As Gran Turismo fans are likely aware, August 5 is the birthday of series creator Kazunori Yamauchi.
Yamauchi turns 54 years old today and, to mark the occasion, Gran Turismo’s video production partner company Blackmonkey has produced this surprise birthday video card.
The video includes birthday wishes from very many of the FIA Certified Gran Turismo Online Championship drivers, as well as personal messages from world champions Igor Fraga, Takuma Miyazono, and Daniel Solis, and Olympic champion Valerio Gallo. There’s even one rendition of Happy Birthday To You from Richard Castro…
As well as the messages there’s a short sequence showing some of the celebrations from a number of the World Tour events — which unfortunately could not take place throughout 2020 or 2021 — including the World Finals, showing the dozens of drivers who have become part of the Gran Turismo family.
Yamauchi responded to the surprise video card by saying “Thank you for your birthday message. I received a wonderful video message from the players. Next year will be the 25th anniversary of the “Gran Turismo” series. I will continue to dedicate myself [to it]”.
Of course 2022 not only marks the 25th anniversary of Gran Turismo, but the scheduled launch of the next game in the series, Gran Turismo 7, so there’s plenty to be excited about. It would also be the third successive game to launch in a notable anniversary year, following on from Gran Turismo Sport’s launch in the 20th anniversary year, and GT6 which was tied into a global 15th anniversary promotion and celebration.
GTPlanet would also like to add our birthday wishes too, so happy birthday Kazunori Yamauchi!
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Happy Birthday Kaz! I’m gonna play some Gran Turismo 1 to celebrate that! :D Wish you the Best!
Happy birthday, Kaz! I’m looking forward to GT7 – for some it’s all about the driving and I totally get that, but for me, GT is about more than just the driving – of course that’s a major part, but everything from the menus and music to the auxiliary modes – GTS in particular with Scapes, sometimes I log on just to take some pictures. With 1000+, there’s always a new place to take a picture.
Happy Birthday and thanks for helping me go through hard times in my childhood (with GT6). I will forever be glad for it! <3
Also what head set are they using?
Did anyone get a free car today in gt sport?
If gt7 comes out next year I’ll be pre ordering the bundle for sure happy BIRTHDAY Zaz
Happy Birthday Kaz. Of course I should have known you’re a fellow Leo! Let’s hope GT7 will be out by your n
ext birthday!
If i interpretate his Message, he/they will will work Hard on Gran Turismo for 25th celebrating, certainly with a new chapter of Gran Turismo Franchise, GT7
So, happy Birthday, Kaz!