Keiko Erikawa

Keiko Erikawa (襟川 恵子, Erikawa Keiko, born on January 3, 1949 in the Kanagawa Prefecture) is one of the founders of Koei and a design graduate of Tama Art University who was originally studying for a fashion career. She is Kou Shibusawa's wife, making them one of the richest married couples in the video game industry. Their eldest daughter, Mei, works at the company as a director for Ruby Party games.

Erikawa was the executive director of the company until she stepped down with her husband in 2002. As of April 1, 2015, she is the Honorary Chairman of the Board of Directors. Unlike her husband, Erikawa doesn't and hasn't referred to herself under any pen name for her game credits.

While Shibusawa divulges into his interests of global history and simulation games, Erikawa seeks to expand the company's reputation into other video game genres. Erikawa keeps a close eye on trends in the gaming market and tries to promote products she feels reflects the times. She encouraged the development of Gitaroo-Man, Opoona, Shaberu! DS Oryouri Navi Marugoto Teikoku Hotel, and Apsaras. Erikawa is also responsible for expressing approval for the online gaming side of Koei, especially for Nobunaga's Ambition and Uncharted Waters. According to Hisashi Koinuma, the collaboration for the Dynasty Warriors: Gundam series was started when Erikawa said to him, "I want to use a Gundam~!"

Erikawa believes that establishing a firm link of communication with consumers is an important feature for their games, seeking to have them be easy to play and enjoyable by anyone who buys them. She is a pacifist at heart and wants to promote "world peace" with the company's products. Erikawa promotes strong examples for women and frequently requests the development of any feature or product she thinks will appeal to the female market. She wants to encourage women in Japan to join the industry, as she feels they are still behind the rest of the world.

More often than not, she is present during the accepting ceremonies for the awards the company receives.

Works

 * FabStyle - general producer, character designer, script and lyrical writer, music composer, sound director, voice director, game designer
 * Geten no Hana - general producer
 * Geten no Hana Yumeakari - general producer, composer and lyrist for I want to go with you
 * Gekijoban ~Zero~ - executive producer