Professor Layton's inspiration and puzzle designer, Akira Tago, has passed away following a battle with interstitial pneumonia. 

As reported by the Japan Times, Tago lost his battle with the illness on March 6. He was 90 years old. 

The prominent Japanese psychologist was perhaps best known for his best-selling quiz book series, Atama no Tasio - literally translated as "head gymnastics" - which served as the inspiration for Level-5's critically acclaimed Professor Layton series. 

Tago eventually went on to become the franchise's "Puzzle Master", and was credited as such in Professor Layton and the Curious Village and its many sequels. 

He was also a respected academic, becoming an honorary emeritus of Tokyo Future University and a professor emeritus of Chiba University.