Maki Kaji, the Sudoku Wizard, Dies at 69
Tokyo mourns the loss of Maki Kaji, lovingly dubbed the “Godfather of Sudoku.” He passed away on August 10 from bile duct cancer, leaving behind a legacy that has brightened the lives of millions of puzzle lovers worldwide.
From Dropout to Puzzle Pioneer
Once a university dropout and a humble printing‑plant worker, Kaji had a vision: transform a simple numbered grid into a global phenomenon. In the mid‑80s, he breathed life into what we now call Sudoku—short for the Japanese phrase “every number must be single.” The result? A neat 9×9 grid where each column, row, and 3×3 block has the digits 1 to 9, no repeats.
How It Works
Sudoku’s charm lies in the number of clues given at the start. More filled digits mean a tougher challenge, while fewer clues create a puzzle that feels like a gentle brain workout. Over 100 million people engage with it daily, proving its power to keep minds sharp.
A Global Craze
While Sudoku first lit up Japanese print, it exploded abroad about twenty years ago, thanks to international newspapers. In 2006, the very first world championship was launched, and the game has been a staple ever since.
Mr. Kaji’s Final Years
He stepped down as Nikoli’s chief in July after struggling with illness. Yet his passion never waned: he still crafted puzzles, drawing inspiration from the enthusiastic feedback of quarterly‑magazine readers.
Words from a Puzzle Legend
In a 2007 BBC interview, Kaji admitted that new puzzle ideas intrigue him the most. “The secret to a great puzzle? Keep the rules simple. It’s like hunting a treasure—pure joy, not profit” he said.
“We loved you,” the Nikoli website read on Monday, expressing heartfelt thanks to the community that adored him.
Remembering Maki Kaji
As the world says goodbye to the man who turned a grid of numbers into a global pastime, we’ll continue to enjoy the thrill of solving his timeless creations. Rest easy, Kaji—your puzzles will keep on puzzling us for generations.
