You watch Square Enix part ways with Toshiyuki Itahana after more than three decades of creative work that shaped how many Final Fantasy worlds look and feel. His departure closes a long chapter defined by consistent character design across mainline titles and spin-offs.
You likely associate Itahana most closely with Final Fantasy IX, yet his role extended far beyond a single game. He contributed character art to several numbered entries and later projects, helping maintain visual continuity as the series evolved across hardware generations.
Notable projects you may recognize include:
- Final Fantasy XI
- Final Fantasy XIII-2
- Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII
- Final Fantasy XIV
You also saw his influence outside the core series. He played a central role in establishing the softer, storybook-inspired tone of the Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles line and contributed designs to the Final Fantasy Fables and Chocobo games.
| Area of Work | Examples |
|---|---|
| Mainline Titles | FFIX, FFXI, FFXIV |
| Spin-offs | Crystal Chronicles, Explorers |
| Mobile Titles | Mobius Final Fantasy |
You now see Square Enix navigating internal changes while longtime creators move on. Itahana’s exit reflects a broader transition, as veteran artists shift toward independent or freelance paths while the franchise continues under new hands.
FF9 Character Designer Toshiyuki Itahana Has Officially Left Square Enix
You learn that Toshiyuki Itahana confirmed his departure from Square Enix in a post published on January 5, 2026. He explained that he chose to leave at the end of 2025, shortly after activities tied to the 25th anniversary of Final Fantasy IX concluded.
You see that his message focuses on timing rather than conflict. He framed the decision as a natural stopping point after decades with the company and after revisiting one of his most recognized works.
Key points from his announcement include:
- Departure finalized at the end of 2025
- Career spanning more than 30 years at Square Enix
- No indication of internal disputes or project cancellations
You also learn that Itahana does not plan to step away from creative work. He stated that he will continue as a freelance illustrator and character designer, with an interest in producing a broad range of new art.
He did not attach any studio names, titles, or release windows to his future plans. Instead, he asked that you support his work if you encounter it, regardless of the platform or project.
| Career Shift | Details |
|---|---|
| Employment status | Independent freelancer |
| Focus | Illustration and character design |
| Next projects | Not disclosed |
You notice that he closed his statement by thanking players who experienced the games he worked on and colleagues who supported him during his time at Square Enix. The tone remains appreciative and measured.
What’s Going On With the Persistent FF9 Remake Talk
You have likely seen ongoing discussion about a possible Final Fantasy IX remake, much of it tied to an internal NVIDIA GeForce Now database leak from September 2021. That leak referenced dozens of unannounced PC titles, many of which later became real products.
Several entries, including Final Fantasy IX, still lack official confirmation. You should treat any remake claims with caution, as Square Enix has not publicly announced such a project.
You can, however, point to movement on a different Final Fantasy IX-related effort. Square Enix previously revealed plans for an animated series based on the game, developed with Cyber Group Studios.
That studio entered liquidation in April 2025, which led many to assume the project had ended. A December 22, 2025 report from French outlet Écran Total suggested otherwise.
According to that report, Euro Visual has taken over production. The series reportedly uses 2D animation, includes 13 episodes, and targets a 2028 release window.
Reported series details:
- Format: 2D animated television series
- Episode count: 13
- Runtime: ~22 minutes per episode
- Story focus: Six Black Mages connected to Vivi
You should view these details as provisional until Square Enix confirms them directly.
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