Tetsuya Nomura's Character Design Philosophy: A Simple Reason for Striking Looks

Tetsuya Nomura, the celebrated designer behind Final Fantasy and Kingdom Hearts characters, recently revealed the surprisingly simple reason behind his consistently attractive protagonist designs. In an interview with Young Jump magazine, translated by AUTOMATON, Nomura traced his aesthetic choices back to a high school classmate's insightful question: "Why do I have to be ugly in the game world too?"

This seemingly casual remark profoundly impacted Nomura, leading him to prioritize appealing character designs. He explained, "From that experience, I thought, ‘I want to be good-looking in games,’ and that’s how I create my main characters." This isn't mere vanity; Nomura believes visually appealing characters foster player connection and empathy. Unconventional designs, he argues, can create distance and hinder that crucial connection.

Nomura's approach isn't about avoiding unique designs entirely. Instead, he reserves his most eccentric creations for antagonists. The striking visuals of Sephiroth (Final Fantasy VII) and Organization XIII (Kingdom Hearts) exemplify this, showcasing how bold aesthetics complement complex personalities. He stated, "I don’t think the designs of Organization XIII would be that unique without their personalities."

Reflecting on his earlier work in Final Fantasy VII, Nomura admitted to a more unrestrained approach. Characters like Red XIII and Cait Sith highlight a youthful exuberance for distinctive designs. However, even this early experimentation demonstrates his attention to detail, emphasizing how design choices contribute to character personality and narrative.

In essence, Nomura's visually stunning heroes are a testament to a desire for players to feel good while engaging with his games. His design philosophy, born from a simple yet profound observation, underscores the importance of player connection and empathy in character creation.

Nomura's Potential Retirement and the Future of Kingdom Hearts

The Young Jump interview also touched upon Nomura's potential retirement in the coming years, coinciding with the anticipated conclusion of the Kingdom Hearts series. He revealed his intention to conclude the series with Kingdom Hearts IV, while also incorporating new writers to bring fresh perspectives. The future of Kingdom Hearts, therefore, appears to be a collaborative effort, paving the way for a fitting finale.