Tsutomu Katoh has died

kbrkr · Post by **kbrkr** » Wed Mar 16, 2011 12:23 am

Thank you Katoh-san for all you have given us and the music community. All we can do is repay your memory with music and song......

Peace!

Dr. Who · Post by **Dr. Who** » Wed Mar 16, 2011 1:17 am

A true innovator and pioneer... Korg as been a large part of my life since I began my musical journey. It is the same story for countless others.

Thanks Stephen for sharing that, how many founders and true legends are willing to simply sit and enjoy a moment with others. Amazing... With the recent talk of "game changer," the words symbolize the man and the company he created more than anything else; leading the charge of Japanese synthesizers.

I've been in the studio a ton lately, almost every night for the last few weeks and every single time without exception I have had my hands on Korg products. We are all sorry for the loss, but what we can say most at this point is "thank you." Thank you so very much for giving the music that drives us and touches our souls a voice. That voice is and will continue to be Korg. It is your legacy and it is a fine one indeed. Rest in peace sir, with the utmost respect and gratitude...

BasariStudios · Post by **BasariStudios** » Wed Mar 16, 2011 3:20 am

It is a true loss, you know, tonight i sat on the M3 and i was sad, i dont know,
maybe he never touched my actual M3 but he starteded all, if it wasnt for
him i would probably never enjoy something like that. But sitting with my
M3 tonight actually made me realise that Mr Kato lives on...

karmathanever · Post by **karmathanever** » Wed Mar 16, 2011 3:42 am

A sad day.
What an incredible pioneer.
He has driven an outstanding International organisation producing amazing world-leading products which have touched the hearts of millions around the world - even those who only experience hearing the sounds of his products.

Giner · Post by **Giner** » Wed Mar 16, 2011 4:18 am

Thank you, Katoh-san, for the countless hours of fun with my Korgs over the years.

kandarv · Post by **kandarv** » Wed Mar 16, 2011 4:21 am

Was the Korg M1 what drive me to keyboards many years ago. Thanks Mr Katoh for the wonderful opportunity you give us all to enjoy music and creation.

krazy78 · Post by **krazy78** » Wed Mar 16, 2011 6:34 am

Very sad news
May he rest in peace.

vEddY · Post by **vEddY** » Wed Mar 16, 2011 9:57 am

krazy78 wrote:Very sad news
May he rest in peace.

Very sad news. RIP, mr.Katoh.

nitecrawler · Post by **nitecrawler** » Wed Mar 16, 2011 3:17 pm

RIP. My prayers go out to his family. Too much sad news from Japan lately. He certainly made a mark in the music business and i will always be grateful that he had the ability to make such great instruments that I used through the years in my music.

cello · Post by **cello** » Wed Mar 16, 2011 3:37 pm

Am sad to hear this news.

Through his efforts and direction, Korg instruments brought magic and joy into my life.

So, from me, a heartfelt thanks and deep respect to Katoh san. May you rest in peace.

Akos Janca · Post by **Akos Janca** » Wed Mar 16, 2011 4:18 pm

RichF wrote:I want you all to know that while his passing is a great loss, his spirit and inspiration is very much alive throughout the company. We will honor his pioneering spirit by working harder than ever, leading while learning, and striving every day to help you bring your music to life.

...

Korg lives.

More than 25 years ago my first Korg synth was a Poly-800. Since then I owned some more, finally I got The Best Workstation: OASYS. I loved and enjoyed all of them.

Mr. Katoh's vision has changed the music industry and life of musicians, including mine.

May this great man rest in peace. He will not be forgotten.

dimitris · Post by **dimitris** » Wed Mar 16, 2011 8:36 pm

RIP Mr Katoh!! This is a big loss for the world of music!!!
...but, he has left to all of us his Legacy!!!
We will always remember him when we create music with Korg gear...!!!

Dimitris

Paolo@Korg · Post by **Paolo@Korg** » Thu Mar 17, 2011 2:07 am

Katoh-san was a strong presence for all of us at Korg. We will miss his vision and his iron will, as well as its qualities as a man.

Paolo

billysynth1 · Post by **billysynth1** » Thu Mar 17, 2011 4:09 am

Rest in Peace Mr.Katoh

Thankyou for providing us the most powerful and innovative workstation in the music industry with the Oasys, and continueing with the Kronos, delivering it at an afforable price to the masses allowing them to share a part of your dream to own the best workstation available.

Billy

Timo · Post by **Timo** » Thu Mar 17, 2011 10:30 am

What a legacy. Mr. Katoh, we salute you.

The changes in technology since Mr. Katoh and Mr. Osana first started out are staggering. All the way from the Doncamatic to Electribe, MS20 to iPad, M1 to Oasys, and everything in between.

Korg's contribution to the music making world has been staggering in terms of giving everyone the building blocks to realise their musical dreams, and continues to make it so much fun. Every time we switch on a Korg product he will be with us in spirit, along with everyone else who worked on the products to make them a reality.

Really sad many of us didn't get a chance to speak to him.