Nippon Ichi Software (NIS) announced that company president and CEO Tetsuhisa Seko has passed away at the age of 54. According to reports, Seko died in the hospital, with a funeral service scheduled for January 29 at 11:00 JST at Memoire Kakamigahara.

Seko’s career in the gaming industry spanned over three decades, beginning at SNK in 1993 before joining Toshin in 2000. He started his journey with Nippon Ichi Software in March 2002, where he held various leadership positions including general manager of business content, network content, and senior director of the management division. Most recently, he was appointed president and CEO of the company in July 2023, and also served as a director for NIS America.

The passing of Nippon Ichi Software President Tetsuhisa Seko was announced today.

He contributed to the development and success of many notable titles, including the Disgaea series and Phantom Brave.

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We are deeply saddened by this news, and our thoughts are with his family,… pic.twitter.com/pjyU0gDZiO

— NISAmerica (@NISAmerica) January 24, 2025

Under Seko’s tenure, Nippon Ichi Software continued its legacy of developing beloved gaming franchises such as Disgaea and Phantom Brave. The company’s Western publishing division, NIS America, has been responsible for localizing and publishing numerous notable titles including Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc, The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak, and Ys X: Nordics.

NIS America expressed their condolences in a statement, highlighting Seko’s contributions to the company’s notable titles and expressing sympathy for his family, friends, and the staff of Nippon Ichi Software. The company has stated that while Seko’s position as representative director will not be immediately filled, the current number of directors meets legal requirements to continue operations.