Veteran designer Tokihiro Naito opened up about his struggles with age discrimination in Japan's gaming industry. After 40 years in the field, including work on the iconic *Hydlide*, Naito found himself facing rejection due to his age rather than his skills. His candid social media post has ignited a conversation among developers about the widespread ageism in Japan, with many suggesting that foreign studios offer more opportunities. This discussion not only sheds light on the hurdles for experienced creators but also calls attention to a critical workforce issue.
Published on: 10/18/2025
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