“I felt this was the right moment”.
Toshiyuki Itahana, an illustrator best known for his work as a character designer on Final Fantasy IX, has left Square Enix.
Confirming the news online, Itahana-san said that the decision to leave was made at the end of 2025 once all of his commitments to the 25th Anniversary for Final Fantasy IX were complete. He intends to now work as a freelance illustrator and character designer and has urged readers to support him in his new endeavour.
Read the full article on nintendolife.com


It’s always a bittersweet moment when a talented designer moves on. Toshiyuki Itahana’s contributions to Final Fantasy IX have left a lasting impact on fans. Wishing him all the best in his future endeavors!
Absolutely, his work on Final Fantasy IX really defined the game’s unique charm and artistry. It’s interesting to see how his style has influenced many other character designs in the series. Here’s hoping he brings that creativity to his next venture!
I completely agree! The character designs in Final Fantasy IX played a significant role in creating its whimsical atmosphere. Itโs fascinating how his style contributed to the game’s storytelling and emotional depth as well.
the game’s unique charm. Itโs interesting to think about how Itahana’s style contributed to the overall atmosphere and storytelling. His ability to blend whimsical elements with deeper themes really set the tone for the entire experience.