Konami Holdings Corporation Founder, Chairman and Representative Director Kagemasa Kozuki has been inducted in the Mississippi Gaming Hall of Fame, Class of 2022 by the Mississippi Gaming & Hospitality Association (MGHA). The induction will take place during the 2022 Southern Gaming Summit on May 5, at Biloxi’s Beau Rivage Resort & Casino.
Kozuki established and expanded Konami’s presence across the state of Mississippi, as both a gaming provider and community supporter by leading global gaming developer and manufacturer, Konami Gaming.
Executive Director of the MGHA, Larry Gregory, spoke about Kozuki’s induction and said: “Mr. Kozuki is among the gaming pioneers that have helped develop this industry into a long-term material benefit for people and communities in the State of Mississippi. We look forward to recognizing and celebrating his work as the official induction approaches.”
Bill Hornbuckle, CEO and President of MGM Resorts International, which operates 32 hotel and destination gaming offerings in the US and Macau, including Beau Rivage and Gold Strike Tunica in Mississippi, added: “The future of gaming, whether here in the U.S. or in markets as far away as Japan, relies upon strong technology and strong communities. Mr. Kozuki has demonstrated a relentless personal commitment to both, and for that I’m thrilled to offer sincere congratulations for his naming to the Mississippi Gaming Hall of Fame”.
Tom Jingoli, executive vice president & COO at Konami Gaming, Inc., said: “Mr. Kozuki’s merits as a gaming technology leader and community advocate are seen in markets around the world. This is an important and exciting time to see his contributions forever acknowledged in the Mississippi Gaming Hall of Fame.”
Steve Sutherland, president & CEO at Konami Gaming, Inc., concluded: “In working under Mr. Kozuki on KONAMI’s gaming and systems expansion for more than two decades, he has held our focus on responsibility, success, and integrity. This has led to ongoing growth and enrichment for the people, communities, and customers we serve. Konami is proud to celebrate Mr. Kozuki’s extraordinary contributions and accomplishments as he is added into the Hall of Fame.”
Kozuki founded Konami Industry Co., LTD in 1969 to lease and maintain jukeboxes. Under his leadership, the company has grown substantially over the past 50+ years to become a major international corporation operating four business segments: Digital Entertainment, Amusement, Gaming and Systems, and Sports. In addition to his success in business, Kozuki formed the Kozuki Foundation in 1982 to promote sports, educational, cultural, and social support related activities, and to improve the public good.
