Turns out the real Dr. Kawashima from the Brain Age games doesn’t care for money, video games, and possibly even his own family:

Ryuta Kawashima, the scientist behind the smash-hit “brain training” games on Nintendo DS portable consoles, turned down the chance to become a millionaire, saying he’d rather work for a living.

The self-confessed workaholic — who says he has no time for games, even his own — is instead busy at his job, trying to come up with new inventions aimed at Japan’s growing elderly population.

“Not a single yen has gone in my pocket,” said the soft-spoken 48-year-old professor with round-rim glasses.

“Everyone in my family is mad at me but I tell them that if they want money, go out and earn it.”

Pickled plums, indeed! What do you think? Brilliant or mad man??