In a 2019 interview with Game Center CX host Arino Kacho, director and series creator Shigesato Itoi revealed that Ninten's asthma was inspired by his own experiences with the disease. According to Itoi, he would often play video games late at night while trying to fall asleep sitting up, as lying down would induce severe coughing fits. This resulted in him developing an interest in making a game with Nintendo, to whom he felt "indebted" for keeping him busy during a difficult part of his routine. Once development on Mother started, Ninten's asthma was one of the first traits that Itoi came up with. Itoi stated: