Japanese pachinko operator Okura Holdings has paid tribute to its founder, Katsumitsu Yamamoto, who passed away last Wednesday 11 September 2019.
In a company announcement, Okura thanked Mr Yamamoto, the father of current Okura Chairman and CEO Katsuya Yamamoto, for his “dedication and invaluable contribution to the Company during his tenure of service.”
The 94-year-old, who stepped down from the board in June, founded Okura Holdings in 1968 when he established its first pachinko hall, Monaco Sumiyoshi Honten, in Nagasaki. Prior to his recent resignation, he was cited as Okura’s key advisor, “primarily responsible for advising the Group on its strategic directions and business development,” the company said.
Okura operates four pachinko hall brands – Monaco, K’s Plaza, Big Apple and Big Apple. YOUPARK.