Skip to Content

Sudoku maker Maki Kaji, who saw life’s joy in puzzles, dies

By YURI KAGEYAMA
AP Business Writer

TOKYO (AP) — Sudoku creator Maki Kaji, whose life’s work was spreading the joy of puzzles, has died at age 69 of cancer. Known as the “Godfather of Sudoku,” Kaji created the numbers puzzle to be easy for children and others who didn’t want to think too hard. He founded his puzzle company, Nikoli Co., in 1983 and created the game around the same time. Sudoku became a global hit two decades later after a fan pitched it to the British newspaper The Times. His company said Kaji traveled to more than 30 countries spreading his enjoyment of puzzles. Sudoku championships have drawn millions of players and his company has provided more original puzzles to media companies in Japan and abroad.

Article Topic Follows: AP National News

Jump to comments ↓

Associated Press

BE PART OF THE CONVERSATION

ABC 17 News is committed to providing a forum for civil and constructive conversation.

Please keep your comments respectful and relevant. You can review our Community Guidelines by clicking here

If you would like to share a story idea, please submit it here.

Skip to content