{ref|https://ghostarchive.org/archive/rSIAp|https://twitter.com/nakayuji/status/1401050454704857088}} but stated he may retire.
  
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==History==
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On April 28, 2022, Naka revealed in a Twitter thread that he had filed a lawsuit against Square Enix{{ref|https://ghostarchive.org/archive/nDiVG|https://twitter.com/nakayuji/status/1519648947932860416}}. He stated that he was removed as the director of Balan Wonderworld six months before the game's release following disagreements over the game's stability. Naka stated that his protests were ignored. On July 5, 2022, Naka posted another thread about discovering in court documents that coworkers at Square Enix had been talking behind his back. He posted an image of the ''[[NiGHTS into Dreams]]'' team with [[Naoto Oshima]] seemingly blacked out with marker{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20220705214005/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2022/07/yuji-naka-erases-former-co-worker-and-sonic-creator-naoto-ohshima-from-team-photo}}.
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When Yuji Naka was 17 years old, he decided that he wanted to program video games. He owed this fascination to Ryuichi Sakamotos "Yellow Magic Orchestra" program, which allowed the composition of music on your computer.
 
  
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Being a large fan of [[Namco]], Yuji Naka aimed to work for them after he graduated from college. However, Namco only accepted work from university graduates, and thus Yuji Naka would not be eligible as he did not want to go to university.
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===Insider trading charges===
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On November 17, 2022, Naka was arrested by the [[wikipedia:Public Prosecutors Office (Japan)|Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office]] and charged with violating the [[wikipedia:Financial Instruments and Exchange Act|Financial Instruments and Exchange Act]] of 2006.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20221118170901/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/story/2022-11-18/yuji-naka-arrested-insider-trading-sonic-dragon-quest}}{{ref|1=https://web.archive.org/web/20221118022304/https://www.fnn.jp/articles/-/446810?display=full}}{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20221118110615/https://variety.com/2022/gaming/news/sonic-the-hedgehog-naka-yuji-arrested-1235436767/}} The Public Prosecutors Office accused him of [[wikipedia:insider trading|insider trading]]; Naka bought 10,000 shares of the developer [[Aiming]] before its game ''[[wikipedia:Dragon Quest Tact|Dragon Quest Tact]]'' was announced to the public. Two other former Square Enix employees were also arrested, alleged to have bought 162,000 shares between December 2019 and February 2020 for approximately 47.2 million yen.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20221118170901/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/story/2022-11-18/yuji-naka-arrested-insider-trading-sonic-dragon-quest}}{{ref|1=https://web.archive.org/web/20221118022304/https://www.fnn.jp/articles/-/446810?display=full}}
  
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He did however score a job at [[Sega]] as a programming assistant. His first release was a game for the [[Sega Mark III]] called ''Girl's Garden'', but his massive breakthrough wasn't far off. In 1990 Yuji Naka, along with [[Naoto Ohshima]] and [[Hirokazu Yasuhara]] began work on the original ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (16-bit)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]''. Naka became a leading programmer for the newly founded "[[Sonic Team]]" which would be the team in control of most projects featuring Sega's mascot. After the completion of ''[[Sonic 2]]'', he became the producer of Sonic Team.
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On December 7, Naka was arrested again, accused of having purchased 144.7 million yen of shares of the developer [[wikipedia:Ateam Inc.|ATeam]] before their game ''[[wikipedia:Final Fantasy VII: The First Soldier|Final Fantasy VII: The First Soldier]]'' was announced.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20221207122228/https://www.eurogamer.net/former-sonic-boss-yuji-naka-re-arrested-as-fresh-insider-trading-allegations-emerge}} He was later indicted on insider trading charges by the Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20221227184959/https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/yuji-naka-indicted-in-square-enix-insider-trading-case/}} Naka plead guilty in March 2023.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20230601095857/https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/yuji-naka-has-reportedly-been-sentenced-to-2-5-years-in-prison-for-insider-trading/}} On June 1, prosecutors asked for a sentence of two and a half years in prison and a combined fine of 172.5 million yen.{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20221227184959/https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/yuji-naka-indicted-in-square-enix-insider-trading-case/}}
  
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On March 16, 2006 it was announced that Naka would be creating his own game studio, independent of Sega. Naka left Sega to set up this studio, called [[Prope]], but has since come back as a consultant for various Sega titles, including [[Sonic the Hedgehog]] titles.
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==Production history==
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{{ProductionHistory|Yuji Naka|Muuu Yuji|Muuuu Yuji|Nitta Tai Yuji|Y.Naka|Y.N|YU2|Yuji Naka (YU2)|なか ゆうじ|中 裕司|Naka Yuji}}
  
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==Production History==
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[[Category:Use ProductionHistory template]]
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{{multicol|
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* ''[[Sonic X]]'' (2003) — Executive Producer
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* ''[[Girl's Garden]]'' (1984) — Designer [NOTE: Also Lead Programmer]
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* ''[[Sakura Wars: So Long, My Love]]'' (PS2 Version) (2005) — Chief Producer
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* ''[[Space Harrier]]'' (Arcade Version) (1985) — Lead Programmer
 
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* ''[[Great Baseball]]'' (1985) — Programmer
 
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* ''[[F-16 Fighting Falcon]]'' (1985) — Programmer
 
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* ''[[Hokuto no Ken]] (Fist of the North Star)'' (1986) — Programmer
 
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* ''[[OutRun]]'' (1986) — Lead Programmer
 
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* ''[[Spy vs. Spy]]'' (1986) — Lead Programming
 
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* ''[[Space Harrier]]'' (Master System Version) (1986) — Produced by (as '''Nitta Tai Yuji'''), Screenplay by (as '''Nitta Tai Yuji'''), Proposed by (as '''Nitta Tai Yuji''')
 
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* ''[[OutRun]]'' (Master System Version) (1987)
 
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* ''[[Phantasy Star]]'' (1987) — Main Program (as '''Muuuu Yuji''')
 
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* ''[[Space Harrier 3D]]'' (1988) — Special Thanks (as '''Muuu Yuji''')
 
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* ''[[Super Thunder Blade]]'' (1988) — Executive Producer (as '''Muuuu Yuji''') [NOTE: Also Lead Programmer]
 
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* ''[[Phantasy Star II]]'' (1989) — Produced and Programmed by (as '''Muuuu Yuji''')
 
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* ''[[Ghouls'n Ghosts]]'' (Mega Drive Version) (1989) — Lead Programmer
 
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* ''[[Phantasy Star III: Generations of Doom]]'' (1990) — Special Thanks
 
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* ''[[Sonic 1|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' (1991) — Program (as '''YU2''') [NOTE: Also Project Manager]
 
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* ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 2]]'' (1992) — Chief Programmer [NOTE: Also Project Manager]
 
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* ''[[Sonic Spinball]]'' (Mega Drive Version) (1993) — A Special Bow to [NOTE: Manual credit]
 
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* ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 3]]'' (1994) — Producer, Lead Programmer
 
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* ''[[Sonic & Knuckles]]'' (1994) — Producer, Lead Programmer
 
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* ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog 3 & Knuckles]]'' (1994) — Producer, Lead Programmer
 
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* ''[[NiGHTS into Dreams]]'' (1996) — Producer, Lead Programmer
 
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* ''[[Christmas NiGHTS]]'' (1996) — Producer, Programmer
 
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* ''[[Sonic 3D Blast]]'' (1996) — Advisor
 
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* ''[[Sonic Jam]]'' (1997) — Producer
 
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* ''[[Sonic R]]'' (Saturn Version) (1997) — General Producer (Sega Enterprises Ltd.), Producer (Sega Enterprises Ltd.)
 
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* ''[[Burning Rangers]]'' (1998) — Producer
 
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* ''[[Sonic R]]'' (PC Version) (1998) — General producer (Sega Enterprises Ltd.) (Sega), Producer (Sega Enterprises Ltd.) (Sega), Supervisor (Sega)
 
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* ''[[Sonic Adventure]]'' (1998) — Producer
 
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* ''[[ChuChu Rocket!]]'' (Dreamcast Version) (1999) — Producer, Director
 
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* ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog Pocket Adventure]]'' (1999) — Superviser (as '''Y. Naka'''), Produce (as '''Y. Naka''')
 
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* ''[[Samba de Amigo]]'' (2000) — Producer
 
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* ''[[Samba de Amigo|Samba de Amigo Ver. 2000]]'' (2000) — Producer
 
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* ''[[Phantasy Star Online]]'' (2000) — Producer
 
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* ''[[ChuChu Rocket!]]'' (GBA Version) (2001) — Producer, Director
 
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* ''[[Sonic Adventure 2]]'' (2001) — Producer
 
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* ''[[Phantasy Star Online Ver. 2]]'' (2001) — Producer
 
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* ''[[Sonic Adventure 2: Battle]]'' (2001) — Producer
 
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* ''[[Sonic Advance]]'' (2001) — Producer
 
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* ''[[Sonic Mega Collection]]'' (2002) — Producer
 
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* ''[[Phantasy Star Online Episode I & II]]'' (2002/2003) — Producer
 
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* ''[[Sonic Advance 2]]'' (2002) — Producer
 
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* ''[[Phantasy Star Online Episode I & II|Phantasy Star Online Episode I & II Plus]]'' (2003) — Producer
 
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* ''[[Sonic Adventure DX: Director's Cut]]'' (2003) — Producer
 
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* ''[[Sonic Pinball Party]]'' (2003) — Producer
 
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* ''[[Billy Hatcher and the Giant Egg]]'' (2003) — Producer
 
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* ''[[Sonic Battle]]'' (2003) — Producer
 
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* ''[[Sonic Heroes]]'' (2003) — Producer
 
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* ''[[Sonic Advance 3]]'' (2004) — Producer
 
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* ''[[Virtua Quest]]'' (2004) — Special Thanks
 
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* ''[[Feel the Magic XY/XX]]'' (2004) — Chief Producer
 
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* ''[[Sonic Mega Collection Plus]]'' (2004) — Producer
 
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* ''[[Puyo Pop Fever]]'' (GBA Version) (2004) — Producer
 
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* ''[[Sonic Gems Collection]]'' (2005) — Chief Producer
 
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* ''[[Shadow the Hedgehog (game)|Shadow the Hedgehog]]'' (2005) — Producer
 
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* ''[[Sonic Rush]]'' (2005) — Producer
 
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* ''[[Sonic Riders]]'' (2006) — Executive Producer
 
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* ''[[Phantasy Star Universe]]'' (2006) — Executive Producer
 
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* ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (2006 game)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' (2006) — Original Executive Producer
 
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* ''[[Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games]]'' (2007) — Original Executive Producer
 
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* ''[[NiGHTS into Dreams]]'' (PS2 Version) (2008) — Special Thanks
 
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* ''[[Let's Tap]]'' (2008) — Producer
 
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}}
 
  
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==Song Credits==
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==Song credits==
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{{mainArticle|{{PAGENAME}}/Song credits}}
 
===''[[OutRun]]'' (Master System Version)===
 
===''[[OutRun]]'' (Master System Version)===
 
* Magical Sound Shower — Arrangement
 
* Magical Sound Shower — Arrangement
Line 86: Line 70:
  
 
==Interviews==
 
==Interviews==
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{{multicol|
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{{InterviewList|Yuji Naka}}
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*[[sonic:Yuji Naka interview by Sega Visions (August/September 1992)]]
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{{mirror}}
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*[[sonic:Yuji Naka interview by Sega.com (December 20, 1996)]]
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* [[sonic:Yuji Naka interview by Sega Visions (August/September 1992)|Yuji Naka interview by Sega Visions (August/September 1992)]]
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*[[sonic:Yuji Naka and Naoto Oshima interview by Hobby Consolas (Unknown Month, 1996)]]
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* [https://mdshock.com/2018/07/19/yuji-naka-sonic-interview-february-1995/ Yuji Naka interview by Sega Saturn Magazine (February 1995)]
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*[[sonic:Yuji Naka and Naoto Oshima interview by Saturn Power (July 1997)]]
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* [[sonic:Yuji Naka interview by Sega.com (December 20, 1996)|Yuji Naka interview by Sega.com (December 20, 1996)]]
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*[[sonic:Yuji Naka interview by Dreamcast Magazine (January 22, 1999)]]
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* [[sonic:Yuji Naka and Naoto Oshima interview by Hobby Consolas (Unknown Month, 1996)|Yuji Naka and Naoto Oshima interview by Hobby Consolas (Unknown Month, 1996)]]
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*[[sonic:Yuji Naka interview by Gamefan (June 1999)]]
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* [[sonic:Yuji Naka and Naoto Oshima interview by Saturn Power (July 1997)|Yuji Naka and Naoto Oshima interview by Saturn Power (July 1997)]]
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*[[sonic:Yuji Naka interview by Official Dreamcast Magazine (September 1999)]]
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* [[sonic:Yuji Naka interview by Dreamcast Magazine (January 22, 1999)|Yuji Naka interview by Dreamcast Magazine (January 22, 1999)]]
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*[[sonic:Yuji Naka interview by Sega Saturn Magazine (October 8, 1998)]]
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* [[sonic:Yuji Naka interview by Gamefan (June 1999)|Yuji Naka interview by Gamefan (June 1999)]]
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*[[sonic:Yuji Naka interview by Futuregamez (November 30, 1999)]]
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* [[sonic:Yuji Naka interview by Official Dreamcast Magazine (September 1999)|Yuji Naka interview by Official Dreamcast Magazine (September 1999)]]
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*[[sonic:Yuji Naka interview by Edge (1999)]]
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* [[sonic:Yuji Naka interview by Sega Saturn Magazine (October 8, 1998)|Yuji Naka interview by Sega Saturn Magazine (October 8, 1998)]]
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*[[sonic:Yuji Naka interview by IGN (February 1, 2001)]]
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* [[sonic:Yuji Naka interview by Futuregamez (November 30, 1999)|Yuji Naka interview by Futuregamez (November 30, 1999)]]
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*[[sonic:Yuji Naka interview by Gamespot (February 2, 2001)]]
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* [[sonic:Yuji Naka interview by Edge (1999)|Yuji Naka interview by Edge (1999)]]
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*[[sonic:Yuji Naka interview by Famitsu (April 19, 2001)]]
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* [[sonic:Yuji Naka interview by IGN (February 1, 2001)|Yuji Naka interview by IGN (February 1, 2001)]]
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*[[sonic:Yuji Naka interview by Gamespot (July 3, 2001)]]
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* [[sonic:Yuji Naka interview by Gamespot (February 2, 2001)|Yuji Naka interview by Gamespot (February 2, 2001)]]
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*[[sonic:Yuji Naka interview by Times (September 13, 2001)]]
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* [[sonic:Yuji Naka interview by Famitsu (April 19, 2001)|Yuji Naka interview by Famitsu (April 19, 2001)]]
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*[[sonic:Yuji Naka interview by Sega.com (2001)]]
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* [[sonic:Yuji Naka interview by Gamespot (July 3, 2001)|Yuji Naka interview by Gamespot (July 3, 2001)]]
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*[[sonic:Yuji Naka interview by Nintendo (February 12, 2002)]]
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* [[sonic:Yuji Naka interview by Times (September 13, 2001)|Yuji Naka interview by Times (September 13, 2001)]]
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*[[sonic:Yuji Naka interview by XenGamers (July 17, 2002)]]
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* [[sonic:Yuji Naka interview by Sega.com (2001)|Yuji Naka interview by Sega.com (2001)]]
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*[[sonic:Yuji Naka interview by Gamespot (September 30, 2002)]]
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* [[sonic:Yuji Naka interview by Nintendo (February 12, 2002)|Yuji Naka interview by Nintendo (February 12, 2002)]]
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*[[sonic:Yuji Naka interview by Euro Gamer (May 23, 2003)]]
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* [[sonic:Yuji Naka interview by XenGamers (July 17, 2002)|Yuji Naka interview by XenGamers (July 17, 2002)]]
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*[[sonic:Yuji Naka interview by CVG (May 27, 2003)]]
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* [[sonic:Yuji Naka interview by Gamespot (September 30, 2002)|Yuji Naka interview by Gamespot (September 30, 2002)]]
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*[[sonic:Yuji Naka interview by Sega.com (June 14, 2003)]]
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* [[sonic:Yuji Naka interview by Euro Gamer (May 23, 2003)|Yuji Naka interview by Euro Gamer (May 23, 2003)]]
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*[[sonic:Yuji Naka and Takashi Iizuka interview by Sega Score (December 12, 2003)]]
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* [[sonic:Yuji Naka interview by CVG (May 27, 2003)|Yuji Naka interview by CVG (May 27, 2003)]]
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*[[sonic:Yuji Naka interview by Sega Europe (January 30, 2004)]]
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* [[sonic:Yuji Naka interview by Sega.com (June 14, 2003)|Yuji Naka interview by Sega.com (June 14, 2003)]]
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*[[sonic:Yuji Naka interview by Sega.com (January 2004)]]
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* [[sonic:Yuji Naka and Takashi Iizuka interview by Sega Score (December 12, 2003)|Yuji Naka and Takashi Iizuka interview by Sega Score (December 12, 2003)]]
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*[[sonic:Yuji Naka interview by Sega.com (February 2004)]]
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* [[sonic:Yuji Naka interview by Sega Europe (January 30, 2004)|Yuji Naka interview by Sega Europe (January 30, 2004)]]
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*[[sonic:Yuji Naka interview by IGN (May 13, 2004)]]
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* [https://web.archive.org/web/20040124111152/http://www.sega.com/sonic/globalsonic/post_sonicteam.php?article=nakainterview Yuji Naka interview by Sega.com (January 2004)]
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*[[sonic:Yuji Naka interview by The Next Level (June 15, 2004)]]
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* [https://web.archive.org/web/20040219040145/http://www.sega.com/sonic/globalsonic/post_sonicteam.php?article=nakainterviewsonic Yuji Naka interview by Sega.com (February 2004)]
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*[[sonic:Yuji Naka interview by Kikizo (June 24, 2004)]]
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* [[sonic:Yuji Naka interview by IGN (May 13, 2004)|Yuji Naka interview by IGN (May 13, 2004)]]
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*[[sonic:Yuji Naka interview by Gameplanet (December 7, 2004)]]
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* [[sonic:Yuji Naka interview by The Next Level (June 15, 2004)|Yuji Naka interview by The Next Level (June 15, 2004)]]
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*[[sonic:Yuji Naka interview by GameSpy (September 2005)]]
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* [http://archive.videogamesdaily.com/features/sega_sonicteam_interview_june04.asp Yuji Naka interview by Kikizo (June 24, 2004)]
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*[[sonic:Yuji Naka interview by Kikizo (February 04, 2009)]]
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* [https://www.gameplanet.co.nz/features/i130795/Interview-with-Yuji-Naka/ Yuji Naka interview by Gameplanet (December 7, 2004)]
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*[[sonic:Yuji Naka interview by Nintendo Power (May 4, 2009)]]
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* [http://xbox.gamespy.com/articles/654/654750p1.html Yuji Naka interview by GameSpy (September 30, 2005)]
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*[[Yuji Naka interview by Gamautra (May 5, 2010)]]
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* [http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/132285/yuji_naka_on_new_beginnings_at_his_.php Yuji Naka On New Beginnings At His Studio, Prope (December 29, 2008)]
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*[[sonic:Yuji Naka interview by 1UP (June 25, 2010)]]
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* [http://archive.videogamesdaily.com/features/yuji-naka-prope-interview-feb-2009-p1.asp Yuji Naka interview by Kikizo (February 04, 2009)]
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*[[Yuji Naka interview by NightsIntoDreams.Com (July 5th, 2010)]]
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* [[sonic:Yuji Naka interview by Nintendo Power (May 4, 2009)|Yuji Naka interview by Nintendo Power (May 4, 2009)]]
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*[[sonic:Yuji Naka and Takashi Iizuka interview for Sonic Heroes website]]
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* [[sonic:Yuji Naka interview by 1UP (June 25, 2010)|Yuji Naka interview by 1UP (June 25, 2010)]]
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}}
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* [[sonic:Yuji Naka and Takashi Iizuka interview for Sonic Heroes website|Yuji Naka and Takashi Iizuka interview for ''Sonic Heroes'' website]]
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[[Category:Sonic Team Developers|Naka, Yuji]]
+
* [https://sega.jp/fb/album/01_gg/02.html ''Meisaku Album'' interview (Japanese)]
 +
* [http://shmuplations.com/sonic/ Sonic the Hedgehog – Developer Interview Collection]
 +
* [http://shmuplations.com/nights/ NiGHTS into dreams… – 1996 Developer Interview]
 +
* [http://shmuplations.com/miyamotoxnaka/ Shigeru Miyamoto x Yuji Naka – 2001 Developer Interview]
 +
 
 +
==Magazine articles==
 +
{{mainArticle|{{PAGENAME}}/Magazine articles}}
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 +
==Photographs==
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:''Main article: [[:Category:Photos of {{PAGENAME}}|Photos of {{PAGENAME}}]]
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 +
==External links==
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* [https://twitter.com/nakayuji Yuji Naka on Twitter]
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*''[https://www.sega-16.com/2005/06/sega-stars-yuji-naka/ Sega Stars: {{PAGENAME}}]'' article by Ken Horowitz at ''[https://www.sega-16.com Sega-16]''
 +
* [https://www.famitsu.com/news/201606/24107383.html Legendary Sonic Team creators reveal the truth of Sonic the Hedgehog's birth, success and rebirth on his 25th anniversary (June 24, 2016)]
 +
*''[https://mynintendonews.com/2020/09/28/yuji-naka-believes-balan-wonderworld-is-his-one-chance-to-make-a-platformer-with-square-enix/ Yuji Naka believes Balan Wonderworld is his one chance to make a platformer with Square Enix]'' article by SICKR at ''[https://mynintendonews.com My Nintendo News]''
 +
*''[https://mynintendonews.com/2021/06/05/yuji-naka-confirms-he-resigned-from-square-enix-and-is-now-thinking-of-retiring-from-games-industry/ Yuji Naka confirms he resigned from Square Enix and is now thinking of retiring from games industry]'' article by SICKR at ''[https://mynintendonews.com My Nintendo News]''
 +
 
 +
==References==
 +
<references/>

Latest revision as of 07:53, 2 February 2024

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Yuji Naka
Place of birth: Hirakata, Osaka prefecture, Japan
Date of birth: 1965-09-17[1] (age 59)
Employment history:
Divisions:
Divisions:
Divisions:
Role(s): Programmer, Designer, Producer, Executive
Education: Nishinoda Technology Senior High School
Twitter: @nakayuji

Yuji Naka (中 裕司), known by the alias YU2 is a Japanese video game designer, programmer, and former head of Sonic Team. Most known as the co-creator of the Sonic the Hedgehog series, he served as one of Sega's most well-known developers and gained widespread recognition as one of the company's star programmers. Naka departed Sega in 2006 to establish his own game company, the Minato, Tokyo-based Prope.

Career

When Yuji Naka was 17 years old, he decided that he wanted to program video games. He learned how to program by copying and debugging game code published in magazines, and these experiences prompted him to learn how to use assemblers and write his own programs. The electronic music group Yellow Magic Orchestra was also an influence on the young Naka.

Being a large fan of Namco, Yuji Naka aimed to work for them after he graduated from college. However, Namco only accepted work from university graduates, and thus Yuji Naka would not be eligible as he did not want to go to university. He did however score a job at Sega as a programming assistant in 1984.

Sega

A 1996 photograph of Yuji Naka and Sonic Team.

His first release was a game for the SG-1000 called Girl's Garden. Yuji Naka's distinction was producing/project managing projects while simultaneously handling the lead programming of them. Examples of this are Space Harrier II and Phantasy Star II. He was at one point considered the top console games programmer at Sega, closely followed by Takahiro Hamano and Masanobu Yamamoto[9][10]. In 1990 he, along with Naoto Oshima and Hirokazu Yasuhara, began to conceive what would become Sonic the Hedgehog, assembling what would later be dubbed Sonic Team, putting his leadership and programming talents into work. Naka would serve as a direct programmer on Sega titles up until NiGHTS into Dreams, when Sonic Team members Tetsu Katano and Takahiro Hamano succeeded him in that regard.

On March 16, 2006 it was announced that Naka would be creating his own independent game studio, with partial financial backing from Sega. Naka left Sega to set up this studio, called Prope.

Prope

During his 2018-2021 employment with Square Enix, Prope remained in business with Naka as the only employee.[11] By 2019, Naka's work with Prope was largely administrative tasks he performed during weekends. On December 18, 2021, Naka released the free mobile game Shot2048 through Prope. It was built in Unity and his first time creating a game entirely by himself[12].

Square Enix

In January 2018, Naka joined Square Enix[13]. On July 16, 2020, it was announced that Square Enix had formed the subsidiary developer Balan Company[14]. The new developer would work with internal and external studios to make games that were more atypical for Square Enix. On July 23, 2020, Balan Wonderworld was revealed as a new 3D platformer from Yuji Naka and Naoto Oshima[15].

In April 2021, upon the release and commercial failure of Balan Wonderworld, Naka left Square Enix. He posted a fairly vague message concerning his reasons for doing so[16] but stated he may retire.

On April 28, 2022, Naka revealed in a Twitter thread that he had filed a lawsuit against Square Enix[17]. He stated that he was removed as the director of Balan Wonderworld six months before the game's release following disagreements over the game's stability. Naka stated that his protests were ignored. On July 5, 2022, Naka posted another thread about discovering in court documents that coworkers at Square Enix had been talking behind his back. He posted an image of the NiGHTS into Dreams team with Naoto Oshima seemingly blacked out with marker[18].

Insider trading charges

On November 17, 2022, Naka was arrested by the Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office and charged with violating the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act of 2006.[19][20][21] The Public Prosecutors Office accused him of insider trading; Naka bought 10,000 shares of the developer Aiming before its game Dragon Quest Tact was announced to the public. Two other former Square Enix employees were also arrested, alleged to have bought 162,000 shares between December 2019 and February 2020 for approximately 47.2 million yen.[19][20]

On December 7, Naka was arrested again, accused of having purchased 144.7 million yen of shares of the developer ATeam before their game Final Fantasy VII: The First Soldier was announced.[22] He was later indicted on insider trading charges by the Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office.[23] Naka plead guilty in March 2023.[24] On June 1, prosecutors asked for a sentence of two and a half years in prison and a combined fine of 172.5 million yen.[23]

Production history

Games

Videos

Music

Accessories

Song credits

Main article: Yuji Naka/Song credits.

OutRun (Master System Version)

  • Magical Sound Shower — Arrangement
  • Passing Breeze — Arrangement
  • Splash Wave — Arrangement
  • Last Wave — Arrangement

Interviews

 Some or all of the following content should be mirrored on Sega Retro (or Retro CDN).

Magazine articles

Main article: Yuji Naka/Magazine articles.

Photographs

Main article: Photos of Yuji Naka

External links

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 http://sega.jp/studio/st.html (Wayback Machine: 2004-04-04 05:02)
  2. ↑ https://www.famitsu.com/news/201807/02160203.html (Wayback Machine: 2018-07-02 13:24)
  3. ↑ @nakayuji on Twitter (Wayback Machine: 2022-04-28 19:00)
  4. ↑ @U1_Toyama on Twitter (archive.today)
  5. ↑ Beep! MegaDrive, "January 1995" (JP; 1994-12-08), page 99
  6. ↑ Sega Saturn Magazine, "1996-01 (1996-01-12,26)" (JP; 1995-12-22), page 182
  7. ↑ Sega Magazine, "1997-02 (1997-02)" (JP; 1997-01-13), page 20
  8. ↑ Sega Saturn Magazine, "1998-03 (1998-01-23)" (JP; 1998-01-09), page 62
  9. ↑ @SiFi_TZK on Twitter (Wayback Machine: 2023-10-17 06:52)
  10. ↑ @SiFi_TZK on Twitter (Wayback Machine: 2022-08-20 05:01)
  11. ↑ https://www.siliconera.com/yuji-naka-on-propes-status-downsized-to-one-person-company/ (Wayback Machine: 2021-09-17 22:36)
  12. ↑ @nakayuji on Twitter (Ghostarchive)
  13. ↑ @nakayuji on Twitter (Ghostarchive)
  14. ↑ https://www.gematsu.com/2020/07/square-enix-announces-balan-company-action-game-brand (Wayback Machine: 2020-07-16 13:45)
  15. ↑ https://twinfinite.net/2020/07/balan-wonderworld-announced-by-square-enix-and-sonic-creators/ (Wayback Machine: 2020-07-25 02:15)
  16. ↑ @nakayuji on Twitter (Ghostarchive)
  17. ↑ @nakayuji on Twitter (Ghostarchive)
  18. ↑ https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2022/07/yuji-naka-erases-former-co-worker-and-sonic-creator-naoto-ohshima-from-team-photo (Wayback Machine: 2022-07-05 21:40)
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/story/2022-11-18/yuji-naka-arrested-insider-trading-sonic-dragon-quest (Wayback Machine: 2022-11-18 17:09)
  20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 https://www.fnn.jp/articles/-/446810?display=full (Wayback Machine: 2022-11-18 02:23)
  21. ↑ https://variety.com/2022/gaming/news/sonic-the-hedgehog-naka-yuji-arrested-1235436767/ (Wayback Machine: 2022-11-18 11:06)
  22. ↑ https://www.eurogamer.net/former-sonic-boss-yuji-naka-re-arrested-as-fresh-insider-trading-allegations-emerge (Wayback Machine: 2022-12-07 12:22)
  23. ↑ 23.0 23.1 https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/yuji-naka-indicted-in-square-enix-insider-trading-case/ (Wayback Machine: 2022-12-27 18:49)
  24. ↑ https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/yuji-naka-has-reportedly-been-sentenced-to-2-5-years-in-prison-for-insider-trading/ (Wayback Machine: 2023-06-01 09:58)
  25. ↑ File:UltraGamePlayers US 103.pdf, page 36
  26. ↑ File:Phantasy Star SMS credits.pdf
  27. ↑ File:Super Thunder Blade MD credits.pdf
  28. ↑ File:Phantasy Star II MD credits.pdf
  29. ↑ File:Phantasy Star III MD credits.pdf
  30. ↑ File:Sonic the Hedgehog MD credits.pdf
  31. ↑ File:Sonic the Hedgehog 2 MD credits.pdf
  32. ↑ File:SonicSpinball MD US manual.pdf, page 21
  33. ↑ 33.0 33.1 File:Sonic & Knuckles MD credits.pdf
  34. ↑ File:Mahou Kishi Rayearth Saturn credits.pdf
  35. ↑ 35.0 35.1 File:NiGHTS into Dreams Saturn credits.pdf
  36. ↑ File:Sonic 3D Blast MD credits.pdf
  37. ↑ File:Sonic Jam Saturn credits.pdf
  38. ↑ 38.0 38.1 File:Sonic R Saturn credits.pdf
  39. ↑ File:Burning Rangers JP Saturn credits.pdf
  40. ↑ File:Sonic 3D Blast Saturn credits.pdf
  41. ↑ 41.0 41.1 File:Sonic Pocket Adventure NGPC credits.pdf
  42. ↑ File:ChuChu Rocket! GBA credits.pdf
  43. ↑ File:Sonic Advance GBA credits.pdf
  44. ↑ File:Sonic Advance 2 GBA credits.pdf
  45. ↑ File:SonicMegaCollection GC US Credits.pdf
  46. ↑ File:Sonic Battle GBA credits.pdf
  47. ↑ File:Sonic Advance 3 GBA credits.pdf
  48. ↑ File:Puyo Puyo Fever GBA credits.pdf
  49. ↑ File:Bleach Advance GBA credits.pdf
  50. ↑ File:SonicGenesis GBA US manual.pdf, page 18
  51. ↑ File:SegaTunesComixZone Album JP Box Back.jpg
  52. ↑ File:VirtualSonic CD US back.jpg
  53. ↑ File:SongsWithAttitude CD JP booklet.pdf, page 7
  54. ↑ File:SARemix CD JP booklet.pdf, page 9
  55. ↑ File:SADLCOST CD JP booklet1.pdf, page 2
  56. ↑ File:CutsUnleashed CD JP front.pdf, page 3
  57. ↑ File:MDSA2OST poster1.pdf, page 1
  58. ↑ File:SA2OST CD US booklet.pdf, page 10
  59. ↑ File:TripleThreat CD JP booklet.pdf, page 2
  60. ↑ File:CompleteTrinity CD JP booklet.pdf, page 8
  61. ↑ File:SonicXOST CD JP booklet.pdf, page 3
  62. ↑ File:PSOBBSoundTrack CD JP Box.jpg
  63. ↑ File:LostandFound CD JP booklet.pdf, page 6
  64. ↑ File:SonicRidersOST CD JP booklet.pdf, page 3
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