Katamari Damacy creator Keita Takahashi has revealed why he departed Bandai Namco in 2006, shedding light on his creative journey and the development of his latest game, To a T.

Takahashi, known for his whimsical and innovative game design, led the development of the original Katamari Damacy, released in 2004 for the PlayStation 2. The game's unique premise, involving rolling up objects into a giant ball to create stars, garnered critical acclaim and spawned a sequel, We Love Katamari, just a year later.

In a recent interview, Takahashi explained that he left Bandai Namco following its merger with Bandai in 2006. He sought to expand his creative horizons by collaborating with developers from diverse backgrounds beyond Japan. This desire for cross-cultural collaboration ultimately led him to establish Uvula Studio in 2010.

His latest project, To a T, draws inspiration from Japanese school culture and Takahashi's personal experiences. The game's development involves explaining unique aspects of Japanese schools to his international team.  This blend of cultural perspectives contributes to the game's unique and eccentric setting.

To a T features a main character named Teen, perpetually stuck in a T-pose.  Like Takahashi's previous work, Wattam, the game combines whimsical elements with a focus on real-world issues, including bullying. Takahashi aims to deliver a meaningful message through the game's narrative and gameplay.

While Takahashi's direct involvement with the Katamari series ended years ago, the franchise has continued to flourish with numerous sequels and remasters. Bandai Namco has kept the Katamari spirit alive, further solidifying its dedicated fanbase.