Akira Ueda

is a Japanese video game designer, director, graphical artist, and composer. After previously working for several notable companies, he currently designs games from his own company Audio, Inc.

Career Ueda was born in 1970 in Tokyo, Japan. He moved to Urayasu, Chiba at the age of 10. As a teenager, he took a part-time job at Tokyo Disney Resort, where he worked until 1988, when he attended Tokyo Design Academy. He was hired by Square in 1990.

At Square, Ueda worked mostly as a background and map designer, most prominently on Super Mario RPG. In 1995, he joined co-worker Kenichi Nishi and others in the establishment of the independent developer Love-de-Lic, where Ueda carried over his responsibilities from Square in the design of the company's first two releases.

Ueda left Grasshopper Manufacture in 2005 and founded Audio, Inc. the following January. So far, the company has made several Japan-exclusive releases on the DS, including its most recent game, Sakura Note: Ima ni Tsunagaru Mirai.

Works Year Title Role 1991 Final Fantasy IV Sound effects 1993 Secret of Mana Background and map design 1996 Super Mario RPG 1997 Moon: Remix RPG Adventure Background and map design, planning 1999 UFO: A Day in the Life Background and map design 2001 Flower, Sun, and Rain 3D map design 2002 Shining Soul Director, background and map design 2003 Shining Soul II 2004 Michigan: Report from Hell Director 2006 Contact Director, planning, scenario, background and map design 2007 Deltora Quest: Nanatsu no Houseki 2008 Majin Tantei Nōgami Neuro: Neuro to Miko no Bishoku Sanmai 2009 Sakura Note: Ima ni Tsunagaru Mirai Designer 2012 Paper Mario: Sticker Star Planning 2013 The Denpa Men 2: Beyond the Waves UI design 2013 Megpoid the Music UI design 2013 Fantasy Life Link UI design