Tatsuya Kando Departs Square Enix: The World Ends with You Director Bids Farewell After 29 Years

Tatsuya Kando, the influential director behind The World Ends with You, has officially departed from Square Enix, concluding an impressive career that spanned nearly three decades.

Kando, whose legacy is closely tied to many of Square Enix's most memorable franchises, personally revealed his departure via social media, marking the end of an era for both him and devoted fans of the acclaimed series. Renowned for his creative leadership, Kando played a pivotal role in developing The World Ends with You, originally released on the Nintendo DS in 2007.

His contributions extended to the franchise’s expansion onto additional platforms, including the well-received The World Ends with You: Final Remix for the Nintendo Switch and the sequel, NEO: The World Ends with You, which is also available on the hybrid console.

These titles are celebrated for their innovative gameplay and distinctive art style, resonating with both new and long-time Nintendo enthusiasts. In addition to his achievements on the The World Ends with You series, Kando lent his talents as an animation supervisor on various installments of Kingdom Hearts, another flagship Square Enix project with a dedicated following on multiple platforms, including the Nintendo Switch.

Over his 29-year tenure at Square Enix, Kando contributed to a diverse slate of projects, further bolstering the publisher’s reputation within the industry. Announcing his departure, Kando stated that as of May 31, he had officially ended his time at Square Enix.

Reflecting on his experiences, he shared that working on projects such as Final Fantasy, Kingdom Hearts, The World Ends with You, and many others had been truly invaluable.

Kando expressed deep gratitude for the support from fans worldwide, acknowledging that the feedback and enthusiasm from players provided daily motivation and encouragement throughout his career.

He also stated his intention to continue creating enjoyable and engaging content in the future, underscoring his passion for game development. The legacy of Kando’s work is readily available to Nintendo Switch players, with both The World Ends with You: Final Remix and NEO: The World Ends with You accessible via the Nintendo eShop.

While Kando has not specified his future plans, his impact on the gaming industry—especially within Square Enix and the Nintendo gaming community—remains significant. For fans following Nintendo news, Kando’s departure marks a major milestone and a moment of reflection on the enduring appeal of his most beloved creations.

As the Switch continues to be a hub for legacy titles and new experiences alike, Kando’s influence will no doubt persist among players and peers in the years ahead.

Final Fantasy Nintendo Switch Square Enix Nintendo Switch Kingdom Hearts Enix Square Tatsuya Kando The World Ends with You NEO The World Ends with You