Shūtarō Īda, a veteran of Konami’s Castlevania series, who worked on the series since Symphony of the Night and has worked on the Bloodstained series as well, has passed away. Shūtarō Īda had been battling cancer for a year and a half.
Koji Igarashi shared this statement ( X translate was used)
Notice of SHUTARO’s Passing
On the early morning of February 10, 2026 (Tuesday), our company’s Creative Director SHUTARO passed away peacefully after a 1.5-year battle with cancer.
Since *Castlevania: Symphony of the Night*, we had been working together.
It would not be an exaggeration to say that many of the titles hailed as masterpieces could not have been achieved without his contributions.
His talent was unparalleled.
After I left the Dracula series, our opportunities to work together became fewer, but when I invited him to join the current company, he accepted with an immediate and enthusiastic yes, and I am truly grateful for that.
I feel that the success of *Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night* was largely due to his strong support.
Before I knew it, he had been supporting me for over 20 years.
He was a person who always thought about the games and approached production with a passion that burned like his very life.In September 2024, when it was discovered that he had terminal cancer, it was a tremendous shock.
The subsequent 1.5-year battle with illness must have been unimaginably grueling.
His departure is far too regrettable, but thinking that he has been freed from suffering brings a sense of relief as well.
Having run at full speed all this time, I now wish from the bottom of my heart that he can rest peacefully.Currently, *Bloodstained: The Scarlet Engagement*, which he was working on, is in the midst of production, but it is a precious work infused with his spirit.
So as not to disappoint him, we will carry on his legacy and complete it with care.
We kindly ask for your continued support and encouragement as always.Our thoughts are with the bereaved family, and we sincerely pray for his soul.
We at The Otaku Authority extend out condolences