Tatsuya Kando Departs Square Enix After 29 Years, Leaves Legacy With Kingdom Hearts & The World Ends With You
Longtime Square Enix game director Tatsuya Kando has officially announced his departure from the company, marking the end of an era after nearly three decades. Known for his work on Kingdom Hearts and The World Ends With You, Kando leaves behind a creative legacy that helped shape the golden age of Square Enix’s most beloved JRPGs.
Kando began his journey with Square Enix in 1997, earning his first credit as a character animator on Final Fantasy VII. His artistic vision quickly earned recognition, leading to key animation roles on future Final Fantasy and Kingdom Hearts titles. Over time, he became a major figure behind the scenes, serving as an animation director and supervisor on numerous entries across both franchises.
His first major step into a leadership role came with The World Ends With You, a critically acclaimed action RPG that blended urban Tokyo style with real-time combat. Kando served as the game’s director and later returned as the series director for NEO: The World Ends With You, cementing his creative influence over the cult-favorite franchise.
Kando shared the news of his departure via a statement on his X account, reflecting warmly on his nearly 30-year career. He expressed gratitude for the opportunities and experiences he had at Square Enix and thanked fans for their support throughout the years. While he hasn’t yet revealed what comes next, he assured fans that he intends to “create enjoyable content” in the future. Check it out down below:
私事ですが、5月31日をもって、株式会社スクウェア・エニックスを退職しました。
— 神藤 辰也 (@tatsuyakando) June 1, 2025
在籍した29年間、「ファイナルファンタジー」「キングダム ハーツ」「すばらしきこのせかい」などなどなど。。。たくさんのプロジェクトに関わらせていただき、かけがえのない経験を積むことができました。
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Fan response was immediate and heartfelt, particularly from the Kingdom Hearts and TWEWY communities. Many praised Kando’s artistic impact and dedication, with long-time fans expressing how his work shaped their childhoods and inspired their love for JRPGs.
Meanwhile, Square Enix continues to push forward with several major projects. The studio recently confirmed an HD-2D Remake of Dragon Quest 1 and 2 for release later this year, and Dragon Quest 12 remains in development. Excitement also continues to build around Kingdom Hearts 4, with new screenshots teasing what’s next for the franchise Kando helped bring to life.
Tatsuya Kando’s departure marks the end of an extraordinary chapter in Square Enix history. His influence will live on through the games that defined a generation, and fans now wait eagerly to see where his creative path leads next.
Where do you think his path will lead next? Let us know your favorite memories from his games in the comments below!
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