Sakurai recalls not being able to visit Iwata in the hospital before his passing, setting out on a mission to make Smash a success

Today brings us the final excerpt featuring Masahiro Sakurai from the Iwata-san book. Once again, translations are being handled by PushDustIn. Check out the summary of this final chapter below.

Back when Iwata was admitted to the hospital, Sakurai didn't get the chance to visit. This is because Sakurai was swamped with work on Smash Bros. Wii U/3DS' DLC. When Sakurai heard the news of Iwata's passing from Takahashi Shinya, he was at home. The phone rang, and even before he picked up the phone, Sakurai knew something was wrong. He had the same feeling in his heart when he found out his grandparents passed away.

After hearing of Iwata's passing, Sakurai gave himself a mission. He wanted to make sure Smash Bros. became a true success. This personal mission came about when talk of a 'definitive' version of Smash Bros. arose during Smash Wii U/3DS DLC work. This paved the way for Smash Bros. Ultimate, which Sakurai feels completed his mission of making Smash a success.

Wondering what the next mission is for Sakurai? He doesn't know quite yet, and actually feels that the Smash DLC he's working on is outside of his original mission.

Sakurai closes out the interview by looking back fondly on a few more tidbits from Iwata. He says the two used to travel together to Tokyo quite often, and Sakurai would visit Iwata at his hotel to share a meal. During dinner discussions, Iwata would often recommend books for Sakurai to read.

Finally, when Sakurai worked at HAL, Iwata would call him "Sakurai-kun." After Sakurai left, Iwata would call him "Sakurai-san." All in all, Sakurai ended up feeling that Iwata was a very sincere person.