Toshiyuki Itahana has left Square Enix

Toshiyuki Itahana, one of the main character designers for Final Fantasy IX, has announced on X and on his personal blog that he left Square Enix at the end of 2025. He made this choice after his work for the Final Fantasy IX 25th anniversary being completed and will continue to work as a freelance illustrator and character designer.

Toshiyuki Itahana is known for his work on the Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles series and Chocobo series and recently on Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail.

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