The Idolmaster general producer Youzou Sakagami announced he will be stepping down from his position at Bandai Namco Entertainment at the end of March 2023. The Idolmaster 18-year veteran’s position will remain vacant.
Sakagami originally planned on stepping down in 2020 once The Idolmaster celebrated its 15th anniversary. However, the coronavirus pandemic changes many plans at Bandai Namco including projects in development and Sakagami’s decision to step down at the time. As a result, he decided to stay at Bandai Namco as The Idolmaster general producer until the series regained momentum and stability. He did not share any details about his plans for the future after The Idolmaster.
In a new post on The Idolmaster official website, 765 Production general manager Kouji Hatano states Bandai Namco has no plans to appoint a new general producer at the moment. Work on The Idolmaster series will move forward all the same, and new projects are currently in development.
Sakagami was involved with The Idolmaster series ever since its inception 18 years ago in Japanese arcades. During his tenure, the series would expand to consoles and mobile with entirely new games while bringing forth new anime and concerts (Thanks, Gematsu).
The Idolmaster fans may look forward to the premiere of the The Idolmaster: Million Live! anime in October 2023.
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