Square Enix has officially revealed plans for a special exhibition in Tokyo to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Final Fantasy IX. Scheduled to run from November 22 to December 7, 2025, the event will pay tribute to one of the most beloved entries in the long-running franchise.
The announcement arrives at a time when speculation about a potential Final Fantasy IX remake is stronger than ever. While Square Enix has not confirmed such a project, recent developments have fueled hopes that the company may be preparing something significant for the classic role-playing game. From new commemorative artwork to updated character designs, the signals have been difficult for fans to ignore.
Recent promotions have included a new CGI render of protagonist Zidane, featured prominently on the cover of Famitsu Weekly, and a Play Arts Shin figure showcasing an updated design for the character. Square Enix has also unveiled anniversary artwork highlighting Zidane and Vivi alongside the tagline, “Once more, to the place of memories,” which many interpret as a subtle nod toward future plans. Famitsu has dedicated an extensive feature to the milestone, including interviews with character designer Toshiyuki Itahana and composer Nobuo Uematsu.
The publisher has also confirmed that the Final Fantasy IX Picture Book, originally released only in Japan, will be localized for Western audiences in May 2026. This illustrated work focuses on Vivi and his grandfather, offering a more whimsical perspective on the game’s world. Additionally, new anniversary character art from Itahana has been released, presenting the main cast with modernized but faithful designs that further encourage speculation of an eventual remake.
Rumors of a remake have persisted for years, with journalist Jeff Grubb previously stating that the project was in development and would retain the turn-based combat system, potentially resembling the scale of Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII Reunion rather than the full scope of Final Fantasy VII Remake. However, insider reports have recently suggested that development may be facing challenges, leaving the project’s status uncertain.
For now, Square Enix has positioned the anniversary celebration as a tribute to the game’s enduring legacy. Whether or not it leads to the reveal of a remake remains to be seen, but the steady flow of new content has reignited enthusiasm among both longtime players and newer audiences. Fans will have to wait and see if the Tokyo exhibition delivers more than nostalgia when it opens later this year.
