FF9 Remake Unconfirmed; Prequel Novel Announced

Square Enix celebrates Final Fantasy IX's 25th anniversary with official confirmation of a prequel picture book featuring Vivi's origin story. The announcement comes packaged with exclusive anniversary merchandise while leaving remake rumors unanswered.

Final Fantasy IX Celebrates 25th Anniversary

Picture Book Available on Amazon Japan and Rakuten for 1,320 yen

Marking its July 7, 2000 debut anniversary, Final Fantasy IX expands its lore with "Vivi and Grandpa On the Day of Departure," a 44-page prequel picture book. Developed by original event designer Kazuhiko Aoki and character artist Toshiyuki Itahana, this new story explores Black Mage Vivi's early life with adoptive grandfather Quan before his Alexandria adventure.

This collaboration follows Aoki and Itahana's previous Final Fantasy picture book "Chocobo and the Airship," initially released in Japan (2021) before its global debut (2023). The new Vivi-themed book retails digitally and physically for 1,320 yen (approximately $9 USD) through Amazon Japan and Rakuten.

Alongside the literary release, Square Enix unveiled extensive anniversary merchandise including plush toys, wearable Vivi Hats, and a commemorative vinyl album featuring both classic and newly recorded tracks. While some items remain Japan-exclusive, the Square Enix online store offers international shipping, with pop-up locations opening in Osaka and Tokyo (July 25, 2025).

Limited-Edition Final Fantasy IX and Zoff Collaboration Eyewear

The anniversary celebration extends to fashion with Square Enix partnering with Japanese eyewear brand Zoff for three exclusive frame designs. Each pair comes with themed cases and cleaning wipes, available through select Japanese locations:

• Zoff Grand Tokyo Shibuya
• Zoff Ikebukuro Sunshine City Alpa
• Zoff Yaechika
• Zoff Fukuoka Parco
• Zoff Grand Front Osaka

The physical fitting period runs July 7-August 3, with online reservations launching early July. Participating stores will also offer capsule toy machines dispensing collectible glasses wipes, with additional details forthcoming via Zoff's official channels.

While anniversary merchandise continues rolling out, Square Enix maintains silence regarding potential remakes or remasters. The company appears focused on commemorative products rather than game enhancements, though the vinyl's re-recorded tracks keep some fans hopeful for future announcements.