In a rare interview following the release of a manga based on his work and life, Masahiro Sakurai explains how he wants the focus to be on his games rather than him personally. Despite previously launching a popular YouTube channel, the Kirby and Super Smash Bros. creator says, "I try my best to communicate my work to others, but I refrain from trying to promote myself."
In an interview with Game*Spark that's been translated by GamesRadar+, Sakurai says he was surprised that someone wanted to create a manga based on his life. "I think I've always wanted to live an unassuming life," Sakurai says. "Even with [being contacted about creating the manga], I'm sure my response was something like 'really?'"
Through his games, Sakurai has developed a huge fanbase that only grows with each game he releases. Despite this, he wants the focus to remain on the things he creates, rather than him as a person. "I think it's best if people just play games," Sakurai says. "Instead of looking at who made them."
With the launch of his next game, Kirby Air Riders, on the horizon, he is always conscious of how he comes across to others. "Becoming a laughing stock on the internet would be problematic," he says. "That's why I frequently turn down requests for interviews."
While the idea of the reserved Sakurai becoming an internet "laughing stock" may seem ridiculous, I can understand his desire to not be perceived.
