Kosuke Yabuki was the series producer who wanted Mario Kart World to innovate with an open-world design.
Yabuki believed the traditional Mario Kart gameplay formula had already been perfected by Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Instead of making a straightforward numbered sequel, the development team explored a format built around connected roads, free driving, and larger environments.
That design goal also influenced the game's name. Mario Kart World was chosen instead of Mario Kart 9 because the developers viewed it as a new approach rather than merely another numbered entry. The title signaled the importance of the game's broader world and open-ended structure.
Kosuke Yabuki should not be confused with Masaaki Ishikawa, who is identified as the art director, or Atsuko Asahi, who led the music team. Each held a different creative role on the project.