Final Fantasy 9 character designer Toshiyuki Itahana has left Square Enix

Toshiyuki Itahana, the character designer for Final Fantasy 9, announced today that he’s departed from Square Enix.

Itahana also worked on many other Final Fantasy-related projects during his time at the company. He only directed two games – one of these was the Wii-exclusive Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: The Crystal Bearers. 

Toshiyuki shared a lengthy message today about his decision, confirming that that the move was made at the end of 2026. In leaving Square Enix, he “felt this was the right moment to draw a line under this chapter and take on new challenges.” Toshiyuki will now be a freelance illustrator and character designer. 

The full message reads:

“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 IX, a truly significant event, and I was deeply grateful to see so many people celebrating FFIX.

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.

From here on, I will be working as a freelance illustrator and character designer. While remaining deeply grateful for all the connections I’ve been fortunate to receive through my work so far, I hope to draw upon my experience and 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.

May this new year be an exceptionally happy one for all of you.”

Those curious about Final Fantasy 9 can play the RPG right now on Nintendo Switch.