We are here to report the sad news of the passing of Yasuta Sato, founder of Takara (today known as Takara Tomy) and long-time chairman of the company. Mr. Sato founded Sato Vinyl in 1955, a small company that later became Takara Vinyl in 1960, and finally was know simply as Takara in 1966. Mr. Sato was chairman of the company from the beginning and during the crucial time when Microman and Diaclone toys became Transformers in the US by Hasbro and during the respective release of the toys in Japan. He retired from the company in 2001, long before the merge with Tomy in 2005.

NHK website confirms that Yasuta Sato “King Of Toys”passed away yesterday, he was 94 years old. A long life with great contributions to our beloved franchise. TFW2005 sends our thanks and warm wishes to the family of Mr. Yasuta Sato.