Yoshihisa Kishimoto, the esteemed Japanese game designer renowned for creating the iconic Double Dragon and Kunio-kun game series, passed away on April 2nd at the age of 64. The news of his death was confirmed by his son, who responded to a post on the official Kunio-kun series account.
“I am the son of Yoshihisa Kishimoto, game director of Kunio-kun. I report that my father passed away on April 2nd, 2024. I am deeply grateful for all the support fans have shown Kunio-kun over the years. Thank you for your continued support.”
Kishimoto began his illustrious career at Data East, contributing to titles such as Cobra Command and Road Blaster. He later moved to Technos Japan, where he conceived his most celebrated works: Nekketsu Kouha Kunio-kun (known in the West as Renegade) and the legendary Double Dragon. These titles left an indelible mark on the beat ’em up genre, influencing countless games that followed.
In recent years, Kishimoto remained an active force in the gaming industry, serving as game director for Double Dragon IV and co-director for the project Stay Cool, Kobayashi-san!: A River City Ransom Story. His legacy continues to inspire game developers and entertain fans worldwide.