As Takashi Murakami would be the first to admit, art history is all about identifying iconic artists who can be held up as representives of movements or periods.
Right now there are at least two movements that will one day require their champions. One is the rise of non-Western art; the other is the final consummation of the union between art and commerce, which was set in motion by the Pop artists.
Murakami has a shot at both titles, and his throwing in the towel at this point, and thus putting a premium on his output to date, will hardly damage his chances.