Akiyoshi Kitaoka is a Japanese psychologist and professor known for his work in visual perception and optical illusions. He is particularly recognized for creating captivating visual phenomena that challenge our understanding of how we perceive motion and color. His research often explores the ways in which our brains interpret visual information. Kitaoka's most famous creations include the Rotating Snakes illusion and various other patterns that appear to move or change when viewed. His work has gained international attention, contributing to the fields of psychology and art by demonstrating the complexities of human perception and the brain's processing of visual stimuli.