Legendary Final Fantasy Character Designer Quits Square Enix
Toshiyuki Itahana has officially announced his departure from Square Enix to pursue a career as a freelance illustrator and character designer.
Itahana was the main character designer for the beloved PlayStation title “Final Fantasy IX”, one of the most celebrated entries in the long-running series, and also lent his talents as a character designer to the “Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles” and “Chocobo” spin-off series.
In a message to fans and former colleagues, Itahana stated that his decision to leave the company at the end of last year was rooted in a desire to ensure he could continue drawing for many years to come.
He emphasized that the timing felt right, having recently concluded his illustration and supervision duties related to the major 25th anniversary celebration of “Final Fantasy IX”.
This milestone event, which included various exhibitions, shops, and cafes for fans, gave him a profound sense of accomplishment and fulfillment in his role.
He explained that with the successful completion of the anniversary efforts, he felt compelled to “draw a line under this chapter and take on new challenges.”
By moving into a freelance capacity, Itahana will gain the creative flexibility to apply his vast experience to a wider variety of new artwork and projects across the industry.
He noted he is currently seeking advice and learning from other established freelance illustrators as he transitions.
Itahana concluded his statement by expressing his heartfelt gratitude for the connections he has made throughout his career at Square Enix and encouraged fans to support his work as he begins this new endeavor.
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