【MTO】Fun and Gentle Games for Children! Beloved for Their Educational Value as Well—Here’s the Lineup of MTO Games!

MTO Co., Ltd., or simply MTO. Many of you may feel nostalgic just hearing that name. Based in Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture, the company’s name stands for “Motorsports Software Technical Office,” and it truly made its mark in the world of racing games. But that’s not all—they were also known for adorable animal-themed characters and charming game titles that captivated children's hearts.

MTO’s games have a certain warmth and friendly charm to them. This is likely related to the fact that they developed many titles aimed at younger audiences. Their gentle, smile-inducing game worlds appealed to both boys and girls, and were underpinned by solid technical skill. Especially in their racing games, the balance between speed and handling was exquisite, fully utilizing the capabilities of home consoles.

In 2014, the passing of founder Takehiro Moriyama marked a major turning point for MTO. After that, development of new software ceased, updates to the official website stopped, and the company gradually faded from the public eye. However, this was not the end of their activities, but rather the beginning of a new challenge. In 2016, the company shifted its focus to the food service industry, demonstrating both resilience and adaptability.

Then in 2022, MTO reappeared before us. This time, they partnered with Kamakura Shunjusha to launch a subscription-based e-book service called “Kamakura Shunjusha e-Book Club.” Instead of games, they began breathing new life into the world of literature. Longtime fans may be surprised, but it’s clear that their core mission of “delivering fun” remains unchanged.

The story of MTO transcends the rise and fall of a single company, showing us the enduring and adaptable power of creativity. As we reflect on memories of their nostalgic games, we’ll want to quietly keep an eye on their future endeavors.