KORG President and Music Gear Innovator Seiki Kato Dead at 67

Early in his tenure with KORG, Seiki Kato contributed significantly to the M1 synthesizer, which helped shape the sound of house music.

KORG President Seiki Kato, whose work with the gear manufacturer helped its products gain popularity among dance music producers, has passed away at age 67. No cause of death has been given at the time of writing.

A statement on the KORG website indicates that Kato died “peacefully” at 8pm on February 21 “following an illness” it does not disclose. “We extend our heartfelt gratitude for the kindness and support he received during his lifetime and respectfully share this news with you,” it reads.

Kato was born in Tokyo in 1957 and studied marine science at Tokai University. He started working for KORG in 1980, when it was still called Keio Giken Kogyo Co., and while his late father, Tsutomo Kato, was still running the company.

KORG, already popular among session musicians for its Doncamatic disk rotary rhythm machine since 1963, found new life among electronic music producers in large part thanks to Seiki Kato’s efforts. As head of product planning, he played a “pivotal role” in the development of the M1 synthesizer, which became a key ingredient in the house music genre that was emerging in Chicago’s gay, Black, and Latino counterculture.

Dance music hits like “Show Me Love” by Robin S, “Gypsy Woman” by Crystal Waters, and even “Vogue” by Madonna were all made using the M1’s organ preset. The device remains one of the bestselling synthesizers of all time, let alone of KORG’s numerous product lines.

“Throughout his career, Seiki Kato made significant contributions to the music industry,” reads the statement. “For decades, he was a driving force behind KORG’s success, earning the deep respect and trust of colleagues and industry partners alike. The instruments he helped bring to life have empowered musicians around the world, shaping the future of music and artistic expression.”

We here at EDM Identity express our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of Seiki Kato during what can only be a difficult time.