Toshiyuki Itahana, a veteran designer who spent over three decades defining the visual identity of Square Enix’s most iconic characters, has officially departed from the studio.
Reflecting on his career in a personal blog post, the artist shared:
“As I pondered the future of my creative work, I made the decision to leave Square Enix at the end of last year.”
Itahana noted that 2025 serves as a significant milestone, coinciding with the 25th-anniversary celebrations of Final Fantasy IX.
“It has been a unique experience; I am deeply grateful to everyone who honored the FFIX legacy and visited the associated galleries, shops, and themed venues.”
Having concluded his work on the commemorative illustrations and anniversary projects, the artist now intends to pursue a career as an independent character designer and freelance illustrator.
“I hope to leverage my extensive background to produce a diverse new portfolio of work. For now, I am forging my own path while gaining inspiration from the expertise of other established freelancers.”
Source: iXBT.games