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An Era Comes to an End at Square Enix
As speculation surrounding a potential Final Fantasy IX Remake continues to swirl without official confirmation, Square Enix has now seen the departure of one of the franchise’s most influential creative figures. Toshiyuki Itahana, the celebrated artist best known as the character designer of Final Fantasy IX, has officially left Square Enix after more than 25 years with the company.
Itahana confirmed his departure at the end of 2025, marking the close of a long and defining chapter in the publisher’s creative history.
A Career Defined by Iconic Designs
Toshiyuki Itahana’s influence on Square Enix’s visual identity is difficult to overstate. His most famous contribution came as the character designer for Final Fantasy IX, a title widely praised for its expressive, storybook-inspired art direction that continues to resonate with fans more than two decades later.
Beyond Final Fantasy IX, Itahana also served as character designer for Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles and multiple Chocobo-focused titles, shaping some of Square Enix’s most charming and enduring spin-offs. His contributions extended even further, with involvement in major modern projects such as Final Fantasy XIII and NieR: Automata, where his experience helped support and refine the studio’s evolving artistic direction.
The Right Time to Move Forward
In announcing his departure, Itahana shared a minimalist yet emotionally resonant illustration alongside a personal message. He explained that after completing illustration work and serving as a supervisor for Final Fantasy IX’s 25th anniversary celebrations, he felt the timing was right to move on.
For Itahana, the anniversary marked a symbolic closing: an opportunity to reflect on his journey, celebrate his work, and step into a new creative phase.
Not Leaving the Industry Behind
Despite leaving Square Enix, Itahana made it clear that he is not stepping away from game development or illustration. He will continue his work as a freelance illustrator and character designer, enabling collaborations with a broader range of studios and creative projects beyond Square Enix.
For fans and developers alike, this means Itahana’s distinctive style and decades of experience will continue to shape games in new and unexpected ways.
Still No Sign of a Final Fantasy IX Remake
Meanwhile, Square Enix has yet to provide any concrete update on the long-rumoured Final Fantasy IX Remake. Recent anniversary efforts have primarily focused on merchandise and offline events rather than new game announcements, further dampening expectations that a remake reveal is imminent.
With Itahana’s departure, fans are left reflecting on the game’s enduring legacy, one now firmly tied to a creative era that has officially come to an end.
