Final Fantasy 9 Character Designer Leaves Square Enix to Go Freelance

Toshiyuki Itahana, character designer at Square Enix, has left the company after more than 30 years. While he’s worked on a myriad of Final Fantasy properties, his most well-known work is undoubtedly Final Fantasy 9.

In a recent note (translation via VGC), Itahana revealed that he had been planning to leave the company after the 25th anniversary celebration for Final Fantasy 9. “As I began thinking seriously about preparing myself to continue drawing for many years to come, I decided to leave Square Enix at the end of last year.

“Last year marked a major milestone with the 25th anniversary of Final Fantasy 9, a truly significant event, and I was deeply grateful to see so many people celebrating FF9. To everyone who celebrated with us, and to those who visited the exhibitions, shops, and cafés—thank you so very much! (The Osaka collaboration café is still ongoing!)”

“With the illustration work and supervision related to the 25th anniversary now complete, I feel a strong sense of accomplishment in having fulfilled the role entrusted to me. At the same time, I felt this was the right moment to draw a line under this chapter and take on new challenges.”

Of course, he’s not sailing off into the sunset and retiring. Instead, Itahana will go freelance, drawing upon his veteran experience to “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.

“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.”

Itahana’s departure comes in the wake of a long silence regarding the rumored Final Fantasy 9 Remake. Reports began circulating in June 2023 and again in 2024 when it was allegedly “very far along” in development. Other details included that it would be turn-based and not as sweeping an overhaul as the Final Fantasy 7 Remake series.

However, while the also-rumored Final Fantasy Tactics Remaster turned out to be real (and quite good), Final Fantasy 9 Remake allegedly faded into the background. Square Enix teased “various projects” last year to celebrate the 25th anniversary, but the remake sadly wasn’t one of them. Of course, this doesn’t mean it will never happen, but at this point, you’re better off waiting for Final Fantasy 7 Remake Part 3 and Kingdom Hearts 4.