# Vanpool

> Japanese developer of video games, music software, computer software and toys

**Wikidata**: [Q2917037](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q2917037)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vanpool_(company))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/vanpool

## Summary
Vanpool was a Japanese development studio specializing in video games, music software, computer software, and toys. Founded in 1999 by Tarō Kudō and headquartered in Tokyo, the company was a distinct entity in the video game industry before its dissolution on May 31, 2023.

## Key Facts
- **Status:** Dissolved on May 31, 2023.
- **Founded:** 1999 by Tarō Kudō.
- **Headquarters:** Tokyo, Japan (Coordinates: 35.68830556, 139.69730556).
- **Industry:** Video game industry; also produced music software, computer software, and toys.
- **Official Name:** VANPOOL Inc.
- **Corporate Number (Japan):** 9011001056006.
- **Website:** http://www.vanpool.co.jp/ (Japanese language).
- **Social Media:** Twitter handle @hatosen_vanpool (account created Nov 26, 2010).
- **External Identifiers:** MobyGames ID 11285; Crunchbase ID vanpool; VideoGameGeek ID 14552.

## FAQs
### Q: Is Vanpool still an active company?
A: No, Vanpool is no longer active. The company was dissolved or abolished on May 31, 2023.

### Q: Who founded Vanpool?
A: Vanpool was founded in 1999 by Tarō Kudō.

### Q: What type of products did Vanpool develop?
A: While primarily known as a video game developer, Vanpool also developed music software, computer software, and toys.

### Q: Where was Vanpool located?
A: The company's headquarters were located in Tokyo, Japan.

## Why It Matters
Vanpool represents a specific tier of Japanese development studios that bridged the gap between video games and broader media hobbies, such as toys and music software. Operating for over two decades (1999–2023), the company contributed to the diversity of the Japanese video game industry. Their specific output ranged from digital software to physical toys, indicating a versatile corporate structure that engaged with multiple facets of entertainment production.

The company's history is notable for its longevity in a volatile industry, maintaining operations from the late 90s console era through to the modern digital era. As an organization founded by a specific creative lead, Tarō Kudō, its dissolution in 2023 marks the end of a distinct creative entity within the Japanese development landscape.

## Notable For
- **Diverse Output:** Unlike studios that focus solely on games, Vanpool developed music software, computer software, and toys alongside video games.
- **Specific Founder:** Established by Tarō Kudō, distinguishing it from larger, corporate-founded entities.
- **Long Operational History:** The company survived for 24 years (1999–2023) before ceasing operations.
- **Tokyo Headquarters:** Situated in the heart of Japan's entertainment industry.

## Body

### Corporate History
Vanpool, legally registered as VANPOOL Inc., was established in 1999. The company was founded by Tarō Kudō. It maintained its headquarters in Tokyo, Japan, specifically at coordinates 35.68830556 latitude and 139.69730556 longitude.

The company operated within the video game industry but maintained a broader scope of production. Its operations officially ceased on May 31, 2023.

### Products and Specializations
Vanpool is classified primarily as a video game developer. However, its official description and scope of work included a wider variety of media and physical goods:
*   Video games
*   Music software
*   Computer software
*   Toys

### Online Presence and Identifiers
The company maintained a web presence at `www.vanpool.co.jp` and utilized social media via the Twitter handle `@hatosen_vanpool`. The Twitter account was created in late 2010.

In external databases, Vanpool is tracked under the following identifiers:
*   **Corporate Number (Japan):** 9011001056006
*   **Crunchbase:** vanpool
*   **MobyGames:** 11285 (formerly vanpool-inc)
*   **VideoGameGeek:** 14552
*   **Quora Topic:** Vanpool

## References

1. LastDodo
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. Google Knowledge Graph
4. Quora
5. VideoGameGeek