Takeshi ObataTakeshi Obata.

Takeshi Obata (小畑 健, Obata Takeshi; born February 11, 1969) is a Japanese manga artist that usually works as the illustrator in collaboration with a writer. He first gained international attention for Hikaru no Go (1999 to 2003) with Yumi Hotta, but is better known for Death Note (2003 to 2006) and Bakuman (2008 to 2012) with Tsugumi Ohba. Obata has mentored several well-known manga artists, including Nobuhiro Watsuki of Rurouni Kenshin fame, Black Cat creator Kentaro Yabuki, and Eyeshield 21 artist Yusuke Murata.