Famitsu 40th Anniversary: Dragon Quest Issue Features Yuji Horii Interview and Susumu Matsushita Art

Weekly Famitsu is marking its 40th anniversary with a dedicated Dragon Quest commemorative issue that goes on sale in Japan on July 11, 2026.

The special edition celebrates both Famitsu’s four decades covering games and the Dragon Quest series, which also reached its 40th year earlier in 2026.

Published by Enterbrain/Bandai Namco’s associated media, Famitsu has compiled a series of commemorative issues; the Dragon Quest edition follows issue 1950, released on June 4, 2026, which carried the feature “40 Years of Famitsu and Games.”

The July issue includes new cover art by acclaimed illustrator Susumu Matsushita.

The cover depicts Famitsu’s mascot Necky alongside Dragon Quest’s emblematic Slime, making the magazine a visual tribute to both brands.

In addition to the artwork, the issue contains an original interview with Dragon Quest creator Yuji Horii.

In the interview, Horii reflects on his memories of Famitsu over the last 40 years and traces the evolution of the Dragon Quest series from its earliest mainline entries through notable spin-offs such as Dragon Quest Monsters.

He also touches on the broader history of the franchise, from its origins in the mid-1980s to its ongoing presence across home consoles and handhelds, including recent releases on Nintendo platforms like the Nintendo Switch.

The issue references mainline projects such as the recently announced Dragon Quest XII: Beyond Dreams and places them within the series’ long-running development history.

Famitsu’s editorial team presents the material with feature articles, archival images, and developer commentary to mark both milestones.

The Dragon Quest commemorative issue is listed for pre-order on major Japanese retail sites, including Amazon, Rakuten Books, and the Kadosto online store, with a retail price reported at roughly 800 yen.

Digital editions are also available for readers who prefer an electronic copy.

Preview images of the issue’s pages and cover have been released alongside the pre-order listings.

For fans of Dragon Quest and followers of Japanese game journalism, Famitsu’s special issue offers a curated look at a franchise and a publication that have helped define gaming coverage in Japan for four decades.

The July 11 release provides both collectors and casual readers an accessible way to revisit that history in print and digital formats.