In a post made earlier today on the popular Japanese digital media platform Note.com, Toshiyuki Itahana, the character designer for Final Fantasy IX, announced that he has left Square Enix, stating that “This was the right moment to draw a line under this chapter and take on new challenges.”
Last year marked the 25th anniversary of the much-loved JRPG Final Fantasy IX, which saw Square Enix announce an array of new merchandise and events, featuring new illustrations of the game’s main cast by Itahana, including a children’s storybook featuring FFIX’s iconic black mage, Vivi Ornitier. “With the illustration work and supervision related to the 25th anniversary now complete,” said Itahana, “I feel a strong sense of accomplishment in having fulfilled the role entrusted to me.”
With his work on FFIX’s 25th anniversary finished, Itahana is looking forward to working as a freelance illustrator and character designer, where he hopes to draw on his “experience and continue creating a wide variety of new artwork.”
“At the moment, I’m still finding my way—listening to advice and learning from senior freelance illustrators—but if you happen to come across my work somewhere, I would be truly happy if you could support me.”
The news of Itahana’s departure from Square Enix will no doubt have fans wondering what this means for future plans for the Final Fantasy series and, in particular, the long-rumoured FFIX remake that was originally spotted in the now infamous Nvidia leak of 2021. With the release of Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles last year, it leaves the FFIX remake as the only game not to be announced/released from the list.
In more positive FFIX news, it would appear that the Final Fantasy IX anime is back in production with a new animation studio, slated to be released in 2028.
Toshiyuki Itahana signed off with a heartfelt message to colleagues and fans alike:
“To everyone who played the games I worked on at Square Enix, and to all those I had the pleasure of working with over the years, thank you very much. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude, and I sincerely hope for your continued support in the future.”
Hopefully, we won’t have to wait long to see what Toshiyuki Itahana will be working on next, and we thank him for all of his hard work and passion over the decades.
What are your favourite games that Toshiyuki Itahana has worked on? Come and tell us in the Gamer Social Club Discord, as well as join in on community game nights, take part in giveaways, and more!
