JRPG Composer Yasunori Nishiki: Working on Final Fantasy Is Like “Deciphering Sacred Texts”

Nishiki’s analogy is profound, reflecting the deep reverence of a seasoned industry professional. His remark about posture suggests both the discipline of a conductor leading a grand orchestra and a deep-seated, passionate inspiration drawn directly from the source material.

Regarding his own creative process, Nishiki revealed that the secret to composing memorable game music often lies in the right caffeinated fuel—though his choice of beverage is strictly situational.

“I usually opt for unsweetened black coffee when I’m handling administrative tasks or paperwork,” he shared. “In contrast, reaching for a sweet latte signals that I’m preparing to tackle a major battle theme—something I know will be a significant creative uphill struggle.”

For those curious about the fuel behind these gaming updates, my personal preference leans toward green tea or decaf; standard coffee tends to be far too intense for a steady writing flow. You can thank me later.

Discover why the original Final Fantasy 7 remains a titan on our definitive list of the greatest JRPGs of all time.