Toshiyuki Itahana, character artist for the Final Fantasy series, including games like Final Fantasy 9, Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles, and Final Fantasy 14: Dawntrail, has left Square Enix.
Writing to fans online, Itahana expressed that he decided to leave Square Enix last year after the 25th anniversary of the Final Fantasy series, feeling both “a strong sense of accomplishment” and that it was the “right moment” to move on.
Itahana revealed in the same post that he intends to move forward as a freelance illustrator and character designer, stating he’s currently learning from senior freelance illustrators as well as asking fans of his to support him moving forward.
Itahana concluded the message by thanking fans who experienced his work so far, writing: “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.”
It’s certainly an interesting time for the Final Fantasy franchise. Not only have major shareholders recently urged for a reassessment of the series, but Square Enix is asking fans directly what they want to see with Final Fantasy moving forward. We may be in the verge of an era of great change with the series, who can say.
Regardless, with Itahana’s departure Square Enix is waving goodbye to one of its most beloved artists. One that’s likely to get a lot of work as a freelance in the future.
