Here's the full message of his departure.
As I began thinking seriously about preparing myself to continue drawing for many years to come, I decided to leave Square Enix at the end of last year.
Last year marked a major milestone with the 25th anniversary of FINAL FANTASY IX, a truly significant event, and I was deeply grateful to see so many people celebrating FFIX.
With the illustration work and supervision related to the 25th anniversary now complete, I feel a strong sense of accomplishment in having fulfilled the role entrusted to me. At the same time, I felt this was the right moment to draw a line under this chapter and take on new challenges.
From here on, I will be working as a freelance illustrator and character designer.
While remaining deeply grateful for all the connections I’ve been fortunate to receive through my work so far, I hope to draw upon my experience and continue creating a wide variety of new artwork.
At the moment, I’m still finding my way—listening to advice and learning from senior freelance illustrators—but if you happen to come across my work somewhere, I would be truly happy if you could support me.
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.
May this new year be an exceptionally happy one for all of you.
Toshiyuki Itahana
Jan 05, 2026
This year was the year that 4 old Square / Enix games got a new release; SaGa Frontier 2, Dragon Quest I & II and Final Fantasy Tactics. Also a new game in the Octopath Traveler series was released: Octopath Traveler 0 (actually a console adaptation of Octopath Traveler: Champions of the Continent).
