TOKYO, Japan — Maki Kaji, the developer of the popular numbers puzzle Sudoku, has died, according to his Japanese firm. His life’s work was to promote the fun of puzzles. He had bile duct carcinoma and was 69 years old.
Sudoku didn’t become a global sensation until 2004 when a fan from New Zealand suggested it and it was published in the British daily The Times. Japan found its own riddle two years later as a “gyakuyunyu,” or “reimport.”
Kaji was the CEO of his puzzle firm, Nikoli Co., until July, when he died on August 10 at his home in Mitaka, a Tokyo suburb.
Sudoku was also never branded outside of Japan, which fueled its international popularity, according to Nikoli.
Sudoku was originally known as “Suji-wa-Dokushin-ni-Kagiru,” which means “Numbers should be single, a bachelor.” Sudoku, widely regarded as the world’s most popular pencil puzzle, has just been released in digital form.
Kaji’s successor as Nikoli’s CEO, Yoshinao Anpuku, claimed Kaji was easy to get along with and had a “unique and humorous attitude to life.”
Anpuku stated, “Our purpose is to explore Maki’s vision and potential.”
Nikoli has created original puzzles for over 100 media businesses, ten of which are international.
Kaji is survived by his two kids and wife Naomi. Close family members attended the funeral services. Nikoli is planning a separate memorial ceremony, but the arrangements have yet to be finalized.