Table of Contents
This is the 2020-2024 page of the Shigeru Miyamoto Archive.
1985-1989 | 1990-1994 | 1995-1999 | 2000-2004 | 2005-2009 | 2010-2014 | 2015-2019 | 2020-2024
2020
AP News – Mario like Mickey? Nintendo banks on profits from characters
Publication Date: January 20, 2020
Subject(s): Utilizing Nintendo characters
Format: Transcribed interview
People: Yuri Kageyama, Shigeru Miyamoto
Summary: They are thinking of profiting off their Nintendo characters the way that Disney does, in more ways than video games.
Grandparents are playing games with their grandchildren, they value that kind of appeal.
Nintendo Investor Relations – Corporate Management Policy Briefing / Nine Months Financial Results Briefing for Fiscal Year Ending March 2020
Publication Date: February 2, 2020
Subject(s): Hardware variations, Nintendo’s IP use, differences among types of media
Format: Investor Q & A
People: Unnamed investors, Nintendo executives including Shigeru Miyamoto
Link: https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2020/200202e.pdf
Archive Link: https://web.archive.org/web/20220619083420/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2020/200202e.pdf
Japanese Link: https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2020/200202.pdf
Japanese Archive Link: https://web.archive.org/web/20221204210302/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2020/200202.pdf
Summary: Their software development has always been focused on ways to play. New technologies came around when developers were getting bored of doing the same thing. The size of the game market has unlimited potential due to smart devices.
There is less talk about competition between Nintendo and other game companies. Only Nintendo can use Mario best, but there is a limit to how many people will play a Mario game. Nintendo’s characters were created with the idea of being interactive, so they have been working closely with Universal Parks & Resorts. Mobile games have dramatically increased the number of people who interact with their characters.
Originally he wasn’t in favor of video content. Virtual Console titles can be leveraged 30 years after their original release, just as video content can be. He didn’t set out to make a Mario movie so much as he wanted to make more video content.
Famitsu
Publication Date: Unknown (translated March 4, 2020)
Subject(s): Person of Cultural Merit award, making games, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, The Super Mario Bros. Movie, Super Nintendo World, Pokémon Go
Format: Transcribed interview
People: Unknown Famitsu interviewer, Shigeru Miyamoto
Links: https://japanesenintendo.wordpress.com/2020/03/04/shigeru-miyamoto-famitsu-interview-part-1/
https://japanesenintendo.wordpress.com/2020/03/05/shigeru-miyamoto-famitsu-interview-part-2/
Archive Links: https://web.archive.org/web/20200312123117/https://japanesenintendo.com/2020/03/04/shigeru-miyamoto-famitsu-interview-part-1/
Translator: BlackKite for Japanese Nintendo
Notes: There are also less comprehensive translations and reports on this interview here, here, and here that I have referred to for clarity.
Summary: He’s sorry he had to accept the Person of Cultural Merit award personally, since games are made by many people. He’s been working with many of the same people for 40 years ago, and many others around the world.
He had his friends give Game & Watches to various publications in the hope that they would review it. They were excited when a computer magazine started to cover video games.
It feels unbearable to give games away for free.
They don’t just make sequels, they use new technology.
He noticed parents would become worried when their children played video games, but relieved when they watched Disney movies, which made him want to make games for the living room.
During the Wii era he said that mothers had accepted gaming and that it was time to do something for grandparents, but gaming truly became ubiquitous with smartphones. People with a smartphone don’t have to be convinced to buy a gaming console.
There are people who like playing Mario games and starting over when they get a game over, others just want to be able to move on. It’s difficult to appeal to both groups. If they make something really fun and unique it should sell for years.
Making a game is like throwing a dart with your own style and having it land where you want without worrying about the science behind it.
He fixated on the controls for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, just like many of the games he works on. He mostly left the team to their work.
He checks on development of games with Mario in them to make sure he is handled appropriately. He was heavily involved in this aspect of Super Mario Run and Super Nintendo World. Mario doesn’t kill people, but may step on bugs. There were concerns with Super Smash Bros., they make some sound effects cuter.
When he joined Nintendo they were remaking a Disney board game that he owned as a child, he had never realized it was made by Nintendo.
His team working on the Switch tried to make sure it didn’t look weird.
Satoru Iwata wanted bring back the idea of playing a game however you wanted, since it had waned around the GameCube era.
He thought a single hardware architecture would be more accepted for the Switch.
Many competitors did not care about the long loading times of disc-based media. Customers felt safe with the Wii.
They wanted Super Mario Run players to feel safe about the monetization.
To be Nintendo-like is to be concerned with the consumer rather than market trends.
There’s a lot of demand in America for figurines but he’d rather people buy two games first, he feels they shouldn’t do too much licensing.
It would have been a problem if people could have uploaded a video of an entire game back in the ROM era. Sharing videos now may pique someone’s interest. He would want to watch walkthrough videos of games he didn’t make.
He and his family have been playing Pokémon Go and they asked him to catch a Heracross when he went to Orlando.
Nintendo wants to be more in touch with elementary schoolchildren, especially since games take 3 to 5 years to make.
He’s been giving Universal guidelines on using Mario IP for Super Nintendo World. They had decide that the structures would be made in Orlando and manufactured in Hollywood, but Universal said they should start in Japan since the Tokyo Olympics were coming up.
Nintendo used to think it could make a movie with the same amount of staff and materials as a game, but he thought it would be rude to directors. He was also afraid of Mario being used in ways he didn’t like. He opened to the idea after seeing older games being played on the Virtual Console and realized the similarities between the two mediums.
When Nintendo started their relationship with Universal he was told that Chris Meledandri wanted to talk to him. Chris Meledandri brought up topics that he had talked about before in interviews and said that they think and do things in the same way.
When Chris Meledandri talked about something he had failed at, he felt he could trust him. He won’t say what that failure was.
It’s more important to make something you find interesting than something that will sell.
They’ve never gone out of their way to make something that would sell globally.
Nintendo wants to cooperate with more companies so more people are exposed to Nintendo.
He has been doing carpentry work on his house and rearranging things.
He can guess how tall a seat is by looking at it.
His wife has been playing Pokémon Go, learning the mechanics, even though she rarely plays games.
He’d rather people focus on his games than on him. He’s still having fun.
The Guardian – Super Mario at 35: Mario’s makers on Nintendo’s most enduring mascot
Publication Date: September 14, 2020
Subject(s): Super Mario Bros.’ 35th anniversary, Super Mario 64
Format: Transcribed interview
People: Kenta Motokura, Takashi Tezuka and Yoshiaki Koizumi, Shigeru Miyamoto
Notes: This article doesn’t explicitly say that it was an interview and there’s just a few quotes from each person included without the questions that prompted them.
Summary: Mario games are about improving and trying different things. Reacting to player experimentation is the heart of interactivity.
He makes sure the assets are understandable without any explanation. Pipes fit the mechanic of enemies at the bottom reappearing at the top, and he saw pipes on his way to work.
They knew the Nintendo 64’s 3D capabilities would be limited, but it was more limited than they anticipated so they had to give up on simultaneous 2 player with Luigi in Super Mario 64.
The Washington Post – Mario makers reflect on 35 years and the evolution of gaming’s most iconic jump
Publication Date: September 14, 2020
Subject(s): 4 panel manga, working with younger developers
Format: Transcribed interview
People: Gene Park, Takashi Tezuka, Yoshiaki Koizumi, Kenta Motokura, Shigeru Miyamoto
Notes: This interview was conducted over e-mail.
Summary: The 4 panel layout of manga gives you beginning, development, twist, and conclusion. He uses this as a foundation when making games.
They use the number three for various items and mechanics.
Talking with the younger staff about his experience can’t compare to working with them. They have a lot of talent.
CNN Business – The surprising reason Nintendo made Super Mario a plumber 35 years ago
Publication Date: September 14, 2020
Subject(s): Super Mario Bros.’ 35th anniversary, Super Mario 3D All-Stars
Format: Transcribed interview
People: Shannon Liao, Shigeru Miyamoto
Link: https://edition.cnn.com/2020/09/14/tech/super-mario-bros-35th-anniversary-nintendo/index.html
Summary: In designing Mario he wanted to make a distinctive looking character within the limitations of the technology of the time. He wanted Mario to be someone who could live near you, not a superhero.
If Mario was 35 years old he’d encourage him to stay true to himself, to work out, and to keep his mustache groomed.
Nintendo Investor Relations – Corporate Management Policy Briefing for Fiscal Year Ending March 2021
Publication Date: September 17, 2020
Subject(s): Super Mario Bros.’ 35th anniversary, balance of fun and technology
Format: Investor Q & A
People: Unnamed investors, Nintendo executives including Shigeru Miyamoto
Link: https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2020/200917e.pdf
Archive Link: https://web.archive.org/web/20221111000323/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2020/200917e.pdf
Japanese Link: https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2020/200917.pdf
Japanese Archive Link: https://web.archive.org/web/20221216174438/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2020/200917.pdf
Summary: Unlike most series, players feel like each Mario game is distinct from the others. He resolved that Mario would grow with technology. New developers bring fresh ideas.
Innovative ideas can create new entertainment with old technology. He put a lot of thought into keeping games easy to control and accessible. Part of the success of the Nintendo Entertainment System was due to how it worked as soon as you turned it on. Batteries lasted for a long time in Game Boys because of their monochrome screen.
Nintendo of America – Super Nintendo World Direct 12.18.2020
Publication Date: December 18, 2020
Subject(s): Super Nintendo World
Format: Promotional video (subtitled)
People: Shigeru Miyamoto
Video:
Notes: Mr. Miyamoto walks around and gives a tour of Super Nintendo World.
Summary: He’s at Universal Studios Japan’s Super Nintendo World, where you can experience the Mushroom Kingdom. There were a lot of ideas, but they went with a straightforward warp pipe for the entrance. It takes you to the lobby of Peach’s Castle, which plays the castle music from Super Mario 64.
Mount Beanpole is in the middle. Yoshi and Goomba Towers move like in the games. With a Power-Up Band you can find secrets or participate in activities. You can get a coin from ? Blocks. The Power-Up Bands are like amiibo and you can use them at home. If you get three keys you can battle Bowser Jr. 1-Up Factory sells exclusive merchandise, like TOKOTOKO Mario.
Walking while eating popcorn may seem ill-mannered, but you can get it in Caramel Peach or Mushroom flavor. Kinopio’s Café serves the Mario Burger and Super Mushroom Pizza Bowl.
Super Nintendo World will open February 4th, 2021. They plan to open Super Nintendo Worlds in Hollywood, California; Orlando, Florida; and Singapore. With Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge they wanted to make a ride unlike anything seen before.
The New Yorker – Shigeru Miyamoto Wants to Create a Kinder World
Publication Date: December 20, 2020
Subject(s): Nintendo headquarters, being a boss, violence in games, being kind, games that deal with sadness
Format: Transcribed interview
People: Simon Parkin, Shigeru Miyamoto
Summary: He doesn’t buy many gifts and finds it hard to receive them.
Nintendo headquarters are simple and clean. Some have said the reception area is like a hospital waiting room. Designers switch desks depending on what game they are working on, so there aren’t a lot of personal items on them. Their cafeteria is well lit and has good food.
He thinks about games all weekend, so he’s excited for work on Monday. People don’t always like it when sends e-mails on the weekend.
The quality of something depends on whether it’s still sought after decades later. He admires how Disney has created long-lasting symbols. People who grew up with Nintendo are showing their children.
His kids never really cared about his job. Once in a while a friend would be a fan.
It’s important that parents play the video games their children are playing, and understand that they can’t quit until reaching a save point. He’s never had to restrict his kid’s play time. In his house the game hardware belonged to him, so his children had to borrow them from him. They played Sega games, too, like Space Harrier and Out Run, which inspired him to try harder.
When something captures our interest we become captivated. He tries to make games that don’t waste the player’s time by eliminating cliché scenes and reducing loading times. The process of trial and error builds interactive worlds in our minds, and that’s the true canvas, not the screen.
He realized that even if you make something fun it won’t sell unless it gets attention. Magazines wouldn’t write about video games early on. It was nice when video game magazines came around.
There has to be a mixture of real and not when making a game, so that it feels familiar yet different. You try to conjure sensations you’ve had.
He wishes people were more kind to each other. Sometimes young people sit in the train seats reserved for the elderly and disabled when the train is fairly empty. A person who needed the seat might not want to ask them to move.
It’s fun to hit a target with a ball, but he resists focusing on that kind of fun in a game. It’s not ideal that everyone makes shooters just because they sell. He is resistant to the idea of killing all the monsters, they have motives too.
The people who work for him would probably say he is picky. Some feel they don’t get enough praise.
It’s important to talk about games not just as products, but as dreams or visions. He’s good at describing what a game can be while also being concerned with the details. People can see him as negative when he’s working on the details and positive when he’s talking about the vision.
His role is in being a supporter as much as it is being a creative leader. He’s careful to meet the suggestions he gets on their own terms. He focuses on everyone making new experiences.
Complex emotions are difficult in video games, movies are more suited to them. Their games provide a warm feeling.
The younger people at Nintendo are now able to create harmony between hardware and software. He wants to pursue his interests, but he’s an amateur at designing theme parks. The rides are interactive, so he can use his expertise.
They are nearing a point where they can ensure Nintendo’s spirit is passed down. He wants to keep finding new experiences, that’s what has always excited him about the medium.
2021
Universal Parks News Today – Super Nintendo World Grand Opening Ceremony – Universal Studios Japan (untranslated from Japanese)
Publication Date: March 18, 2021
Subject(s): Super Nintendo World
Format: Presentation
People: J.L. Bonnier, Shigeru Miyamoto
Video:
Notes: This is the official opening of Super Nintendo World in Osaka, which took place March 18. Uploaded by YouTube user Universal Parks News Today.
Akira Himekawa: Original Drawings -A Look Back at the Manga “The Legend of Zelda-” (untranslated from Japanese)
Publication Date: September 8, 2021
Subject(s): Akira Himekawa’s The Legend of Zelda manga
Format: Essay
People: Shigeru Miyamoto
Video:
Notes: This book was only available for sale at the Kyoto International Manga Museum’s exhibit on Akira Himekawa’s The Legend of Zelda manga. This book was purchased by History of Hyrule and shared in this video.
Nintendo of America – Nintendo Direct – 9.23.2021
Publication Date: September 23, 2021
Subject(s): The Super Mario Bros. Movie (28:24)
Format: Promotional video (dubbed)
People: Yoshiaki Koizumi, Shigeru Miyamoto
Video:
Summary: It has been announced that he has been working with Illumination and Chris Meledandri on The Super Mario Bros. Movie. It will release December 21, 2022 in North America.
He wanted to reveal the voice actors for the English version. Chris Pratt is Mario, who talks a lot. Anya Taylor-Joy will play Princess Peach, he can’t wait to see a spirited Peach. Timid little brother Luigi will be played by Charlie Day. Jack Black will play Bowser. He expects a monster performance. Comedian Keegan-Michael Key will play Toad. Donkey Kong will appear and be played by Seth Rogen. Charles Martinet, who has played many characters over the years, including Mario, has surprise cameos.
He has been enjoying a creative process different from making games.
Nintendo Investor Relations – Corporate Management Policy Briefing/ Six Months Financial Results Briefing for Fiscal Year Ending March 2022
Publication Date: November 5, 2021
Subject(s): Nintendo IP, semiconductor shortages, visual content
Format: Investor Q & A
People: Unnamed investors, Nintendo executives including Shigeru Miyamoto
Link: https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2021/211105_2e.pdf
Archive Link: https://web.archive.org/web/20221111000318/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2021/211105_2e.pdf
Japanese Link: https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2021/211105_2.pdf
Japanese Archive Link: https://web.archive.org/web/20221216174437/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2021/211105_2.pdf
Summary: They started talking about giving access to their IP to more people over five years ago. They had to carefully consider whether to go into mobile games. Nintendo cannot reach many people through video game systems. Mobile games build affection for their IPs.
Hardware supply shortages are not effecting software development.
He hopes that the Super Mario Bros. Movie will continue to bring smiles to consumers. He wants to use other IP in visual media. After Super Mario Galaxy they wanted to make a more accessible Mario game and made New Super Mario Bros. Wii, and eventually Super Mario Run. They want to make games that have new features but are still accessible.
国民5万人がガチ投票！テレビゲーム総選挙 TV Game Sousenkyo (乃木坂46 賀喜遥香) (Video Game General Election, untranslated from Japanese)
Publication Date: December 28, 2021 (assumed)
Subject(s): Video games he’s worked on
Format: Interview
People: Unknown interviewer, Shigeru Miyamoto
Video:
https://youtu.be/jMVW-G6RDHA?si=Rl35i1tAhQcyAZys&t=8075
Notes: TV Asahi polled over 50,000 people about the best games of all time for this special. Mr. Miyamoto speaks about some of the games he’s worked on at 1:06, 22:36, 1:27:35, and 2:14:37. The top 100 can be seen here. This was uploaded to YouTube a few months after it aired by チャンネル, not TV Asahi.
Nintendo on X (Video Game General Election)
Publication Date: December 28, 2021
Subject(s): Video Game General Election
Format: Social media post
People: Shigeru Miyamoto
Link: https://twitter.com/Cheesemeister3k/status/1475821724705132547
Archive Link: https://web.archive.org/web/20220129012259/https://twitter.com/Cheesemeister3k/status/1475821724705132547
Japanese Link: https://twitter.com/Nintendo/status/1475783307610984450
Japanese Archive Link: https://web.archive.org/web/20220109061324/https://twitter.com/Nintendo/status/1475783307610984450
Translator: Cheesemeister3k
Notes: It’s possible that the text of this tweet is essentially the same thing Mr. Miyamoto said during the special itself.
Summary: Seeing the results of the Video Game General Election was an opportunity to think back on nearly 40 years of game development. He will keep making games with new experiences.
2022
Nintendo of America on X (The Super Mario Bros. Movie delay)
Publication Date: April 25, 2022
Subject(s): The Super Mario Bros. Movie
Format: Social media post
People: Shigeru Miyamoto
Link: https://twitter.com/NintendoAmerica/status/1518756878251089921
Archive Link: https://web.archive.org/web/20220430133613/https://twitter.com/NintendoAmerica/status/1518756878251089921
Summary: The Super Mario Bros. Movie will be delayed to April 7, 2023 in North America and April 28, 2023 in Japan.
Nintendo of America – Nintendo Direct 9.13.2022
Publication Date: September 22, 2022
Subject(s): Pikmin Bloom, Pikmin 4 (27:07)
Format: Promotional video (dubbed)
People: Shigeru Miyamoto
Video:
Summary: The Super Mario Bros. Movie will release next Spring. Super Nintendo World will open in Hollywood, California.
It’s been 20 years since the original Pikmin was released. Pikmin Bloom was launched last year. It uses your location and you can plant flowers. You can see where you’ve walked, send Pikmin to collect items, and feed them nectar. You can use the AR function to take pictures of Pikmin. Pikmin are all around you.
[A trailer for Pikmin 4 plays.]
Pikmin 4 will come in 2023, and you can play from the Pikmin’s perspective. He made a new T-shirt. The Switch makes controlling the Pikmin easier so you can focus on strategy.
Nintendo of America – The Super Mario Bros. Movie Direct
Publication Date: October 6, 2022
Subject(s): The Super Mario Bros. Movie
Format: Promotional video (dubbed)
People: Chris Meledandri, Chris Pratt, Jack Black, Shigeru Miyamoto
Video:
Summary: Today they will debut the first trailer for The Super Mario Bros. Movie. It’s been almost 40 years since the release of Mario Bros. They’ve been working with Chris Meledandri for a long time.
[Chris Meledandri speaks about the movie.]
He is going to introduce two of the stars, who both love Nintendo games.
[Chris Pratt and Jack Black talk about the movie.]
Thanks for waiting.
[The trailer plays, followed by Chris Meledandri.]
What will happen during Mario’s adventure? Production is going well, they are working on the finishing touches. You’ll spot all sorts of things if you look closely. All ages can enjoy the movie.
Nintendo – Illumination and Nintendo Launch First Trailer for The Super Mario Bros. Movie, which will be released in 2023
Publication Date: October 7, 2022
Subject(s): The Super Mario Bros. Movie
Format: Transcribed interview
People: Shigeru Miyamoto
Link: https://www.nintendo.co.jp/corporate/release/en/2022/221007.html
Archive Link: https://web.archive.org/web/20221006203743/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/corporate/release/en/2022/221007.html
Japanese Link: https://www.nintendo.co.jp/corporate/release/2022/221007.html
Japanese Archive Link: https://web.archive.org/web/20230115233708/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/corporate/release/2022/221007.html
Notes: This is more of a press release than a proper interview.
Summary: They’ve been working with Chris Meledandri to decide what kind of movie they wanted The Super Mario Bros. Movie to be. They have built a world based on Super Mario with the character’s designs, their emotions, and their gestures. Watch for references to Nintendo games throughout. The movie is for people of any age, and they are in the final tuning phase now.
Nintendo Investor Relations – Six Months Financial Results Briefing/ Corporate Management Policy Briefing for Fiscal Year
Ending March 2023
Publication Date: November 9, 2022
Subject(s): Backward compatibility, The Super Mario Bros. Movie
Format: Investor Q & A
People: Unnamed investors, Nintendo executives including Shigeru Miyamoto
Link: https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2022/221109_2e.pdf
Archive Link: https://web.archive.org/web/20230326225652/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2022/221109_2e.pdf
Japanese Link: https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2022/221109_2.pdf
Japanese Archive Link: https://web.archive.org/web/20221109140350/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2022/221109_2.pdf
Summary: In the past they have used the Virtual Console to allow players to enjoy older games on modern hardware. Visual content is easier to keep compatible, but the legal rights can become complicated. Nintendo’s efforts in visual content will have a firm grip on those rights.
Software development has become less tied to hardware-specific development environments, making it easier to play older software on new hardware. Nintendo will continue to focus on making new experiences that aren’t possible on older hardware.
He has been working with Chris Meledandri on The Super Mario Bros. Movie for seven years of planning and six years of production.
Movie adaptations of novels and comics are different from adaptations of games since the gaming experience is what makes them fun. There are two challenges: sticking to the story of a game won’t necessarily be interesting and the divide between people who have played the game and those who haven’t. He thinks they’ve conquered these challenges.
Nintendo has been licensing their IP more often since 2014, but it has always held its own IP. Nintendo is like an entertainment agency full of talent.
Nintendo of America – The Super Mario Bros. Movie Direct – 11.29.2022 (Second Trailer)
Publication Date: November 29, 2022
Subject(s): The Super Mario Bros. Movie
Format: Promotional video (dubbed)
People: Chris Meledandri, Anya Taylor-Joy, Seth Rogen, Shigeru Miyamoto
Video:
Summary: Lots of people saw the first trailer. He’s not supposed to say anything else.
[Chris Meledandri and Anya Taylor-Joy speak about the movie.]
He thought she was perfect for Princess Peach. He’s also looking forward to Seth Rogen’s performance.
[Seth Rogen talks about the movie.]
There is a cat named Mario and a dog named Koopa in his neighborhood.
[The trailer plays.]
We’ll see a new side of Princess Peach. Donkey Kong was there and it’s been over 40 years since the original game, his debut. This is the first redesign of Donkey Kong since he became 3D. He has a comical personality and a design like the original character.
2023
Theme Park Insider – Super Nintendo World Opening Ceremony
Publication Date: February 16, 2023
Subject(s): Super Nintendo World
Format: Presentation (live translator)
People: Mark Woodbury, Raymond Elliget (translator), Shigeru Miyamoto
Video:
Notes: This was a special event to commemorate the official public opening of Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Hollywood. This event took place on February 15. The official version of this video, which appeared here originally, was set to private several weeks after being streamed live. This version was uploaded by YouTube user Theme Park Insider.
Summary: He’s excited to be here tonight.
This is a momentous occasion for Nintendo and Universal.
Their goal has been to create the Mushroom Kingdom for everyone around the world. With the opening of this location in Hollywood more will be able to immerse themselves in the world of Mario. There’s lots of secrets and surprises to find. With the Power-Up Band you can take on more challenges and go for the high score.
Nintendo – SUPER NINTENDO WORLD at Universal Studios Hollywood is Officially Open, so Let’s-a go!
Publication Date: February 17, 2023
Subject(s): Super Nintendo World
Format: Transcribed interview
People: Shigeru Miyamoto
Notes: This probably wasn’t an “interview” so much as something a marketing team asked Mr. Miyamoto to say for a press release.
Summary: It’s been an honor to bring the Mushroom Kingdom to life with Universal. They hope people of all ages will enjoy it. Let’s-a-go!
GameSpot – What Super Nintendo World Is Like–And How Miyamoto Helped Build It
Publication Date: February 17, 2023
Subject(s): Super Nintendo World
Format: Transcribed interview
People: Tamoor Hussain, Shinya Takahashi, Shigeru Miyamoto
Notes: This polygon article uses the exact same quotes from Mr. Miyamoto and Mr. Takahashi, this may have been from a Q & A event.
Summary: He’s had a lot of fun working on Super Nintendo World. He wasn’t sure how convincing it would end up being, but he’s happy and excited after seeing the finished product.
When you enter a dungeon in Mario there’s a scene switch, in reality you have to go through a transition phase.
There was talk about including other IP, like Splatoon, but they wanted stay focused. There is some other IP scattered about, though.
At Nintendo games are something that brings the family together, and a theme park can do that too. He hopes it brings people together and expands the idea of video games.
When he imagines a park in the neighborhood he imagines walking in a fountain barefoot or rolling down a hill. He’d like to include things like that in Super Nintendo World, but there’s safety concerns. You can interact with the park by hitting question blocks. You may not see parents resting while their kids play and have fun.
Universal values the intentions of the original creators, while Nintendo has insight into interactive experiences. That’s a unique kind of collaboration.
He doesn’t like being called the Spielberg of gaming, but he’s honored to be compared to Disney, which represents reassurance to families.
Nintendo looks for new ways to use technology. Mario evolves with every new piece of technology.
Here & Now Anytime – ‘Mario’ creator Shigeru Miyamoto visits Super Nintendo World; End of StripperWeb
Publication Date: February 17, 2023
Subject(s): Super Nintendo World
Format: Interview (live translator)
People: A Martínez, Raymond Elliget (translator), Shigeru Miyamoto
Notes: This was a radio interview and seems to be from the same interview as the Morning Edition interview, but contains mostly different questions and answers.
Summary: The direct interaction between a controller and a character on screen makes games fun.
It’s important that Super Nintendo World is an immersive experience.
As Mickey Mouse grew with animation, Mario is growing with video games. Super Nintendo World is another evolution for Mario.
iJustine – Shigeru Miyamoto and Shinya Takahashi Interview – Super Nintendo World Grand Opening!
Publication Date: February 18, 2023
Subject(s): Super Nintendo World
Format: Interview (live translator)
People: iJustine, Shinya Takahashi, Raymond Elliget (translator), Shigeru Miyamoto
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfrahAzJmb8
Notes: This interview took place at the opening ceremony for Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Hollywood on February 15.
Summary: He didn’t expect to be so overwhelmed seeing the world of Mario brought to life.
He’d love for people to make memories at the park the same way they have by playing games.
They told Universal that it was important to make something unprecedented. It’s fun to make something from scratch.
The burger is great. He wants to recommend people get to know Toad.
Super Nintendo World Grand Opening
Publication Date: February 20, 2023
Subject(s): Super Nintendo World’s opening
Format: Presentation (spoken English, live translator)
People: Lauren Pritchard, Mark Woodbury, Raymond Elliget (translator), Shigeru Miyamoto
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vWaU85lsBAA
Notes: This is the official opening to the public of Super Nintendo World at Universal Hollywood on February 17, which was separate from some invited-guest-only days. Lauren Pritchard wrote a bit about the experience on Facebook. Uploaded by YouTube user godofguitar5.
Summary: Today is the opening of Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Hollywood. In a moment you’ll be warping to the Mushroom Kingdom where you’ll be able to experience interactive attractions. He wants to reach out to the people at Nintendo and Universal that made this a reality.
[Actors in Mario, Luigi, and Princess Peach costumes come out of the pipe. Everyone enters the park.]
IGN – Interview: Shigeru Miyamoto Opens Up About Super Nintendo World and Nintendo’s Future
Publication Date: February 20, 2023
Subject(s): Super Nintendo World
Format: Transcribed interview
People: Kat Bailey, Shigeru Miyamoto
Link: https://www.ign.com/articles/shigeru-miyamoto-super-nintendo-world-interview
Archive Link: https://web.archive.org/web/20230220204556/https://www.ign.com/articles/shigeru-miyamoto-super-nintendo-world-interview
Summary: They’ve been discussing a Nintendo theme park for more than 10 years. Nintendo’s biggest strength is its characters. They are trying to leverage their characters in more things than games.
He thought Nintendo wouldn’t be able to run a theme park. During a conversation with Universal the idea for one came up.
It’s important for players to quickly understand how to play a game. There’s a creative aspect in designing a game that can be played for months. He had a lot of fun making a new experience with Universal.
Story is one aspect of what can make a game fun, gameplay is another. He starts with the gameplay when designing a game, but others start with the story. Super Nintendo World is an experience that doesn’t need a story.
They are always working on a Mario game.
There are still the Orlando and Singapore parks, as well as The Super Mario Bros. Movie left for him to work on. Maybe they’ll send Mario to Jupiter.
The Verge – Shigeru Miyamoto is working with his hands again
Publication Date: February 20, 2023
Subject(s): Super Nintendo World
Format: Transcribed interview
People: Andrew Webster, Shigeru Miyamoto
Link: https://www.theverge.com/23604504/shigeru-miyamoto-interview-super-nintendo-world
Archive Link: https://web.archive.org/web/20230313051832/https://www.theverge.com/23604504/shigeru-miyamoto-interview-super-nintendo-world
Summary: He likes the idea of using his hands to create something.
When visiting Florida to oversee the development of Super Nintendo World the aroma of the nearby factories was comforting.
Nintendo had a lot of meetings with Universal about making an interactive park. He was worried it wouldn’t end up feeling like the Mushroom Kingdom, that’s something you can’t tell until the work is done.
They wanted to maximize the joy people felt, whether they were using the attractions or watching others.
He wishes visitors had been able to get closer to Mount Beanpole, but there were safety concerns.
He enjoyed watching people’s first reactions as they entered the version of Super Nintendo World in Japan, it was a new experience.
The Verge – Nintendo is creating an entertainment empire, and it all starts with Mario
Publication Date: February 22, 2023
Subject(s): The Super Mario Bros. Movie
Format: Transcribed interview
People: Andrew Webster, Julia Thrash, Shinya Takahashi, Shigeru Miyamoto
Link: https://www.theverge.com/23608700/super-nintendo-world-entertainment-miyamoto-takahashi-interview
Summary: Super Mario Run, The Super Mario Bros. Movie, and Super Nintendo World are providing more opportunities for people to interact with Mario.
Many people know who Mario is but have never played a Mario game.
He’s excited to be at the intersection of technology and entertainment.
It’s important that Nintendo stays in people’s hearts.
Los Angeles Times – Universal’s Super Nintendo World is the play-focused theme park land for our times
Publication Date: February 23, 2023
Subject(s): Super Nintendo World
Format: Transcribed interview
People: Todd Martens, Shigeru Miyamoto
Summary: Running around outside as a child, climbing things, and getting into dark places were some of the experiences they tried to recreate within the limitations of 8-bit games. Such limitations no longer exist.
It’s not enough for Super Nintendo World to look real, people of all ages need to be able to interact with the park.
Hitting the blocks seems simple, and he wasn’t sure it would be fun, but when he was able to test them it made him happy.
There’s more to games than something digital. When a game makes a connection to a real-life experience people are touched. That sense of playfulness can fade with time, but they hope Super Nintendo World can bring that joy and sense of adventure back.
They make games with curiosity in mind and they want Super Nintendo World to re-create that.
Morning edition – Nintendo’s Miyamoto says inspiration comes from his childhood experiences in nature
Publication Date: February 27, 2023
Subject(s): Mario, making games, life experiences, Nintendo without him
Format: Transcribed interview/interview (live translator)
People: A Martínez, Raymond Elliget (translator), Shigeru Miyamoto
Notes: This was a radio interview and seems the same as the Here & Now Anytime interview, but contains mostly different questions and answers. You can read the transcript on the linked page, too.
Summary: He feels like Mario is in so many people’s hearts because he is a sort of player avatar. Mario likely wouldn’t have had as much staying power as a comic book character. As Mickey Mouse grew up alongside animation so to has Mario grown in the digital medium.
Creators have an image of what they want to make, but he tries to put himself into the shoes of the player and ask what they’d feel and want to do. Being understood helps in letting the player’s imagination take over.
It’s important to make a game that is easy to start while providing depth for those who want it.
Only playing video games is a bad idea. He tells game designers that they should enjoy nice days. Linking your experiences with virtual entertainment makes the joy explode exponentially. It’s important for both game players and game developers to have a lot of life experiences in order to fully enjoy games.
Nintendo will probably not change without him. Everyone there has a shared understanding of what Nintendo is. They have a shared vision.
If he could choose a world to live in for eternity after he died he’d like to be able to change his work all the time. Maybe his desk or bathtub.
Nintendo of America – The Super Mario Bros. Movie Direct – 3.9.2023 (Final Trailer)
Publication Date: March 9, 2023
Subject(s): The Super Mario Bros. Movie
Format: Promotional video (dubbed)
People: Chris Meledandri, Seth Rogen, Charlie Day, Keegan-Michael Key, Anya Taylor-Joy, Jack Black, Chris Pratt, Aaron Hovath, Michael Jelenic, Shigeru Miyamoto
Video:
Notes: You can see Mario’s shoes here.
Summary: The date today can be read as “Mario” when written in English, that’s why it’s the perfect day to release the third and final trailer.
[Chris Meledandri speaks.]
[Seth Rogen, Charlie Day, Keegan-Michael Key, and Chris Pratt speak.]
[Anya Taylor-Joy and Jack Black speak.]
Mario Day is for everyone. Let’s watch the final trailer.
[Trailer plays.]
We’ll also hear from Aaron and Michael.
[Aaron Hovath and Michael Jelenic speak.]
The movie is complete and releases next month. He hopes you’ll see it with your family and friends.
They’ve recreated Mario’s shoes and they’ll be displayed at Nintendo New York.
The Super Mario Bros. Movie: Chris Meledandri and Shigeru Miyamoto Premiere Interview | ScreenSlam
Publication Date: April 3, 2023
Subject(s): The Super Mario Bros. Movie
Format: Interview (live translator)
People: Unknown interviewer, Chris Meledandri, Raymond Elliget (translator), Shigeru Miyamoto
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OY6k4BzijUQ
Notes: This is from the April 1 premiere of The Super Mario Bros. Movie. Uploaded by YouTube user ScreenSlam.
Summary: It took a lot to make The Super Mario Bros. Movie but he hopes fathers, mothers, and children can enjoy it together. It was exciting to see Mario and Princess Peach come to life.
Variety – Mario Powers Up: How Nintendo Visionary Shigeru Miyamoto and Illumination’s Chris Meledandri Plan to Super Smash Hollywood
Publication Date: April 4, 2023
Subject(s): The Super Mario Bros. Movie
Format: Transcribed interview
People: Ethan Shanfeld, Brent Lang, Shigeru Miyamoto
Link: https://variety.com/2023/film/features/super-mario-bros-movie-shigeru-miyamoto-interview-1235572488/
Notes: This article contains portions of interviews with several people who worked on The Super Mario Bros. Movie. The two Variety articles and video published on April 4 all seem to come from the same interview, but there is little overlap in the content.
Summary: They were worried about past adaptations that didn’t go well and fan backlash.
They’ve been careful about adaptations because games are about a player overcoming a struggle, following the plot for a movie won’t work. Mario is the player’s avatar.
They never made a backstory for Mario so that it wouldn’t become a disadvantage for using him in a future game.
It struck Yōichi Kotabe when he said that Mario was someone who would never hurt another person.
Visualizing Mario authentically is more important than overthinking who he is.
Bowser needed to be evil enough for there to be stakes in The Super Mario Bros. Movie, but he also became unique, cute, and lovable.
They’ve wanted to make Princess Peach more powerful, and they expanded on that for the movie.
Attention makes him shy. He doesn’t want Mario to be a superhero, just a normal guy.
Watching his neighbor play Samba de Amigo with his kids made him realize that they should focus on shared experiences.
Variety – Mario Is Moving Away From Mobile Games, Reveals Nintendo’s Shigeru Miyamoto (EXCLUSIVE)
Publication Date: April 4, 2023
Subject(s): Super Mario Run, mobile games, violent games
Format: Transcribed interview
People: Ethan Shanfeld, Shigeru Miyamoto
Summary: Future Mario games will not primarily be mobile titles. Nintendo’s strategy is an integrated software and hardware experience. Intuitive controls are part of that gaming experience. He was a director on Super Mario Run to help translate the Nintendo hardware experience. Having mobile Mario games opens the door for more people.
He’s not against violent games, but his mission is to find other ways to make games fun. Mario doesn’t hurt other people.
Variety – Shigeru Miyamoto Explains Why This ‘Super Mario Bros.’ Movie Lives Up to Fan Expectations
Publication Date: April 4, 2023
Subject(s): The Super Mario Bros. Movie, working with Illumination, Peach’s characterization
Format: Interview (subtitled)
People: Unnamed Variety interviewer, Chris Meledandri, Shigeru Miyamoto
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-q62SLpZgTc
Summary: They had a 16 x 16 pixel space to make Mario, and he wanted to make a recognizable character. A big nose and mustache would mean there wouldn’t need to be a mouth, and a big hat meant no hair. He was pleased with the result and felt that Mario would be his legacy.
He and Chris Meledandri have the same creative process. Chris’s team focused on story and and creating an emotional adventure. Nintendo focused on getting every small detail right.
Princess Peach was the damsel in distress because they needed a simple objective in the games. They gave her more of a story and made her more powerful in the movie.
They were worried about other adaptations that had failed.
He doesn’t want Mario to be a superhero, he should be a normal guy. His own tendency towards being shy and humble is shown in his characters.
If you want to know more about new Mario games, watch Nintendo Directs.
Game Informer – Interview: Shigeru Miyamoto And Koji Kondo Talk The Super Mario Bros. Movie
Publication Date: April 5, 2023
Subject(s): The Super Mario Bros. Movie
Format: Transcribed interview
People: Brian Shea, Koji Kondo, Shigeru Miyamoto
Summary: People in Japan don’t emote very much during a movie, so it was great to hear the emotion people had watching The Super Mario Bros. Movie in the United States.
He and Chris Meledandri create things in a similar way. They didn’t have a vision for the movie so much as he was doing something creative with Chris. The movie turned out great. Their goal was to make something Mario fans will enjoy, but they also made it so everyone would enjoy it. There’s a lot of Easter eggs since so many people at Illumination are fans of Mario.
Their early feedback said the movie was very dynamic. They learned that they could extend the Mario family to include Donkey Kong elements.
There’s a natural tendency to include new characters, but there’s plenty in the Mario universe that can be included. There’s still so much that wasn’t used.
They’ve been making Mario games for close to 40 years. They are intuitive, it’s like players are using their own bodies to control them, it’s like an illusion. This makes people want to try things, which rewards them with gameplay experiences. With the movie they are trying to make Mario seem like someone who could really exist.
They sent hundreds of sound effects for Illumination to use. They told Brian Tyler to arrange them freely, to do whatever he wanted to do. Near the end they crammed in more music from Nintendo games.
He makes requests to Koji Kondo, but can’t provide musical guidance. They try to make music that is only possible in games.
The 1993 Super Mario Bros. movie had no influence on The Super Mario Bros. Movie. The people who made that just licensed their IP. They started looking for a partner to make a movie with about 10 years ago and wanted to make it themselves. The challenge was the creators from Nintendo and Illumination working together.
The people who made The Super Mario Bros. Movie grew up with Mario. While Nintendo is busy making games, it’s also important to have people who are really familiar with those games working on the movie. It’s naïve to think that you just need to follow the beats of the game in order to make a good movie. The voice actors also knew their characters well.
Ten years ago Nintendo thought that their popularity was directly tied to how fun their games were. They created characters around the idea of making the games fun, avoiding things like deciding what Mario’s favorite foods are. Nintendo thought people were deciding between them, Sony, Sega, and Microsoft, but there’s more kinds of entertainment than that. It’s been great seeing people enjoy Nintendo as a product in other ways, such as Super Nintendo World.
They don’t know how Nintendo movies may influence future games, it’s uncharted territory.
They want to expand on the types of content they make, but there’s nothing to announce right now.
IGN – Don’t Compare Him To Disney: Nintendo’s Shigeru Miyamoto on The Super Mario Bros. Movie
Publication Date: April 5, 2023
Subject(s): The Super Mario Bros. Movie
Format: Transcribed interview
People: Matt Kim, Chris Meledandri, Shigeru Miyamoto
Summary: When people started comparing him to Walt Disney 20 years ago he felt he didn’t deserve it. It was interesting how there was Walt Disney and Disney the brand. He thought about how they could make Nintendo a brand.
There’s a lot of creative people at Nintendo, but there’s no one named “Nintendo” making things.
They’ve had offers to make movies before, and some thought it should be easy for Nintendo to make a movie since they already make graphics and stories for their games.
He used to think that as people played Mario games, Mario would become part of them. Seeing Mario in a movie showed him that Mario could only come from a game. They created a unique hero. Mario is a regular blue-collar guy, but when he’s Dr. Mario you wonder if you can trust him.
The people at Illumination are big fans of Mario, some knew more than he did.
Mario constantly evolves. They have a lot of characters at Nintendo, it’s like having a talent agency and picking which characters work best for the game they’re making. Some characters from gone from puppet-class to human-class in this movie.
It’s important that Mario lives on as a legacy. This generation has people who grew up playing Mario games, and they’re able to work with others to make something new. People who worked on games used to be looked at differently, it makes him happy that they are equals now.
Screen Rant – Shigeru Miyamoto & Chris Meledandri Share The Super Mario Bros. Movie Secrets
Publication Date: April 5, 2023
Subject(s): The Super Mario Bros. Movie
Format: Transcribed interview
People: Joe Deckelmeier, Chris Meledandri, Shigeru Miyamoto
Link: https://screenrant.com/super-mario-bros-shigeru-miyamoto-chris-meledandri-interview/
Summary: Mario was created for games and has been used that way for 30 years. Ten years ago they started talking about using him outside of games. They wanted to make a movie with Mario and after he met Chris Meledandri and had a discussion about creation with him it led to The Super Mario Bros. Movie being made.
They knew they wanted to include some of the broader Mario universe from the beginning, but other things came up while making the movie.
Donkey Kong was long separate to Mario in his mind, even though they appear together in some things like Mario Party. He thought it was a great idea to include Donkey Kong in the movie.
Mickey Mouse used to be compared to Mario, despite being 40 years older. Mickey evolved through animation, and they evolve Mario through a digital medium.
Part of what makes Mario so beloved is that he used to draw manga and looked at Italian and American comics. Mario is also a player avatar, many people think he was created in America.
They have tried to keep Princess Peach simple in the games since she’s getting saved. She shows more emotion in The Super Mario Bros. Movie.
He really wanted to show that Mario was an ordinary person from Brooklyn who gains confidence through an adventure. There were many iterations of Luigi’s heroic moment.
They thought Illumination was going to recycle assets or ideas for the part that takes place in New York City, but he was surprised that it was completely different.
There’s a lot they wanted to use as Easter eggs, but the story comes from the 8-bit era, so they focused on that.
AFP – Nintendo ‘needed to be involved’ in new Mario movie, says Miyamoto
Publication Date: April 5, 2023
Subject(s): The Super Mario Bros. Movie
Format: Transcribed interview
People: Andrew Marszal, Shigeru Miyamoto
Archive Link: https://web.archive.org/web/20230419055441/https://news.yahoo.com/nintendo-needed-involved-mario-movie-131527408.html
Notes: This interview and article is by the news agency Agence France-Presse (AFP) and appears on several websites, but not their own. Yahoo took it down less than two months after it was published.
Summary: No one thought Mario would become this big.
The Super Mario Bros. Movie is like a 2D picture came to life, became a 3D puppet, and then became human.
Chris Meledandri and Illumination helped make the movie and made them feel confident.
Until about 10 years ago Nintendo was worried about adding anything to their characters because they didn’t know what they’d be needed for next, but they wanted people who didn’t play video games to be familiar with them.
He enjoys watching movies, but he never thought he’d make one. When he watched Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark he realized that one person made it a cohesive whole, and he thought that he wanted to make games like that.
He thinks seeing Mario in the movie will make it feel like Mario is real.
There’s always the possibility of a The Legend of Zelda movie.
CNET – Super Mario Creators Reveal What They Really Think of the Movie
Publication Date: April 5, 2023
Subject(s): The Super Mario Bros. Movie, importance of humor, Apple
Format: Transcribed interview
People: David Lumb, Koji Kondo, Shigeru Miyamoto
Link: https://www.cnet.com/tech/gaming/marios-creators-talk-jokes-and-music-in-the-super-mario-bros-movie/
Summary: They had to decide what each character’s role was in games versus in the movie. It brought out a human side of them.
After releasing the Wii U they wanted to focus on what makes Nintendo unique. They wanted to make more than games and get Nintendo as a brand out there.
They had never determined Mario’s favorite food or what his family was like because those weren’t important to the games.
He used to want to be a manga artist, so having humor in the movie was important to him. Hearing the laughter at a test screening was a big relief.
He’d love to continue to work with Illumination.
Mario games are simple enough to understand if you’re just watching it.
He has an iPhone and iPad for work, and a personal iPhone and iPad. There’s a commonality between Nintendo and Apple. Pikmin Bloom could only work with a device you always have on you. There’s no comparison between the number of people with a smart device and the number of people with a game system.
Rolling Stone – Original ‘Mario’ Creator and Composer Unlock ‘The Super Mario Bros. Movie’
Publication Date: April 9, 2023
Subject(s): The Super Mario Bros. Movie
Format: Transcribed interview
People: Christopher Cruz, Koji Kondo, Shigeru Miyamoto
Summary: Mario was only made for video games 10 years ago. Questions like his favorite food or if he has siblings were unnecessary because they would become limitations. Those kinds of questions are important when making a movie. About 10 years ago they decided they wanted people to enjoy Nintendo not just for their games, so he and Satoru Iwata decided to take a more IP-centric approach.
As he got to know Chris Meledandri he saw that they had similar philosophies about making things and they decided to make something together.
Sometimes people came to Nintendo and told them what kind of movie they should make. Chris Meledandri didn’t suggest making a Mario movie, he suggested making something new, and that shift made the partnership work.
They had placeholder licensed music in early versions of The Super Mario Bros. Movie, and they replaced many with original songs, but also left some in. They also thought it might feel off if none of the music had vocals.
The screenplay writer and director decided early on that they wanted the DK Rap and The Plumber Rap.
They had trouble translating the idea of a Mario game to a movie. They included a few scenes that really capture the games. They realized they could make it convincing by including some assets that were familiar to players.
They had to ask how Bowser would be able to play the piano when the idea came up.
They felt it was important that there are Italian immigrants living in Brooklyn. They based Mario’s family on something Yōichi Kotabe drew 20 years ago. Then they had to decide what Mario’s relationship with his family was like, and that had an impact on Donkey and Cranky Kong’s relationship.
The people at Illumination were well-versed in Mario and they have 40 years to pull from, so they included a lot of references. Putting Donkey Kong in the Mushroom Kingdom instead of New York City was adventurous and he wouldn’t have thought of it. Watching the movie five times won’t be enough to spot all the Easter eggs.
CNN – Secrets of ‘The Super Mario Bros. Movie’
Publication Date: April 12, 2023
Subject(s): The Super Mario Bros. Movie
Format: Interview (dubbed)
People: Rick Damigella, Chris Meledandri, Raymond Elliget (translator), Shigeru Miyamoto
Notes: This page just contains an embedded video. This interview was shot at the premiere of The Super Mario Bros. Movie, which took place on April 3, 2023.
Summary: Mario started as a drawing, evolved into a doll, and now he’s close to a human.
He needs to watch it a few times to catch everything Illumination put into the movie.
C2 -『ザ・スーパーマリオブラザーズ・ムービー』ジャパンプレミアREPORT (untranslated from Japanese)
Publication Date: April 18, 2023
Subject(s): The Super Mario Bros. Movie
Format: Interview
People: Unknown C2 interviewers, Nanase Nishino, Mr. Yoiko, Chris Meledandri, Shigeru Miyamoto
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rkWxLWVbOiw&t=563s
Notes: From what I can tell C2 is a Japanese magazine about movies, and this is their YouTube channel. A machine translation of the title is “The Super Mario Bros. Movie Japan Premier Report”.
Nikkei – Nintendo is a talent agency Mario’s father behind the hit movie (reported on by Nintendo Everything, partially untranslated from Japanese)
Publication Date: April 20, 2023 (reported on April 21, 2023)
Subject(s): The Super Mario Bros. Movie
Format: Transcribed interview
People: Reported on by Brian, unnamed Nikkei interviewer, Shigeru Miyamoto
Japanese Link: https://www.nikkei.com/article/DGXZQOUF14CJO0U3A410C2000000/
Japanese Archive Link: https://web.archive.org/web/20230421214749/https://www.nikkei.com/article/DGXZQOUF14CJO0U3A410C2000000/
Translator: SatsumaFS for Nintendo Everything
Notes: The title is a machine translation. The full interview appears to require a paid subscription.
Summary: They have lots of characters to choose from at Nintendo for future movies, it’s like a talent agency.
They could use characters that would work well for a movie, or use well-known ones.
Yomiuri Shimbun – 家族に愛される任天堂に（任天堂 宮本茂・代表取締役フェロー） (partially untranslated from Japanese)
Publication Date: April 22, 2023
Subject(s): The Super Mario Bros. Movie
Format: Transcribed interview
People: Wataru Terada, Shigeru Miyamoto
Link: https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/editorial/political-pulse/20230624-118073/
Archive Link: https://web.archive.org/web/20230627040431/https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/editorial/political-pulse/20230624-118073/
Japanese Link: https://www.yomiuri.co.jp/local/kansai/feature/CO036741/20230422-OYTAT50011/
Japanese Archive Link: https://web.archive.org/web/20230425020231/https://www.yomiuri.co.jp/local/kansai/feature/CO036741/20230422-OYTAT50011/
Notes: A machine translation of the title is “Nintendo is loved by families”. A later article from the English version of Yomiuri Shimbun contains some quotes from this interview, which is what the summary covers.
Summary: Mickey Mouse grew up with animation, while Mario grew up with digital technology. They’ve made a new Mario game for each new console.
They want people to feel comfortable with Nintendo, like how parents feel towards Disney movies.
Nintendo DREAM WEB (reported on by VGC, partially untranslated from Japanese)
Publication Date: April 25, 2023
Subject(s): The Super Mario Bros. Movie
Format: Transcribed interview
People: Reported on by Andy Robinson, unnamed Nintendo DREAM WEB interviewer, Shigeru Miyamoto
Japanese Links: https://www.ndw.jp/mario-interview-230425/
https://www.ndw.jp/mario-interview-230425/2/
https://www.ndw.jp/mario-interview-230425/3/
https://www.ndw.jp/mario-interview-230425/4/
Japanese Archive Links: https://web.archive.org/web/20230425131942/https://www.ndw.jp/mario-interview-230425/
https://web.archive.org/web/20230425155151/https://www.ndw.jp/mario-interview-230425/2/
https://web.archive.org/web/20230426090559/https://www.ndw.jp/mario-interview-230425/3/
https://web.archive.org/web/20230425162626/https://www.ndw.jp/mario-interview-230425/4/
Translator: Robert Sephazon for VGC
Summary: He thought that The Super Mario Bros. Movie would do well, but it did better than he could have imagined.
You need to be lucky for this level of success, but the relatively low scores from critics helped create buzz.
Since the movie was being made in Japan and the United States they wanted to make a Japanese version, too.
With games they should value stories as if they were real. An element of reality makes them seem real. So they planned on having a Japanese script from the beginning.
They call him the NHK Morning Drama Critic at Nintendo because he critiques morning dramas. His wife is tired of hearing about them. The dramas have lively dialog, especially the improvised parts.
TBS Television (untranslated from Japanese)
Publication Date: April 27, 2023
Subject(s): The Super Mario Bros. Movie
Format: Interview
People: Unknown TBS Television interviewer, Shigeru Miyamoto
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_S4yPtUWqI
Notes: A machine translation of the title of the video is “[THE TIME,] The secret story behind Mario’s birth told by Shigeru Miyamoto!! Highlights and behind-the-scenes stories of the new movie”.
Kansai TV (untranslated from Japanese)
Publication Date: April 28, 2023
Subject(s): The Super Mario Bros. Movie
Format: Interview
People: Unknown Kansai TV interviewer, Shigeru Miyamoto
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5MKQS4TC1g
Notes: A machine translation of the title of the video is “[Special Interview] Super Mario “creator” Shigeru Miyamoto reveals the secret story of his birth. Mario is 25-26 years old. He has the image of working on earthen pipes in New York… The world goes wild again with the release of the movie [Kansai TV]”.
Kyodo News – Super Mario creator says new movie humanizes popular game character
Publication Date: April 30, 2023
Subject(s): The Super Mario Bros. Movie
Format: Transcribed interview
People: Unnamed Kyodo News interviewer, Shigeru Miyamoto
Summary: Mario was like a puppet in video games, but has been humanized thanks to varied expressions and flashy movements.
The story is easy to follow, kids and parents won’t get bored.
Mario was 8-bit, then a 3D puppet, and now he’s like a real person.
The movie has the kind of movements you’d see in a video game. A lot of the camera work has never been seen before.
He wanted to make Princess Peach stronger.
They have a lot of assets from making Mario games for 40 years.
The Super Mario Bros. Movie DVD extras – Supermario Field Guide, Leveling Up, Getting to Know The Cast
Publication Date: June 13, 2023
Subject(s): The Super Mario Bros. Movie
Format: Promotional video/Interview (dubbed)
People: Unnamed interviewer, Shigeru Miyamoto
Notes: These features contain clips of various cast and crew from the movie being interviewed by an unseen and unheard person. Each person was filmed separately.
Summary: He’s a player and fan of Super Mario games. After playing the games a few times you come to love the characters and story.
It was obvious from the first meeting that the people at Illumination knew a lot about Mario.
He likes to mix ideas together and let them grow.
Mario characters felt like puppets, but for the first time they felt human.
Including the Mushroom Kingdom was decided on from the start.
He thought that people who knew Mario would want to see Mario Kart. You might want to move along with the karts on Rainbow Road.
He wanted Mario to not like mushrooms.
Everyone can have fun looking for Easter eggs.
People said Bowser looks like the villain, but he’s also cute. Bowser had more charm after his musical number.
Nintendo of America on X (appreciation for response to The Super Mario Bros. Movie)
Publication Date: June 22, 2023
Subject(s): The Super Mario Bros. Movie
Format: Promotional video (subtitled), social media post
People: Shigeru Miyamoto
Link: https://twitter.com/NintendoAmerica/status/1671865897781428225
Archive Link: https://web.archive.org/web/20230623000442/https://twitter.com/NintendoAmerica/status/1671865897781428225
Notes: Also contains a statement from Chris Meledandri.
Summary: The Super Mario Bros. Movie was the first movie that Nintendo was involved with making. He hopes people will keep cheering for Mario.
Nintendo Investor Relations – The 83rd Annual General Meeting of Shareholders
Publication Date: June 26, 2023
Subject(s): Super Nintendo World’s size
Format: Investor Q & A
People: Unnamed investors, Nintendo executives including Shigeru Miyamoto
Link: https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2023/qa2306e.pdf
Archive Link: https://web.archive.org/web/20230703133747/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2023/qa2306e.pdf
Japanese Link: https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2023/qa2306.pdf
Japanese Archive Link: https://web.archive.org/web/20230707053631/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2023/qa2306.pdf
Summary: Nintendo’s ability to appeal to three generations is their strength. Their mobile games and The Super Mario Bros. Movie have increased awareness of their IP. They would like to continue to work with Universal Destinations & Experiences. They will work on other visual content projects to appeal to people around the world.
YOMIURI TELECASTING CORPORATION NEWS CHANNEL – マリオ、ゼルダ…人気ソフト開発の舞台裏に迫る！ファミコン発売から40周年、原動力は「遊び心」【ウェークアップ】(untranslated from Japanese)
Publication Date: July 15, 2023
Subject(s): Famicom, The Legend of Zelda
Format: Interview
People: Unknown interviewer, Koji Kondo, Masayuki Uemura, Shigeru Miyamoto
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mGS_M2S6kJQ
Notes: A machine translation of the title is “Mario, Zelda…Go behind the scenes of popular software development! 40th anniversary since the release of Famicom, the driving force is “playfulness” [Wake Up]”. This retrospective on the Famicom aired on Yomiuri TV in Japan. It features footage of Mr. Miyamoto speaking briefly about the development of The Legend of Zelda, and the voice over seems to indicate this is from 1986, shortly before it released. There are also development documents for The Legend of Zelda and Super Mario Bros. shown.
Ask the Developer Vol. 10, Pikmin 4—Part 1
Publication Date: July 18, 2023
Subject(s): Pikmin (series), Pikmin, Pikmin 2, Pikmin 3, Pikmin 4, Dandori
Format: Transcribed interview
People: Unnamed interviewer, Masamichi Abe, Shigefumi Hino, Yuji Kando, Junji Morii, Shigeru Miyamoto
Link: https://www.nintendo.com/whatsnew/ask-the-developer-vol-10-pikmin-4-part-1/
Japanese Link: https://www.nintendo.co.jp/interview/ampya/02.html
Japanese Archive Link: https://web.archive.org/web/20230719140401/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/interview/ampya/index.html
Notes: This is the first part of a three part series.
Summary: Shigefumi Hino and Masamichi Abe came up with a lot of ideas for Pikmin.
They talked about giving Pikmin a look that was appealing to high school girls.
They watched independent and artistic movies for inspiration.
In the early days of the GameCube he worked on Super Mario 128 in order to see what would happen with over 100 characters on screen.
[An embedded video of Mr. Miyamoto demoing Super Mario 128.]
They’re using the same model as in Super Mario 64. They could only have one Mario and 5 enemies on the Nintendo 64, but here are 128 Marios. They can change the landscape, too.
[Back to group interview.]They experimented with Pikmin attaching themselves to enemies. They thought it would be satisfying to bring defeated enemies back home, which looked like ants carrying a cicada.
They added screams and ghost effects for Pikmin.
Pikmin was made based on what Pikmin would do, a Nintendo-like approach.
The goal in Pikmin was originally to lead a certain number of Pikmin to the exit, but who was setting that goal? Requiring a certain number of Pikmin to lift something made more sense.
The Pikmin planning documents look cryptic, but nothing happens that isn’t written there. Often in development a director will state what the game will include but then they flee.
He had to set the boundaries in the documents since so many people were working on it. He talked with Yuji Kando about whether the GameCube could handle the artificial intelligence.
“Pikmin” sounds like “vitamin”.
When he talked about Pikmin at E3 2001 he made it sound like the game was done. He thought they could pull off finishing it.
Before Pikmin there were PC simulation games and he had always wanted to make a game like that.
What makes games fun is trial and error. As you repeat things in Pikmin you get better. Some played Pikmin without a single death, but that’s too hard for him.
The original Pikmin was more challenging, while Pikmin 2 was more broad. They had discussion about how Pikmin 3 should be.
Ask the Developer Vol. 10, Pikmin 4—Part 2
Publication Date: July 19, 2023
Subject(s): Pikmin (series), Pikmin, Pikmin 2, Pikmin 3, Pikmin 4
Format: Transcribed interview
People: Unnamed interviewer, Yuji Kando, Yutaka Hiramuki, Taku Matoba, Mitsuhiro Kida, Shigeru Miyamoto
Link: https://www.nintendo.com/whatsnew/ask-the-developer-vol-10-pikmin-4-part-2/
Japanese Link: https://www.nintendo.co.jp/interview/ampya/02.html
Japanese Archive Link: https://web.archive.org/web/20230720071140/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/interview/ampya/02.html
Notes: This is the second part of a three part series.
Summary: As a producer on Pikmin 4 he made sure it felt like Pikmin. He had to be careful with what he said since his words carry so much weight.
He’s always wondered why Pikmin hasn’t sold better and why people think they are hard. The franchise’s strength is in how it portrays mortality. You have to practice Dandori to prevent Pikmin from dying. People find the games hard because of the controls and the depth of the gameplay.
They wanted to make sure as many people as possible played Pikmin 4, while not turning away people that are fans of the series. Pikmin had a deep challenge, Pikmin 2 had broad content, and Pikmin 3 was close to the first game. He realized they could do both with Pikmin 4.
Oatchi being a Rescue Pup works well because there are people that need help.
Pikmin isn’t about competition, it’s about the fun of setting your own goals.
Ask the Developer Vol. 10, Pikmin 4—Part 3
Publication Date: July 20, 2023
Subject(s): Pikmin’s unique attributes, Pikmin 4
Format: Transcribed interview
People: Unnamed interviewer, Yuji Kando, Yutaka Hiramuki, Taku Matoba, Mitsuhiro Kida, Shigeru Miyamoto
Link: https://www.nintendo.com/whatsnew/ask-the-developer-vol-10-pikmin-4-part-3/
Japanese Link: https://www.nintendo.co.jp/interview/ampya/03.html
Japanese Archive Link: https://web.archive.org/web/20230724044409/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/interview/ampya/03.html
Notes: This is the third part of a three part series.
Summary: He doesn’t feel comfortable putting a Pikmin next to a battery. He doesn’t want to specify exactly how large they are.
Pikmin games stand out not just because of their world and the characters, but also the genre. He wants people to think that Pikmin are all around us. We know that Mario is Italian, but Pikmin have a unique presence. They are Nintendo’s most global characters. He hopes more people become aware of them and their games.
Video games are just one of the worlds with Pikmin, there is also Super Nintendo World and official Nintendo stores.
He’s not supposed to talk about Pikmin in The Super Mario Bros. Movie, but look for them.
He wants Pikmin to be played in the living room, for parents to talk about it with their children. It will teach Dandori skills.
Nintendo of America on X – A special message from Shigeru Miyamoto and Charles Martinet
Publication Date: September 7, 2023
Subject(s): Charles Martinet no longer voicing Mario characters and his new role
Format: Promotional video (subtitled), social media post
People: Charles Martinet, Shigeru Miyamoto
Link: https://twitter.com/NintendoAmerica/status/1699784766932029753
Archive Link: https://web.archive.org/web/20230908093143/https://twitter.com/NintendoAmerica/status/1699784766932029753
Notes: This is the video referred to in the announcement that Charles Martinet would be stepping down as the voice for various Mario characters.
Summary: [Charles Martinet speaks.]
He’s enjoyed the long journey he has had with Charles Martinet. The first time Mr. Martinet voiced Mario in a Super Mario game was in Super Mario 64. He called Mr. Martinet “Papa”. Mr. Martinet has traveled the world, making people smile with his voice and will make a great Mario Ambassador. Mr. Martinet will keep going to events, doing voices, and signing autographs. Mario characters will have new voices starting with Super Mario Bros. Wonder. He’ll remember Mr. Martinet’s effort, talent, and height. Look forward to Mr. Martinet’s new role.
[Charles Martinet speaks.]
Nintendo on X (The Legend of Zelda movie announcement)
Publication Date: November 7, 2023
Subject(s): The Legend of Zelda movie
Format: Social media post
People: Shigeru Miyamoto
Links: https://twitter.com/Nintendo/status/1722011980129779795
https://twitter.com/Nintendo/status/1722011981669130459
Archive Links: https://web.archive.org/web/20231108010815/https://twitter.com/nintendo/status/1722011980129779795
https://web.archive.org/web/20231108010904/https://twitter.com/Nintendo/status/1722011981669130459
Japanese Link: https://twitter.com/Nintendo/status/1722011978321838166
Japanese Archive Link: https://web.archive.org/web/20231108011258/https://twitter.com/nintendo/status/1722011978321838166
Summary: He has been working on a live-action The Legend of Zelda movie with Avi Arad for several years. They have started development. Nintendo is heavily involved.
Nintendo Investor Relations – Six Months Financial Results Briefing/ Corporate Management Policy Briefing for Fiscal Year
Ending March 2024
Publication Date: November 8, 2023
Subject(s): Expanding IP, visual content, impact of The Super Mario Bros. Movie, The Legend of Zelda movie
Format: Investor Q & A
People: Unnamed investors, Nintendo executives including Shigeru Miyamoto
Link: https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2023/231109e.pdf
Archive Link: https://web.archive.org/web/20231110200703/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2023/231109e.pdf
Japanese Link: https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2023/231109.pdf
Japanese Archive Link: https://web.archive.org/web/20231110075804/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2023/231109.pdf
Summary: Making a satisfying The Legend of Zelda movie for a global audience is a high hurdle. He has been discussing it with Avi Arad for 10 years. Movies are like games, you have to keep working on them until you get something you are satisfied with. Nintendo is acting as a sponsor for the movie. He and Chris Meledandri had full creative control of The Super Mario Bros. Movie. He is taking a lot of time with Avi Arad to prepare.
The size of the reaction to The Super Mario Bros. Movie hadn’t happened for some time. More people saw it than he had hoped. Nintendo’s install base in Mexico isn’t big but the movie made a lot of money there. Playing old games on new hardware requires development time for each new hardware release. Visual content like movies requires little modification.
Sales of Mario merchandise increased after The Super Mario Bros. Movie came out. He thinks the increased interest in Mario helped sell Super Mario Bros. Wonder. Nintendo must increase awareness of their IP.
The Legend of Zelda series has evolved alongside their hardware. Interactive gameplay makes games fun. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom makes full use of the Switch’s controller and its development environment.
The Guardian – Nintendo’s design guru Shigeru Miyamoto: ‘I wanted to make something weird’
Publication Date: December 30, 2023
Subject(s): Joining Nintendo, his current role, technology, retirement, his creations
Format: Transcribed interview
People: Keza MacDonald, Shigeru Miyamoto
Notes: This interview took place at Nintendo’s Kyoto offices.
Summary: His classmates became car or electronics makers, but he joined Nintendo because he wanted to make something weird. Space Invaders was big and he wanted to make games. He was able to make Donkey Kong after a few years at the company.
He starts by thinking about the big picture. He likes to work on the details.
Nintendo tries to find its own path. He doesn’t think of himself as a game designer so much anymore. He’s still learning about the movie industry.
When he read an interview with Shinya Takahashi he realized that he doesn’t praise people often. He appreciates new ideas, ones that no one else is thinking about.
Older people use computers now. The idea of what a video game is has become more fuzzy.
He thinks about dying more than retiring. He thinks about who to pass things on to.
He doesn’t feel ownership over the things he’s made, they’ve been cultivated by others. Hopefully people remember him as the creator of these things.
2024
1101.com – なにやできないから プロデューサーになった。そんなわけないでしょう、宮本茂さん (untranslated from Japanese)
Publication Date: January 1-12, 2024
Subject(s): His career, giving feedback, game design
Format: Transcribed interview
People: Shigesato Itoi, Shigeru Miyamoto
Japanese Links: https://www.1101.com/n/s/miyamoto_shigeru2024/2024-01-01.html
https://www.1101.com/n/s/miyamoto_shigeru2024/2024-01-02.html
https://www.1101.com/n/s/miyamoto_shigeru2024/2024-01-03.html
https://www.1101.com/n/s/miyamoto_shigeru2024/2024-01-04.html
https://www.1101.com/n/s/miyamoto_shigeru2024/2024-01-05.html
https://www.1101.com/n/s/miyamoto_shigeru2024/2024-01-06.html
https://www.1101.com/n/s/miyamoto_shigeru2024/2024-01-07.html
https://www.1101.com/n/s/miyamoto_shigeru2024/2024-01-08.html
https://www.1101.com/n/s/miyamoto_shigeru2024/2024-01-09.html
https://www.1101.com/n/s/miyamoto_shigeru2024/2024-01-10.html
https://www.1101.com/n/s/miyamoto_shigeru2024/2024-01-11.html
https://www.1101.com/n/s/miyamoto_shigeru2024/2024-01-12.html
Japanese Archive Links: https://web.archive.org/web/20240104072948/https://www.1101.com/n/s/miyamoto_shigeru2024/2024-01-01.html
Notes: 1101.com is Shigesato Itoi’s website and this interview was conducted in front of an audience of Hobonichi employees. A machine translation of the title is “I became a producer because I couldn’t do anything else. That can’t be true, Shigeru Miyamoto.”
There are articles that translate bits of the interview here and here.
Universal Studios Hollywood on X, Facebook, Instagram (1-Year Anniversary of Super Nintendo World)
Publication Date: February 17, 2024
Subject(s): 1-Year Anniversary of Super Nintendo World
Format: Promotional video (subtitled)
People: Shigeru Miyamoto
Links: https://twitter.com/UniStudios/status/1758892181056565537
https://www.instagram.com/p/C3dJcbeRnR5/
Archive Links: https://web.archive.org/web/20240219190207/https://twitter.com/UniStudios/status/1758892181056565537
https://web.archive.org/web/20240217181919/https://www.instagram.com/p/C3dJcbeRnR5/
Summary: Last year Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Hollywood opened, and both The Super Mario Bros. Movie and Super Mario Bros. Wonder released. When Super Nintendo World opened he saw fans interacting with Mario characters, which made them happy.
Association of Media in Digital Awards 2024 Life Achievement Award and Excellence Award (untranslated from Japanese)
Publication Date: March 5, 2024
Subject(s): His career, innovation, The Super Mario Bros. Movie
Format: Award ceremony
People: Unknown award presenters, Shigeru Miyamoto
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1J1Th2Xx068&t=1018s
Notes: Mr. Miyamoto was awarded a Life Achievement Award for his career and an Excellence Award for The Super Mario Bros. Movie at the 2024 Association of Media in Digital Awards, which is run by the Japanese Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. 4gamer.net reported on the ceremony and Automaton reported on that report in English.
The acceptance speech for the Life Achievement Award begins at 17:52 and the Excellence Award speech begins at 40:31.
Nintendo of America on X, Facebook, Instagram (Mario Day, next Super Mario Bros. Movie)
Publication Date: March 10, 2024
Subject(s): The Super Mario Bros. Movie sequel, Mario Day
Format: Promotional video (subtitled), social media post
People: Chris Meledandri, Shigeru Miyamoto
Links: https://twitter.com/NintendoAmerica/status/1766811785737429250
https://www.instagram.com/p/C4VbAEmPC1E/?hl=en
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1809983449503791
Archive Link: https://web.archive.org/web/20240310134501/https://twitter.com/nintendoamerica/status/1766811785737429250
Summary: Since today is Mario Day he has something to share. Nintendo is working with Illumination on another Mario movie. The Super Mario Bros. Movie keeps being watched by people around the world. Let’s hear from Chris Meledandri.
[Chris Meledandri speaks.]They aren’t at the stage to share more about the movie yet. They want to broaden Mario’s world and have a bright, fun story. Happy Mario Day.
Nintendo of America on X (next Super Mario Bros. Movie)
Publication Date: March 10, 2024
Subject(s): The Super Mario Bros. Movie sequel
Format: Social media post
People: Shigeru Miyamoto
Links: https://twitter.com/NintendoAmerica/status/1766815334580081017
https://twitter.com/NintendoAmerica/status/1766815370919497974
Archive Links: https://web.archive.org/web/20240310184812/https://twitter.com/NintendoAmerica/status/1766815334580081017
Notes: This was the official announcement of a sequel to The Super Mario Bros. Movie.
Summary: Nintendo and Illumination are working on an animated sequel to The Super Mario Bros. Movie. It’s planned to release in the United States and other markets on April 3, 2026 and during April in other places. It will have a bright and fun story while broadening Mario’s world.
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