Rieko Kodama, the First Lady of SEGA – Part One

This article pays tribute to Rieko Kodama (1963–2022), one of the most influential designers, artists, and producers in the history of SEGA and the global video game industry. Covering her early years, entry into SEGA, and initial contributions to titles such as Champion Boxing (1984), Sega Ninja (1985), and Alex Kidd in Miracle World (1986), the article explores Kodama’s role in shaping iconic franchises like Phantasy Star and Sonic the Hedgehog. Kodama’s versatility, pioneering spirit, and ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously are highlighted, as well as her innovative approach to character and world design. This first part also contextualises her work within the early Japanese arcade and console game industry, demonstrating her influence on both artistic and technical aspects of video game development. Originally published in Spanish on CoolJapan.es