Photo: Amadalvarez / CC BY-SA 4.0 (source: Wikimedia Commons)
Born on January 25, 1955 in Meguro, Tokyo, Japan, Tōru Iwatani is a teacher and video game designer. As of 2026, Tōru Iwatani is 71 years old. Schooling on record includes Tokai University. Recorded honors include CEDEC Awards - Special Award (2015). Credited works include Pac-Man.
My Take
Iwatani is proof that one idea can reshape a culture. Pac-Man in 1980 replaced shooting with eating and fleeing, and in doing so opened arcades to everyone, not just the combat-minded. That instinct for universal, inviting play is genius, and IGN naming him among the top 100 creators plus his 2015 CEDEC special award only confirm it. What moves me most is that he later turned to teaching, choosing to pass the craft forward rather than rest on a legend. I always prize the purity of a first, original creation over endless sequels, and his is foundational to Japanese game history.
1. Profile
- Name (English)
- Tōru Iwatani
- Name (Japanese)
- 岩谷徹
- Reading
- いわたに とおる
- Born
- January 25, 1955 (age 71)
- Zodiac / Chinese zodiac
- Aquarius / Goat
- Origin
- Meguro, Tokyo, Japan
- Occupation
- teacher / designer / video game designer
2. Background
- University
- Tokai University
Awards & achievements
- 2015 CEDEC Awards - Special Award
3. Works & records
| Category | Title | Role | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Notable work | Pac-Man | — |
4. Links
5. About this entry
Tags
- Last updated
- 2026-06-23
Facts are limited to publicly available information up to 2024; non-public or unconfirmed items are omitted. English text is machine-assisted (facts translated by Sonnet, "My Take" written by Opus 4.8). The Japanese page is the source of record.
Frequently asked questions
When was Tōru Iwatani born?
Born January 25, 1955 (age 71).
Where is Tōru Iwatani from?
Tōru Iwatani is from Meguro, Tokyo, Japan.
What does Tōru Iwatani do?
Tōru Iwatani works as teacher, designer, video game designer.
What is Tōru Iwatani known for?
Notable works include Pac-Man.
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