Takashi Iizuka
is a video game artist who works for Sonic Team. His first role involved working with Sega on "Sonic the Hedgehog CD" as a character/sprite, special-stage, and visual designer. He is notable for creating Metal Sonic and Amy Rose. He was Sega Studio USA's art director and lead character designer until part of the studio was absorbed back into the Japanese parent company. At the American branch, he worked alongside Takashi Iizuka, as they both determined the best direction and style for their games.