Celebrated Final Fantasy character designer Toshiyuki Itahana has announced his departure from Square Enix, marking the end of a prolific career spanning more than a quarter of a century.
Best known for his iconic work on beloved titles like Final Fantasy IX and Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail, Itahana shared the news through a personal blog post, offering insight into his decision and reflecting on his remarkable tenure with the legendary developer.
Itahana, whose creative vision helped shape some of the most memorable characters in the Final Fantasy universe, confirmed that he stepped away from Square Enix at the close of 2025.
Having joined the company in the late 1990s, his first project was the critically acclaimed Final Fantasy IX for the PlayStation, a title that recently celebrated its 25th anniversary.
"I felt this was the right moment to close this chapter and seek out new artistic challenges," Itahana wrote.
Reflecting on his career milestone, Itahana expressed gratitude for the enduring popularity of Final Fantasy IX, stating that witnessing ongoing fan celebrations of the last PS1-era entry has given him immense satisfaction.
He noted, "With the completion of illustration work and supervisory duties tied to the 25th anniversary, I feel a profound sense of accomplishment in fulfilling my entrusted responsibilities." During his time at Square Enix, Itahana contributed to both character design and broader art direction, influencing entries across the mainline Final Fantasy series and various spin-offs.
His distinctive artistic style has become synonymous with the franchise and helped establish its visual identity, particularly throughout the PlayStation era.
Looking ahead, Itahana revealed plans to continue his creative journey as a freelance character designer.
"While I remain deeply appreciative of the relationships I've built throughout my career, I look forward to leveraging my experience and producing a wide range of new art as an independent creator," he explained.
The veteran artist extended heartfelt thanks to his colleagues, mentors, and the global fanbase that has supported him throughout his years at Square Enix.
Itahana’s legacy within the Final Fantasy series will continue to influence both emerging talent and long-time fans.
His departure signals a significant transition at Square Enix, as the studio looks to the future of its legendary franchise on platforms like the Nintendo Switch and beyond.
As innovations in game development continue and the series expands to new hardware and audiences, Itahana's impact will remain a defining thread in the tapestry of Final Fantasy’s celebrated history.
Best known for his iconic work on beloved titles like Final Fantasy IX and Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail, Itahana shared the news through a personal blog post, offering insight into his decision and reflecting on his remarkable tenure with the legendary developer.
Itahana, whose creative vision helped shape some of the most memorable characters in the Final Fantasy universe, confirmed that he stepped away from Square Enix at the close of 2025.
Having joined the company in the late 1990s, his first project was the critically acclaimed Final Fantasy IX for the PlayStation, a title that recently celebrated its 25th anniversary.
"I felt this was the right moment to close this chapter and seek out new artistic challenges," Itahana wrote.
Reflecting on his career milestone, Itahana expressed gratitude for the enduring popularity of Final Fantasy IX, stating that witnessing ongoing fan celebrations of the last PS1-era entry has given him immense satisfaction.
He noted, "With the completion of illustration work and supervisory duties tied to the 25th anniversary, I feel a profound sense of accomplishment in fulfilling my entrusted responsibilities." During his time at Square Enix, Itahana contributed to both character design and broader art direction, influencing entries across the mainline Final Fantasy series and various spin-offs.
His distinctive artistic style has become synonymous with the franchise and helped establish its visual identity, particularly throughout the PlayStation era.
Looking ahead, Itahana revealed plans to continue his creative journey as a freelance character designer.
"While I remain deeply appreciative of the relationships I've built throughout my career, I look forward to leveraging my experience and producing a wide range of new art as an independent creator," he explained.
The veteran artist extended heartfelt thanks to his colleagues, mentors, and the global fanbase that has supported him throughout his years at Square Enix.
Itahana’s legacy within the Final Fantasy series will continue to influence both emerging talent and long-time fans.
His departure signals a significant transition at Square Enix, as the studio looks to the future of its legendary franchise on platforms like the Nintendo Switch and beyond.
As innovations in game development continue and the series expands to new hardware and audiences, Itahana's impact will remain a defining thread in the tapestry of Final Fantasy’s celebrated history.
