Rhythm Heaven music producer diagnosed with Laryngeal cancer

This article is over 10 years old and may contain outdated information

Plans to continue to work

Recommended Videos

The Rhythm Heaven series hasn’t become a household name outside of Japan (yet), but in its native country, the games sell in the millions. That success is due in no small part to the work of Tsunku, the singer/songwriter/producer behind such groups as Sharam Q and Morning Musume. His chemistry with the designers at Nintendo is what makes the Rhythm Heaven series so special

Tsunku has gone public with this diagnosis of Laryngeal cancer, having first been diagnosed earlier this year. That’s some of the worst news that a singer could ever hear. As a huge fan of the Rhythm Heaven series, my first reaction was fear that his illness would prevent us from getting new Rhythm Heaven games on the 3DS or the Wii U in the future. That’s insensitive and gross of me to feel, though I’m sure that Tsunku would be happy to know that I love his games that much.

Let’s wish Tsnuku a speedy and safe recovery. Maybe seeing some of the Rhythm Heaven characters he helped give a voice to get representation in the next Smash Bros would help his morale.  I could see Karate Man, the Ringside wrestler, the Glee Club cat-kid-thing, or one (or more) of those monkeys making excellent contenders.

Tsunku, responsible for Rhythm Heaven’s music, diagnosed with Laryngeal cancer [Gonintendo]


Destructoid is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy
Author
Image of Jonathan Holmes
Jonathan Holmes
Destructoid Contributor - Jonathan Holmes has been a media star since the Road Rules days, and spends his time covering oddities and indies for Destructoid, with over a decade of industry experience "Where do dreams end and reality begin? Videogames, I suppose."- Gainax, FLCL Vol. 1 "The beach, the trees, even the clouds in the sky... everything is build from little tiny pieces of stuff. Just like in a Gameboy game... a nice tight little world... and all its inhabitants... made out of little building blocks... Why can't these little pixels be the building blocks for love..? For loss... for understanding"- James Kochalka, Reinventing Everything part 1 "I wonder if James Kolchalka has played Mother 3 yet?" Jonathan Holmes