Brain Age’s Dr. Kawashima dislikes money, games
Monday, February 4th, 2008 at 11:25am by David
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??
February 4th, 2008 at 11:30 am
The money funds his research at the University, though. It isn’t like it is staying with Nintendo.
Also, he earns a modest 100k a year.
February 4th, 2008 at 12:06 pm
Hmmm… I guess that’s Japanese culture for ya’. Family has to come after work. Crazy Japanese. Why do so many Americans worship Japanese culture… the anime crowd. Bunch of jerks they are. The Anime people, not the Japanese.
February 4th, 2008 at 12:25 pm
to each their own i guess…wait…hhhmmm i wonder if he really hates cilantro too? then he’s definitely a weirdo
February 4th, 2008 at 12:50 pm
What he’s done with the money is almost like giving it to charity. Brain research is something that really benefits the whole world.
Also, I applaud him for not taking the money, making his family rich, and making lazy snobs (Paris Hilton-esque beings) out of his kids. That’s what most people would do. Teaching them to take care of themselves benefits them more than money. They’ll lead a more fulfilling life.
The only thing he’s done that I don’t agree with is that his kids are only allowed 1 hr/week on videogames… seems a bit harsh. Kids should be allowed more enjoyment than that. You’re only a kid once.
February 4th, 2008 at 1:02 pm
Well have you ever heard of a genius that isn’t slightly insane? his words do make sense though. (not that i’d do the same… not in a million years)
February 4th, 2008 at 1:14 pm
i half-agree with that.
All i ask is for the oppurtunity to prove that money won’t spoil my children
February 4th, 2008 at 1:43 pm
For the record, I don’t think he should have TOTALLY given away (100%) of the money. He should have at least saved some to pay for his kids’ education, and to benefit his family in other ways.
February 4th, 2008 at 1:51 pm
Hehe you Yankees make me laugh with your paying for education
Anyway the man makes a good living.
February 4th, 2008 at 1:55 pm
I imagine that he’s rather well off anyways.
February 4th, 2008 at 3:23 pm
Mad man. I see a pattern, too.
The Japanese are so different than Americans. We Americans will do anything for easy money. If one of us made a hit game, we would not refuse the money, we’d start a lawsuit if we didn’t get it immediately. But so many Japanese (from my experience, not a generalization, don’t hate me please) are content with working harder for their money. Not that this is a bad thing. I just don’t relate, that’s all.
February 4th, 2008 at 3:30 pm
But that game is part of his job…
He can give the money to me, i need some :p
February 4th, 2008 at 4:12 pm
Its too bad that a pretty well known game icon (at least in the casual gamer crowd) doesn’t even like video games. crazy professor…..
February 5th, 2008 at 10:17 am
Look at the pictures of him in the source article. He’s tiny! Less than two DS gamecovers length from shoulder to shoulder