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Which Japanese video game company has a name (since 1951) that translates literally as "leave luck to heaven"?

Question #149834. Asked by psnz.
Last updated Sep 20 2023.
Originally posted Sep 20 2023 6:05 PM.

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BigTriviaDawg star
Answer has 2 votes
BigTriviaDawg star
7 year member
1007 replies avatar

Answer has 2 votes.
Nintendo!
The name "Nintendo" is commonly assumed to mean "leave luck to heaven", but the assumption lacks historical validation; it can alternatively be translated as "the temple of free hanafuda". Hanafuda cards had become popular after Japan banned most forms of gambling in 1882, though tolerated hanafuda.

In 1950, due to Sekiryo's deteriorating health, Hiroshi Yamauchi assumed the presidency and headed manufacturing operations. His first actions involved several important changes in the operation of the company: in 1951, he changed the company name to Nintendo Playing Card Co., Ltd. and in the following year, he centralized the manufacturing facilities dispersed in Kyoto, which led to the expansion of the offices in Kamitakamatsu-cho, Fukuine, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto. In 1953, Nintendo became the first company to succeed in mass-producing plastic playing cards in Japan.

link https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nintendo

Response last updated by BigTriviaDawg on Sep 20 2023.
Sep 20 2023, 6:07 PM
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kyleisalive star
Answer has 2 votes
kyleisalive star
Moderator
21 year member
147 replies avatar

Answer has 2 votes.
While the answer could be Nintendo, the actual meaning has been in contention for a fair bit of time.

link https://kotaku.com/nintendo-probably-doesnt-mean-what-you-think-it-does-5649625

More realistically, the name has many meanings that date back to its origins as a playing card company.

Sep 20 2023, 6:08 PM
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