All Dogs Go To Heaven: Kenichi Nishi’s Tao Passes
Japanese game developer Kenichi Nishi (of Love-de-Lic, Skip, Ltd., and Route24 fame) posted a note that his dog, Tao, passed away last month due to kidney complications. While many game developers have dogs, the Love-de-Lic founder immortalized his with cameos in Moon: Remix RPG Adventure, GiFTPiA, and L.O.L.: Lack of Love.
In Chibi-Robo, you actually train for and conduct a military operation against Tao, who plays the family dog constantly tormenting the Free Rangers. And in Captain Rainbow (which unfortunately hasn't made it to the States), you get to help fulfill Tao's wish of doing nothing but eating.
Nishi gave Tao his name because of the dog's black and white face, which he says is like a Yin-Yang from Taoism. Nishi obviously felt a deep bond with Tao, often sharing photos of the dog on his site and bringing him up in interviews. I've included a few photos of Tao with Nishi below:
Comments
Aw, it looks like he gave his dog an amazing life. And the fact that Tao is immortalized in games is so sweet!
Posted by: Mister Raroo | November 16, 2009 8:53 AM
I feel hurt and sad now. Look at this dog.. Cute and sweet. I love dogs very much and they are awesome dogs. Thanks to God's created of animal kingdoms.. amazing and yet very hurtful. *SIGHING*
Posted by: Bermon | November 16, 2009 1:24 PM
Aw, poor guy. I had actually been reading up on his games recently, seems like quite an interesting career, the one he has.
Rest in peace, Tao.
Posted by: Corrales | November 16, 2009 2:02 PM
From Moon: Remix RPG Adventure on, it always brightened up the games in which it appeared. Nishi's been mourning for a week or so, too. Sad.
Posted by: GhaleonQ | November 16, 2009 3:01 PM