Toshiyuki Itahana — best known to fans worldwide as the character designer behind Final Fantasy IX and a key creative force in the Crystal Chronicles sub‑series — has officially departed Square Enix after more than 20 years with the company. In a personal announcement shared on social media, Itahana described the decision as arriving at “the right moment,” signaling a desire to explore new creative horizons after a long and influential tenure.
While Square Enix has not issued a formal statement, Itahana’s departure marks the end of an era for one of the studio’s most distinctive artistic voices. His work helped define the look and emotional tone of several major Final Fantasy titles, especially those that leaned into whimsical fantasy rather than the darker, more techno‑futuristic direction the franchise often takes.
A Career That Shaped a Generation of Final Fantasy Fans
Itahana joined Square (before the Enix merger) in the early 2000s, entering the company during a transitional moment — the PlayStation 2 era, when Final Fantasy was expanding in scope, ambition, and global reach.
Key Contributions Across Two Decades
Here’s a concise breakdown of his most influential work:
| Project | Role | Why It Mattered |
|---|---|---|
| Final Fantasy IX (2000) | Character Designer | Defined the game’s fairy‑tale aesthetic; created iconic designs like Vivi, Zidane, and Garnet. |
| Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles (2003) | Lead Artist / Character Designer | Established a softer, storybook‑like visual identity that became the series’ signature. |
| Chocobo Dungeon / Chocobo spin‑offs | Art Director / Designer | Reinforced the “cute fantasy” side of the FF brand. |
| Mobius Final Fantasy | Character Designer | Helped modernize classic FF motifs for mobile audiences. |
| Dissidia Final Fantasy (various) | Character Artist | Contributed to reinterpretations of classic characters for a new generation. |
Itahana’s style is often described as warm, storybook‑inspired, and emotionally expressive — a contrast to the more realistic or high‑fashion direction of artists like Tetsuya Nomura. This made him a bridge between the franchise’s early charm and its modern ambitions.
Why His Departure Matters
Square Enix is currently undergoing a period of restructuring and creative reevaluation. Veteran departures have become more common as the company shifts toward new production pipelines, multiplatform releases, and a more globalized development structure.
Itahana’s exit fits into a broader pattern:
- Long‑time creatives seeking independence or freelance flexibility
- Square Enix moving toward younger internal teams and external partnerships
- A generational shift in how Final Fantasy’s visual identity is defined
For fans of Final Fantasy IX — a game that has seen renewed attention thanks to the rumored remake — Itahana’s departure raises questions about how much of the original artistic DNA will carry forward.
The Backstory of His Tenure: A Quiet Pillar of Square Enix’s Identity
Unlike some of Square Enix’s more public‑facing creators, Itahana maintained a low profile. But inside the company, he was known as:
- A reliable visual storyteller
- A mentor to younger artists
- A guardian of the franchise’s “classic fantasy” charm
His work on Final Fantasy IX is especially notable because he helped re-center the series on medieval fantasy after the cyberpunk‑leaning Final Fantasy VII and VIII. Many fans credit him with restoring the “heart” of the franchise during a pivotal moment.
He later became one of the key architects of the Crystal Chronicles universe — a project that allowed him to fully express his softer, painterly style. Even after the series slowed down, his influence persisted in spin‑offs, mobile titles, and anniversary projects.
What Comes Next for Itahana?
He hasn’t announced his next destination, but his message suggests:
- He plans to continue working in illustration and character design
- He may pursue freelance or independent projects
- He wants to explore creative opportunities outside the constraints of a major publisher
Given his reputation and the industry’s current appetite for veteran talent, it’s likely he’ll be in high demand.
