Korg has announced the passing of its President and Representative Director, Seiki Kato, at the age of 67, following an illness.
A statement posted on the brand’s Instagram page reads, “It it with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Mr. Seiki Kato… Born in Tokyo in 1957, Mr. Kato was a visionary leader whose dedication and passion for innovation shaped the future of Korg and the music industry. From his early days in domestic sales to his pivotal role in the development of groundbreaking instruments such as the M1, his contributions have left an indelible mark on the world of music.”
After graduating from university in 1980, Kato joined Keio Giken Kogyo Co. Ltd, which would later become Korg Inc. While he started in sales at the company, he became the head of product planning by 1985. Kato was instrumental in driving Korg to its well-respected position in music tech, nurturing the brand during the 1980s and gaining recognition for its M1 synthesizer and subsequent evolutions and spin-offs.
The M1’s success can be attributed to its status as the first true workstation synthesizer, combining a synth, sequencer, and effects in one unit. Its high-quality pulse code modulation-based sounds, including iconic presets like the M1 Piano and house Organ, would go on to become staples across all music genres. It is one of the best-selling and most influential synths to exist.
Korg’s statement continues, “As President of Korg USA and later Korg Inc., Mr Kato’s leadership and commitment to excellence were instrumental in expanding our global presence. His warm, compassionate spirit and exceptional guidance earned him the deep respect and trust of colleagues and industry partners alike.”
In 1988, Kato relocated to the USA Korg offices, and the following year was appointed President of Korg USA, committed to improving and expanding Korg’s presence in America. Following that success, he became the Executive Vice President in 1995, and further became the President and CEO in 2003.
Korg concludes, “We remain committed to carrying forward his passion and spirit of innovation, striving to inspire musicians around the world, just as his legacy will continue to inspire us all.”
