Final Fantasy
30th Anniversary
Exhibition
The Final Fantasy 30th Anniversary Exhibition -Memories of You- was held at the Mori Arts Center Gallery on the 52nd Floor of Mori Tower in Roppongi, Tokyo from January 22 to February 28, 2018 with opening hours from 10AM to 8PM.
Advanced tickets cost ¥2,300 for adults and ¥1,600 for children, or ¥3,800 for double tickets, while same day tickets cost ¥200 more. A ticket plus merchandise combo can be purchased for an extra ¥500.
The exhibition was also held at Hirataka Park Event Hall I in Osaka from October 19 to December 9, 2018. The event was dubbed "Hirataka Park Edition".
Several public promotions were seen during the event, such as an advertising truck around the streets of Tokyo, posters around train stations, and the "Victory Fanfare" playing as commuters passed the gates of Keihan Hirakata-kōen station.
The official website describes the exhibition as follows:
"MEMORIES of YOU is a large-format retrospective featuring the many companions lost and left behind in the stories of the FINAL FANTASY games. Many of the series’ thematic scenes, such as Palom and Porom's last-ditch Break spell in FINAL FANTASY IV, have been recreated with interactive and immersive installations. Visitors will experience this exhibition with our newly-introduced AR voice guidance system. This system sends visitors their location within each exhibit space to their smartphones, allowing the appropriate songs from each game's soundtrack and character voice lines to play through their headphones. This synchronicity in audiovisual feedback creates an immersive FINAL FANTASY experience for each attendee. Surrounded by the finest music and visuals of each generation, relive the most bittersweet scenes from your favourite FINAL FANTASY titles."
OPENING CEREMONY
The special pre-opening, with an opening ceremony, was held for the media prior to general public access. Yosuke Matsuda, President and CEO of Square Enix, took to the stage as the representative of the "Farewell Story Exhibition" production committee, thanking fans for their support.
"I have come to this point with the support of fans and stakeholders from all over the world. FINAL FANTASY will continue to develop and evolve. At this exhibition, I would like you to look back on the history so far and think about the future evolution."
Next to take the stage was Shinji Hashimoto, the general producer of the 30th anniversary event. He introduced the highlights of the "Farewell Story Exhibition".
"It may seem dark when you hear Farewell Story Exhibition, but after meeting friends, there is always a farewell, and after the farewell, a new encounter. In addition to the interactive theatre at the time of admission and the setting materials for the first public release, everyone will be impressed by the audio-linked exhibitions such as FINAL FANTASY XV's Phantom Wedding and FINAL FANTASY VII's "Words Left by Aerith."
The next special guest was Yoshitaka Amano, creator of the artwork and logo illustration of the FINAL FANTASY series.
Thankyou to everyone for the 30th anniversary. The first game I was ever involved in was FINAL FANTASY, and it's amazing that it has lasted 30 years. Obviously, the series isn't over and is still ongoing, so I think what people are witnessing here today is simply the middle of it."
The next guest was Hironobu Sakaguchi, the creator of FINAL FANTASY and often called the father of the series.
I am supposed to be the creator, but it is thanks to the staff that I came to be involved with the 30th anniversary. Recently, I haven't worked with Mr. Tabata (Hajime Tabata, director of FFXV) and Mr. Yoshida (Naoki Yoshida, producer and director of FFXIV), but in that sense, it has been passed down to a new generation and I share with them the spirit of creating works. Some of the old staff are still here, whilst Even though some of the old staff are no longer here, I think that the FINAL FANTASY created by their spirit has continued to shine even after 30 years. I hope the next generation of staff will continue to do the 40th, 50th, and maybe even the 100th anniversary."
A joint interview with Mr. Sakaguchi and Mr. Hashimoto followed the opening ceremony, discussing FINAL FANTASY's rise in popularity, the difficulties of transitioning to 3D graphics, creation of the exhibition and what to include, and the exhibition's overall theme of "Farewell".
ENTRANCE AREA
The exhibition is tied to a smartphone app, preloaded onto phones handed to you by staff, along with a pair of headphones. Upon start up, the app asks for some basic information about you and the games in the series you’ve played. Everything is available in English as well as Japanese. The app senses your location and feeds music (over 50 songs) and dialogue into your headphones depending on which display you are currently at. Over 150 transmitters, called beacons, were installed at the venue to send signals to the app.
Special events such as chat and autograph sessions with Square Enix staff took place on certain days, outlined in the calendar on the event's website:
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Akitoshi Kawazu, game producer, known for his work on the Saga series, the Ivalice Alliance series, and the Crystal Chronicles spinoff series.
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Takashi Tokita, head of Square Enix's development division.
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Kazuko Shibuya, pixel artist and character designer for the Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest series.
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Yoshinori Kitase, producer of Final Fantasy VII Remake.
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Naoki Hamaguchi, part Square Enix's Business Division 1 and co-director of Final Fantasy VII Remake.
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Shinji Hashimoto, Final Fantasy general brand manager.
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Toshiyuki Itahana, game director and character designer.
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Every Wednesday was the dedicated cosplay day where participants were gifted with 30th Anniversary themed wallpapers.
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Live painting sessions with the Final Fantasy XV staff.
Several pieces of artwork and posters lined the walkways leading up to the exhibition. A large mural for photo-op depicting all the series' protagonists in modern HD graphics, based on their appearance in Dissidia NT lined one wall, whilst a large timeline of the series, titled "Chronicle of Crystals" took up another wall, featuring every release related to the series. Personalised messages from the series' creators, along with their autographs, were also featured.
AIRSHIP AREA
Prior to entry, guests are informed they are boarding the airship "Enterprise" as a Warrior of Light, travelling through the interdimensional rift and entering the world of FINAL FANTASY. They are ushered into a large 3.9 x 12 m projection room and directed to stand in the corresponding area that matches the crystal colour on their phone app (blue for ice; red for fire; or purple for thunder). The crystal colours appear to be dependant on your address when inputting your details at the beginning.
Guests are treated to a 10-minute movie showcasing the airship’s journey and an unexpected battle with Bahamut. The interactive experience is completely 4D, with three large projection screens, booming surround sound, flashing lights, and high-powered fans that blow air in your face when Bahamut attacks. Throughout the battle, guests have to tap their phone to launch magic attacks against the beast. Two possible endings may occur. Once Bahamut is defeated, guests are allowed entry into the main exhibition.
RETRO TITLES AREA (FFI-FFVI)
The theme of the exhibition is "farewell," which means it focuses on key farewell moments from each game, usually in the form of gameplay and cutscene footage. The early retro Final Fantasy titles feature a monitor and a blurb of text. Key songs will play on the visitor's headphones as they approach each scene.
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Final Fantasy - the ending scene is selected as the farewell moment, looking back at the 30 years that started with the battles of the four Warriors of Light. "End Theme" is played during this scene.
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Final Fantasy II - Minwu's farewell is depicted, showing nobility and kindness to his friends until the end as he drains his own life to break the seal leading to the Ultima Tome. His parting words tie into the theme nicely. "All those who live must some day die. It is our fate." "Tower of the Magi" is played during this scene.
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Final Fantasy III - a farewell is given to Doga and Unei, who sacrificed their lives to defeat the powerful wizard, Xande. "Doga and Unei/Let Me Know the Truth" plays during this scene.
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Final Fantasy IV - several farewell moments were selected for Final Fantasy IV. The twin mages, Porom and Palom's last ditch break spell to save Cecil's party, sacrificing themselves and turning into stone, is a key farewell moment. The eternal farewell between the brothers who never met, Golbez and Cecil, during the game's final scenes, can be witnessed. "Epilogue" is one of the songs played.
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Final Fantasy V - several farewell moments were selected for Final Fantasy V. The cry of Faris' pet sea dragon, Syldra, can be heard in the farewell moment where she sacrifices herself to save the party from the sinking Walse Tower. Gilgamesh's sacrifice to save Bartz's party and defeat Necrophobe is a key farewell moment. "Clash on the Big Bridge" is played during this scene.
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Final Fantasy VI - several farewell moments were selected for Final Fantasy VI. The farewell moments on Setzer's airship, the Blackjack, as it was torn apart in a storm of magic and scattered the Returners across the world, can be viewed. Celes' attempted suicide as she jumps off the northern cliff is another key farewell moment depicted. Cyan watching his family depart on the Phantom Train is a farewell moment that can be viewed. "Celes' Theme" is one of the songs played.
3D TITLES AREA (FFVII-FFXIII)
As games in the 3D era feature more cutscenes, the images and videos projected are much larger, taking up entire walls. Life size items, such as Cloud Strife's Buster Sword from Final Fantasy VII and Gabranth's Judge Armour from Final Fantasy XII are displayed. Again, the theme of "farewell" remains the focus, with each title featuring selected "farewell" moments. Various promotional artwork and storyboards are also featured.
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Final Fantasy VII - perhaps the franchise's two most iconic farewell moments are depicted here. The shocking and unexpected farewell to Aerith as Cloud lays her body back into the Lifestream at the Forgotten City can be experienced. Zack's equally heartbreaking farewell to Cloud after his final stand, as he passes on his Buster Sword and legacy, can also be witnessed. "Aerith's Theme" and "The Price of Freedom" are some of the songs played.
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Final Fantasy VIII - Squall's loneliness upon his separation with his friends at a young age and his reunion with Rinoa is a key moment that is featured. "Liberi Fatali" is played during this scene.
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Final Fantasy IX - the black mage Vivi's parting words, who had been searching for the meaning of his existence the entirety of his short life, as he bids farewell to his friends in the game's ending monologue. "Farewell. My memories will be part of the sky." "A Place to Call Home" is one of the songs played.
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Final Fantasy X - Tidus' short lived reunion with his father, Jecht, after 10 years before saying farewell, is a key moment featured. Tidus' farewell to Yuna before he fades away can also be experienced.
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Final Fantasy XII - Vaan's farewell to his past life due to the loss of his brother, Reks, is a kew moment that is featured, and his hope of overcoming his past and moving forward to the future will move the hearts of many fans.
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Final Fantasy XIII - Lightning's farewell to her sister, Serah, and the two sisters' determined struggle to reunite with one another is a key moment that is featured.
FINAL FANTASY X: HALL OF MIRRORS
The mirrored room filled with blue light effects attempts to recreate the famous water scenes from Final Fantasy. The endless reflections of video monitors showing off the game's various cutscenes allows visitors to fully immerse in the memories of Yuna and Tidus, allowing us to relive the paths of their journey, from their initial encounter to their farewell. "To Zanarkand" plays whilst in this room, while the characters' dialogue flows from scene to scene depending where you are in the room.
Special illustrations by Tetsuya Nomura, created specifically for the exhibition, showcases Yuna and Tidus post Final Fantasy X-2. The sketches for these illustrations were first seen in the bonus content disc that was part of the Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD remaster release in 2013.
ONLINE TITLES AREA (FFXI & FFXIV)
Described as titles with stories spun out one after another due to numerous expansion releases, the online titles area is dedicated to Final Fantasy XI and Final Fantasy XIV.
The history of Final Fantasy XI and scenario for each expansion is laid out, together with a digest video introducing the title. The theme of "farewell" is tied to the many adventurers meeting up and saying goodbye throughout the title's storylines. Several pieces of artwork by Yoshitaka Amano are showcased, such as the World Map.
In the area dedicated to Final Fantasy XIV, a tombstone in the snowfields of the Central Highlands of Kursath is showcased, highlighting the farewell of Haurchefant Greystone. The words "Until then, my friend" is carved on the tombstone. His cracked shield, broken by the spear of light thrown by Ser Zephirin, is also seen. A shrine dedicated to Ysayle Dangoulain and her Shiva form is also showcased, highlighting her farewell to the Warrior of Light as she sacrifices her life.
FINAL FANTASY XV AREA
The largest area of the exhibition is dedicated to Final Fantasy XV, with several displays showcasing the development of the game such as concept artwork, character and creature designs, and a massive world map ideas board.
In a section titled "Gods: The Force that Empowers All Life", sculpts of the summons Titan and Leviathan are displayed. Creatures from the game such as a coeurl, behemoth, toad and antlers are displayed in a section titled "Life: The Creatures that Replenish the Earth." Landscape artwork is showcased in a section titled: "Earth: The Land That Inspires the Gods." Artwork and storyboards from the film Kingsglaive: Final Fantasy XV is also showcased.
A chocobo statue, donated by Universal Studios Japan as part of the Final Fantasy VR Ride's anniversary, is also showcased here.
FINAL FANTASY XV: THE PHANTOM WEDDING
One of the highlights of the event is Final Fantasy XV's "The Phantom Wedding" exhibit. In a completely new and original scenario, guests are invited to the wedding of Noctis and Lunafeya. A message board is displayed at the entrance where guests who fill in congratulatory messages to the bride and groom will receive a free Final Fantasy XV themed smartphone wallpaper. Once inside the exhibit, guests will have a new experience of the main story's final scene where Noctis and Lunafreya reunite during their wedding after the fierce final battle. The moving video portraits utilise the voice talent lineup of Mamoru Miyano (Ignis), Kenta Miyake (Gladiolus), Tetsuya Kakihara (Prompto), and Tsutomu Isobe (Regis) as they congratulate the newly wedded couple.
FINAL FANTASY VII: THE WORDS AERITH LEFT BEHIND
Released for the first time in Japan, Final Fantasy VII's special exhibit, "The Words Aerith Left Behind", will whisk guests away to where we all first met Aerith: the deserted Sector 5 Slums Church. Guests will be able to freely walk around a perfect recreation of church while listening to Aerith’s specially recorded monologue, voiced by Maaya Sakamoto. An art panel for the original game's illustrations are featured on one wall. On the other wall, artwork from the upcoming Final Fantasy VII Remake will be showcased to the public for the first time (no photographs were permitted for this display). "Flowers Blooming in the Church" is played at this exhibit.
EXIT AREA
In the exit area, words from of the creators and producers of Final Fantasy are displayed, whilst "Main Theme" plays. In addition, when guests return the audio guide, they will be gifted with a playlist of songs that they have listened to at the exhibition (up to 24 songs). A QR code is also available at the bottom of the receipt for download.
As guests leave, they can scan the QR code on their apps at special screens and the name they entered at the beginning would pop up. The audio via the headphones will say that we're all creators of the franchise, and it wouldn't be possible without us fans. The fan's name would be added to the list and appear on the screen in the credits as a thank you from Square Enix.
Also near the exit is a special artwork drawn by Yoshitaka Amano of the theme "BIG BANG -Birth-" for Final Fantasy XV, capturing the essence of the entire Final Fantasy series. A special crystal decoration made for the 30th anniversary was also displayed.
Exclusive to Hirataka Park Edition of the exhibition is the Final Fantasy Brave Exvius display photo op area dedicated to the mobile game, featuring artwork and videos. A standing cardboard figure of Rain, the game's protagonist, is displayed.
MINIATURE FINAL FANTASY
A special exhibit called Miniature Final Fantasy created by miniature photographer Tatsuya Tanaka, recreating iconic scenes from the Final Fantasy series for its 30th anniversary. The scenes will be released in an upcoming photo book side-by-side with concept art that details the process of each photo's creation.
MERCHANDISE SHOP
The merchandise shop is packed with countless merchandise such as CDs, posters, cookies, figures, calendars and more. It is so big that it’s given its own floor. It even exhibits yet to be released goods such as the upcoming Final Fantasy VII Chronograph.
THE SUN CAFE
"THE SUN" cafe adjacent to the gallery served a special limited edition FF 30th x The Sun Cafe collaboration menu featuring ten items: 5 savoury dishes, 2 desserts and 3 drinks. Items on the menu included:
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White Mage Hamburger (¥1,680) - features motifs associated with the white mage class, such as a "wooden stave" cocoa flavoured breadstick and white burger bun decorated with carrot triangles to resemble the white hooded cape with red triangles, served with chips.
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Gestahlian Empire Curry (¥1,400) - a European style curry enjoyed by the Imperial soldiers.
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Chocobo Omurice Rice (¥1,480) - made with ketchup fried rice wrapped with a thin layer of egg. Instead of drizzling ketchup over the omurice, the chocobo omelette sits on top of some tomato meat sauce. Since chocobos are usually found in the forest, the plate was decorated with lots of vegetables.
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Tsukimono Stew (¥1,400) - a stew with plenty of vegetables, pumpkin and Japanese pickles served over white rice.
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Beef Jerky Plate (¥1,380) - emergency beef jerky rations that are great for travelling, comes with a side of olives.
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30th Crystal Motif Crepe (¥1,380) - crepe with blue curacao jelly as a crystal.
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Moogle Chestnut Mont Blanc (¥1,480) - vanilla panna cotta moogle head with chocolate eyes and cherry nose, chestnut mont blanc (sweetened chestnut cream) piped on the side over sponge cake pieces and topped with fresh fruits.
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Potion 30th Ver. (¥900) - blue coloured drink in a corked bottle with a taste resembling ramune soda and comes with a glass that’s filled with ice and topped with a blue “crystal” (sugar) shard.
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Ether 30th Ver. (¥900) - green coloured drink in a corked bottle and comes with a glass that’s filled with ice and topped with a blue “crystal” (sugar) shard.
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Elixir 30th Ver. (¥1,000) - alcoholic red coloured drink in a corked bottle and comes with a glass that’s filled with ice and topped with a blue “crystal” (sugar) shard. The liquid turns purple when combined with the blue shard.
