# Maki Kaji, the 'godfather of Sudoku,' dies at 69

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/maki-kaji-the-godfather-of-sudoku-dies-at-69/949041>\
**Category:** The Game Room\
**Tags:** board-card-word-game\
**Created:** [August 17, 2021, 10:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/maki-kaji-the-godfather-of-sudoku-dies-at-69/949041 "2021-08-17T22:17:24Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Somethingwitty1](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/somethingwitty1/32/8899_2.png) [@Somethingwitty1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Somethingwitty1)\
**Post date:** [August 17, 2021, 10:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/maki-kaji-the-godfather-of-sudoku-dies-at-69/949041/1 "2021-08-17T22:17:24Z")

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> **[Maki Kaji, the 'godfather of Sudoku,' dies at 69 | CNN](https://www.cnn.com/2021/08/17/world/maki-kaji-sudoku-death-trnd/index.html)**
>
> Kaji reworked an American puzzle into Sudoku. He didn't own the trademark to international versions of the puzzle but loved to share his simple Sudoku with players of all ages and skill levels.

I didn’t know it was such a new game. He saved me on many a long boring flight and jury duty.

I can find swordfish pretty well. Occasionally, an X Wing. But if try to finish an advanced sudoku with any thing else, I’m lost.

Are different types of logic required? Because my brain does not like the other advanced techniques.

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**Author:** ![Atamasama](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atamasama/32/12961_2.png) [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\
**Post date:** [August 18, 2021, 12:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/maki-kaji-the-godfather-of-sudoku-dies-at-69/949041/2 "2021-08-18T00:24:06Z")

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I’ve done many Sudoku puzzles but I’ve never heard of this guy. I wish I had, that’s pretty cool. Rest in peace.

“Godfather of Sudoku” is such a great title, if only I could have such a sobriquet by the time of my passing.

956  
273  
184

(That above is my tribute to him.)

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**Author:** ![Siam\_Sam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/d78d45/32.png) [@Siam\_Sam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Siam_Sam)\
**Post date:** [September 6, 2021, 3:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/maki-kaji-the-godfather-of-sudoku-dies-at-69/949041/3 "2021-09-06T03:36:45Z")

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He actually really hated numbers. Just wanted to put them in their place.

RIP, Maki Kaji. ☹