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Tetsuya Nomura's Character Design Philosophy: Good Looks and Empathy in Final Fantasy and Kingdom Hearts

Renowned Final Fantasy and Kingdom Hearts designer Tetsuya Nomura recently revealed the surprisingly simple reason behind his consistently attractive character designs. In an interview with Young Jump magazine, 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 casual remark resonated deeply, shaping Nomura's belief that video games should offer an escape, including an escape from the mundane realities of appearance.

"From that experience, I thought, ‘I want to be good-looking in games,’ and that’s how I create my main characters," Nomura stated.

This isn't merely vanity, however. Nomura emphasizes the importance of player connection. He believes visually appealing characters foster empathy, explaining, "If you go out of your way to make them unconventional, you will end up with a character who is too distinct and hard to empathize with."

This preference for attractive protagonists doesn't preclude eccentric designs entirely. Nomura reserves his more outlandish creations for antagonists. Sephiroth from Final Fantasy VII, and the members of Organization XIII in Kingdom Hearts, serve as prime examples of Nomura's unrestrained creativity applied to villains.

"Yes, I like Organization XIII," he commented. "I don’t think the designs of Organization XIII would be that unique without their personalities. That’s because I feel that it’s only when their inner and outer appearances come together that they become that kind of character."

Reflecting on his earlier work in Final Fantasy VII, Nomura admitted a more unrestrained approach to character design. Characters like Red XIII and Cait Sith showcase a youthful exuberance for distinctive aesthetics. He noted, "At the time, I was still young… so I just decided to make all the characters distinctive...These details become part of the character’s personality, which in the end become part of the game and its story."

In essence, the next time you encounter a strikingly attractive hero in a Nomura game, remember the simple desire for in-game attractiveness that originated from a high school conversation. As Nomura might say, why be a hero if you can't look good doing it?

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 bring in new writers to foster fresh perspectives, stating, "I only have a few years left until I retire, and it’s looking like: will I retire or will I finish the series first? However, I'm making Kingdom Hearts IV with the intention of it being a story that leads to the conclusion."