This past week has easily been among the busiest periods of the Kingdom Hearts franchise. Between the 20th Anniversary Event releasing a lengthy 7-minute trailer, to the waves of information that came out afterward, fans have had an immense amount of news to parse; perhaps overwhelmingly so.
This article aims to compile all of the news we have received and will receive, with various hyperlinks to merchandise and more detailed avenues of coverage. Essentially, this article can be seen as a convenient hub for all of the 20th Anniversary information. I'll also be providing light speculations and breakdowns (though not quite Bio-Roxas level.)
Kingdom Hearts Dark Road
Kingdom Hearts Dark Road has been delayed yet again, this time to August 2022. This is the most detailed release window we've received since the previous September 2022 window, so hopefully that's indicative of the title being finalized at that time. The new trailer showcased a slew of new story scenes, primarily highlighting Xehanort's upperclassmen. We do not know any of their names, but there is one character who looks strikingly similar to Baldr, likely implying that she's the sister he has been searching for.
Additionally, Odin's actions and words are somewhat suspicous. He tells one of the new characters to prioritize studying the darkness, and perhaps more damning, is him approaching Young Xehanort and Young Eraqus with what appears to be a cognizant Darkness entity behind him. These beings made themselves known near the end of Kingdom Hearts Union χ's finale and are pivotal to the overarching narrative going forward, so seeing at least 1 present here is already cause for concern.
A common theory going around is that Odin is potentially Luxu, which is definitley probable. Master Xehanort is shown at the trailer's start in the Dwarf Woodlands, specifically in the Queen's chamber where the Magic Mirror resides. One has to wonder how long this experience will be if we'll be viewing the life of Xehanort in both his youthful and elderly days.
Those aforementioned points are the entirety of the Dark Road updates we received. The title's full offline release state will have no microtransactions, though its state of playability is still up in the air. Regardless, we'll assuredly learn more as we approach August.
Check out the Anniversary trailer's portion on Kingdom Hearts Dark Road. Moreover, new screenshots of this upcoming final Dark Road update were provided, viewable via our gallery below:
Kingdom Hearts Missing - Link
Kingdom Hearts Missing - Link is the new upcoming mobile entry, taking place between the finale of Kingdom Hearts Union χ and the start of Dark Road. It utilizes Pokémon Go-esque systems with AR technology, but the specifics of how combat will work have not been specified yet. At the very least, it can be highly assumed that gacha elements will be returning in the form of amiibo-looking statues that will replace the medals seen in Union χ.
General information about this game's systems were provided by Nomura at the 20th Anniversary event Q&A, and those points are viewable below (via our team's Ryuji) :
Smartphone game, to be released for Android and iOS
Promises to have action elements to be as faithful as possible to the main series
Max of 6 players can play together.
Screen orientation can be switched between portrait or landscape.
The story, chronologically speaking, is between Union χ's finale and before Dark Road's start.
"All of the mysteries we've had so far will be explained."
Keywords: Scala Ad Caleum, Founding Father Ephemer, Keyblade Wielders of a Secret Society
Closed Beta Test is scheduled for Fall of this year (Details on how to enter are still unknown, however)
Two systems: A story mode where you progress through quests, and a mode where you walk around (Comparable to Pokémon Go, but with ways to play it even without having to walk around in real life)
In this walking mode, you'll collect pieces and strengthen your Keyblades.
As a minor note, the custom player character seems to be receiving orders from an earpiece in the trailer, possibly implying that they are part of the same organization that Sigurd reveals himself to be a part of in the Union χ finale. He also contacts other individuals via an earpiece when first meeting Brain.
The following statement was provided via a press release:
Those aforementioned points are all we currently know about Missing - Link, but considering how there's a planned Closed Beta Test this Fall, more news will undoubtedly arise soon. The game's Japanese website recently launched.
Check out Missing - Link's specific 20th Anniversary trailer portion. Additionally, official screenshots and the logo were provided, viewable via our gallery below:
Kingdom Hearts IV
Kingdom Hearts IV was officially announced in the Anniversary trailer's final portion. After brief panning shots of a city-like landscape and a forest, the camera revealed Sora sleeping in an apartment. He looks dramatically different due to his presence in this new reality. Then, after being awoken by a doorbell and seeing the visitor to be Strelitzia from Kingdom Hearts Union χ, she reveals that Sora has been asleep since he arrived in this city 1 week ago; here in Quadratum.
This world, as stated by Strelitzia, can be perceived as an "afterworld" for both her and Sora, following their passings in their previous lives. Still, Sora committed a nature taboo, while Strelitzia's circumstances are more questionable when the final scenes of Union χ are taken into account. So, the ways in which denizens of the Kingdom Hearts reality enter Quadratum may differ rather than solely committing nature taboos.
A gargantuan monster appears in the city's center, awfully akin to a Darkside except far more terrifying in visage. After some scripted combat sequences where Sora's keychain is highlighted to have a grappling hook, two black-robed figures are shown observing the batttle on top of a nearby building. The general consensus is that the right figure is the Master of Masters, though the one on the left is more up in the air. The most frequent predictions identify the left figure as Luxu/Xigbar, or perhaps Luxord.
There are also theories going around about Star Wars being potentially incldued, which we discussed in a separate article, but aside from that, we'll have to look forward to more information. The game's Japanese website recently launched.
Check out the Anniversary trailer's specific portion announcing Kingdom Hearts IV, and official screenshots and the logo are viewable via our gallery below:
Tetsuya Nomura's 20-Head Anniversary Message Cipher
At the Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary event venue, there was a displayed message by Tetsuya Nomura, which we translated. However, there was a secret hidden within the message that several fans figured out. Essentially, the cipher read that "The voice's identity is Sigurd. Pay close attention." Sigurd, a character introduced in the finale of Kingdom Hearts Union χ, is the narrator of the Kingdom Hearts Missing - Link and Kingdom Hearts IV trailers.
The methodology of how this secret was uncovered can be viewed via our Twitter thread below:
Tetsuya Nomura Interview with Famitsu
Famitsu conducted an interview with series director Tetsuya Nomura about Kingdom Hearts IV, Kingdom Hearts Missing - Link, and Kingdom Hearts Dark Road.
The entire interview has been translated by our team's Ryuji and is viewable below. Further, a franchise canon timeline was included in this Weekly Famitsu issue and has been translated by our team's Corfidbizna, also below:
Tetsuya Nomura Interview with Game Informer
Game Informer recently interviewed Tetsuya Nomura regarding Kingdom Hearts IV, the series' future, and other related aspects.
Firstly, Nomura states how some of his favorite fan reactions are to the original Kingdom Hearts' ending, primarily due to how players at the time weren't sure if the story would continue beyond the first entry. The Luxu reveal reactions in Kingdom Hearts III are another of his collective favorites simply because of its severe implications.
Regarding Kingdom Hearts IV, Nomura states that the story is focused more on Sora's disappearance and that there's uncertainty about whether the team will be able to include more of the original cast, notably the Birth by Sleep and Days crews. Still, he desires to explore them more at later points.
Interestingly, Nomura states how he was the one being picky about Sora's recent inclusion into Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, not Disney. The latter party was actually quite eager, while Nomura thought it would clash with the "established lore in Kingdom Hearts and the Disney worlds." The end result ended up being qualitative, though.
Moving on to antagonists, Nomura says he's quite happy with their handling of Xehanort's character, citing it as a slow burn that tackled each facet of his character with genuine depth. So now, the Foretellers will be the following antagonists, and Back Cover has already shown the types of characters they are. Moreover, "there will be more new characters as well," though specifics have not been mentioned yet.
Sora is reiterated as the only possible main character for the franchise, to the extent that the numbered entries would conclude if he were to stop being the protagonist. Moreover, there will be a "few Disney worlds," so fans won't have to worry about them potentially being absent, even if their inclusion has "slightly" differed from previous entries.
Reaction Commands' return was reiterated due to fan demand after their removal in Kingdom Hearts III. They were initially taken out because Nomura didn't find the mechanic's debut reception in Kingdom Hearts II particularly positive.
Quadratum is reiterated as the game's initial base, with players returning there as the narrative progresses. Sora's daily life will be approached more, such as seeing him go in and out of his room. Realism is a challenging factor the team has been pursuing to see just how far they can take it.
Final Fantasy characters' lacking presence was discussed next, with Nomura stating that their inclusion is not at the core of Kingdom Hearts' identity. Their presence in the first game was a collective device for players to get to know the at-the-time limited original cast. Now, it's difficult to continually include Final Fantasy characters because of how vast the original cast is. There is no word on how Final Fantasy balance incorporation will work in Kingdom Hearts IV.
Finally, Kingdom Hearts Missing-Link is brought up as an entry fans should look forward to, as it sheds light on several mysteries throughout the series. It will even have hints and new information pertaining to Kingdom Hearts IV.
UPDATE: Notable quotes from Nomura; "As far as the graphic qualities ... since with each new title, the specs have been really increasing and there's so much more we can do in terms of graphics, it kind of limits the number of worlds that we can create in a sense."
"Also, some figures that appear in Missing-Link are tied to Kingdom Hearts IV."
You can read the full interview via Game Informer's website.
Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary Event Proper
Square Enix has stated that they intend on releasing a recording of the stage event, but if you want peeks at how the venue itself looked like, check out our dedicated event coverage where several attendees shared photos of the location.
Moreover, various photos of the venue and stage event have been provided by 4Gamer and Game Watch, also viewable via our gallery below:
Dengeki shared exclusive photos from their event coverage, viewable via our gallery below:
During the stage event, a mini-concert was held, where five songs were selected from the series' many masterpieces, and were performed live in an arrangement for the 20th anniversary event (via Famitsu) :
Dearly Beloved
Sora's Theme
Vector to the Heavens
Nachtflügel
Link to All
After the performance, Risa Uchida, the Japanese voice actress of Kairi and Xion started hosting the event as the MC, and Yoko Shimomura, composer of the Kingdom Hearts series, took the stage. Regarding the live performance, Shimomura said that since this was a commemorative event for the 20th anniversary of the series, she personally took on the challenge of arranging chamber music (jargon for a small ensemble of musicians) for the first time.
"For the songs chosen, I made sure that they were not only popular songs, but also that there was no bias toward any particular work." she stated. One of the main reasons "Nachtflügel" was chosen was that because it was a newer song that had never been performed live.
Looking back on 20 years of Kingdom Hearts, Yoko said she had many memories of her times with songwriting and concerts. "There are many ideas that I still have in my mind, and I hope to have another concert sometime in the future." she stated.
Further, Yoko Shimomura provided a new comment regarding these recent announcements, viewable below with a translation:
Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary Merchandise
A vast variety of celebratory anniversary merchandise was announced, which we intricately covered. Links to our coverage of all of the merchandise announced following the event's conclusion are listed below. Store pages and officially provided images can be accessed via these avenues.
SuperGroups announced 45 incoming Kingdom Hearts-themed accessories
Sora, Kairi, and Riku Play Arts Kai figures
Kingdom Hearts II Naminé & Roxas Plushes
Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary T-shirts & Hoodie
Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary Plate Collection Blind Boxes
Kingdom Hearts Light-up Keyblade
Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary glass sets, tea cups & bowl
Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary jewelry and watches
Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary bath towel & face towel
Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary Die-Cut Memo Pad Set
Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary Metal Keychain & Pin Badge
Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary Postcard Set
Kingdom Hearts Art Can Badges
Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary Pin Badge Set
Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary Amnibus Hoodies
Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary Tetsuya Nomura Postcard Sets
Kingdom Hearts Mini Glass Set
Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary Soba Set
Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary Chopsticks & Chopstick Rest
Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary Bean Plate Set
Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary Pin Boxes Vol. 1 & 2
Kingdom Hearts II King Mickey 20th Anniversary Plush
Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary Animate Fair
Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary Walkman & Earbuds
Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary Samantha Thavasa Luxury Fashion Merchandise
Japan 7-Elevens Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary Postcards
Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary Folding Umbrella
Ichiban Kuji lottery prize images revealed
The following merchandise was announced prior to the event, but they still celebrate 20th Anniversary:
Sony Japan announces Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary walkman
Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary Tamagotchi
Kingdom Hearts Organization XIII Necklaces
Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary glasses, cases & cloths
Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary Event Q&A
A Q&A session was held during the Anniversary event, with our translations of specific questions and responses being viewable below:
Q1. Does the finale of Dark Road imply that the Player's heart is now inside Xehanort's?
A1: Play Dark Road and you will find out.
Q2. This is the first time in KH that there is a story branch (the Yozora battle). What is the meaning behind this?
A2: Since Yozora is so strong, I thought it would be better to put something in the game "if he loses".
Q3. Was Ephemer aware of the player's true intentions in Union Cross' finale?
A3: It was a pretty sad farewell, but there's more to Ephemer than meets the eye. A "Missing Link", if you will. All of the questions will be answered once you play Missing Link.
Q4: When did Naminé and Ansem first meet?
A4: In Castle Oblivion.
Q5: Riku's hair was cut in Kingdom Hearts Dream Drop Distance. Who cut it for him?
A5: Well, you all wanted his hair to be cut, so I answered your prayers...
Q6: Please tell us about the return of Roxas and Xion.
A6: There were some doubts on whether to bring them back or not, but everyone had such strong feelings for them, so we decided to bring them back.
Audrey of Aitai Kuji has provided translations for information we did not personally cover, viewable below. This information is sourced from the coverage of Japanese publication, Gamer.
Other Notable Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary News
A Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary cafe was held in select locations throughout Japan. We provided translations for the menus. Merchandise was also on sale in the cafes', though they have also been made available for pre-order via digital storefronts which we listed 2 sections prior.
Additionally, official images of the cafes' dishes can be viewed via our gallery below:
The official Final Fantasy VII Remake Twitter account shared celebratory artwork for Kingdom Hearts' 20th Anniversary, viewable via our gallery below:
While not specifically tied to the Anniversary event, Sora's English voice actor, Haley Joel Osment, was interviewed by Deadline in which he reflected on his time voicing the iconic protagonist.
Utada Hikaru also sang "Simple and Clean" and "Face My Fears" at Coachella 2022.
Further, these three following points are not tied to the Anniversary event, but they're remarkably coincidental.
One of Mickey's Keyblades, Kingdom Key D, received a cameo in a recent Mickey Mouse short on Disney+.
Sora's Dive to the Heart and Destiny Islands received highly detailed cameos in The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder
The Kingdom Key appeared in the official trailer for Chip N' Dale: Rescue Rangers.
Sora's hair appeared in Chip 'n Dale: Rescue Rangers
Sora was mentioned in a Taco Bell Mexican Pizza Rap Advertisement (Our Interview with the Rapper)
Tetsuya Nomura shared a gorgeous Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary illustration. Further, the official Kingdom Hearts media accounts have shared this new artwork in clean, high-quality, viewable via our gallery below:
The opening theme for Kingdom Hearts III, "Face My Fears," has been added to Netflix via "Hikaru Utada Live Sessions from Air Studios." Additionally, the Japanese version of the song has been added to several audio services!
Former Kingdom Hearts series Producer, Shinji Hashimoto, has retired from Square Enix, and has now become a Senior Advisor at Sony Music Entertainment & Board Member at Forward Works.
Kingdom Hearts series Brand Manager, Ichiro Hazama provided the following statement regarding the announcements of Kingdom Hearts Missing - Link and Kingdom Hearts IV, viewable below:
Walt Disney Games Director, Nana Gadd, provided the following statement regarding the collective anniversary event, viewable below:
Lastly, the Kingdom Hearts Memory Locker website launched, containing 15 quotes from several crucial members of the series staff. Unfortunately, the website's messages went offline following the Anniversary event's conclusion. They will be made viewable again at an unspecified date.
However, we have provided translations for each Memory Locker message, accessible via our dedicated coverage.
Did we miss anything from the Kingdom Hearts Anniversary event? Inform us!
What were your favorite parts of the Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary celebration, be it merchandise, game announcements, or more? Let us know in the comments below!
Personally, I can't wait to see what the future of Kingdom Hearts has in store, and I'm sure the rest of the KH13 staff agrees. We have some incredible content to look forward to, so let's wait for the future and hype responsibly!
Square Enix has released the English and Japanese versions of the Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary website, containing officially translated comments from several notable members of the series' staff. We translated the Japanese versions of these comments back when the Anniversary Event initially occurred.
The website also contains the recently released Annviersary Event recap video, alongside photos of the venue.
You can view our gallery housing all of the officially released venue images below:
Further, each officially translated Memory Locker message is viewable below:
Square Enix has finally published the Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary Event Recap video, chronicling the live reactions that took place regarding the Kingdom Hearts IV reveal and more.
Additionally, the remainder of Kingdom Hearts Dark Road was confirmed to be releasing on August 26th, 2022, with a new tweet from the official Japan PR account sharing new screenshots depicting Master Xehanort and Vanitas, most likely during the Birth by Sleep era.
Further, the end of the Anniversary Event recap video depicts a new scene with baby Xehanort and the mysterious blue-hooded figure on Destiny Islands that was previously shown to be watching over the future antagonist during the conclusion of Kingdom Hearts Union χ [Cross].
You can view the Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary Event recap video below:
An English version of the video is viewable below:
Lastly, a voice actor panel video was uploaded, viewable below. Unfortunately, no English subtitles are available:
Earlier this year, Kingdom Hearts music was confirmed to be played during the BBC Proms on August 1st, 2022, alongside several other video game franchise songs, such as from Final Fantasy VIII and The Legend of Zelda.
Recently, the audio performances have been made publically listenable online, and the Kingdom Hearts tracks have been given their own section. At 49:35, an orchestral rendition of the iconic "Hikari" can be listened to.
What are your thoughts on this excellent Kingdom Hearts tribute and the other video game-dedicated performances that took place?
Sony Japan has announced that the Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary Wearable Headphone Speakers Model: SRS-WS1/KH20 are available for pre-order via their digital storefront. Costing ¥30,500, with an estimated shipment date of August 18th, 2022, various warranty types are selectable.
One can choose between two different warranty services: Basic and Wide. Basic solely protects the device from manufacturing failures, but the Wide warranty also safeguards the Headphone Speakers in situations involving physical harm, water damage, electrical discharges, and more.
By default, the Basic 3-year warranty is choosable at no added cost. However, the 5-year Basic warranty costs ¥2,200. Alternatively, for a Wide-warranty of 3 years, an additional ¥2,200 to your price is needed. Lastly, for 5 years of Wide-warranty, an additional ¥3,300 is required.
It is also worth noting that this item is only purchasable for a limited time, with its availability concluding on October 3rd, 2022, at 10:00 JST.
If you're interested and able to do so, you can pre-order the Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary Wearable Headphone Speakers Model: SRS-WS1/KH20 via Sony Japan.
You can view images of this upcoming product via our gallery below:
Sony Japan previously revealed celebratory Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary Walkman and Airbuds.
Pat Carroll, the English voice actress for Ursula in the Kingdom Hearts series has passed away on July 30th, 2022 at her home in Cape Cod, Massachusetts from pneumonia. She was 95 years old at the time of passing.
Patricia 'Pat' Ann Carroll was born in Shreveport, Louisana on May 5th, 1927. Her first acting performance was in the 1948 movie Hometown Girl. In 1989, she began voicing the sea witch Ursula for Disney's The Little Mermaid, which she voiced up until her passing from television series (The Little Mermaid TV series, Disney's House of Mouse, and the Kingdom Hearts series to name a few).
Rest in peace Pat and thank you for voicing one of Dinsey greatest villians and one of the strongest villains in the Kingdom Hearts series.
Shop Disney Japan has updated its schedule for upcoming merchandise in August 2022. Of the scheduled information, Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary nuiMOs and Tsum Tsum will be on the way. Still, this news is always subject to change. Thanks to Twitter user @t_bisco for sharing this development.
We'll keep you all informed of any future occurrences regarding this matter.
The Kingdom Hearts franchise has a rather extensive history with Tsum Tsum, with our coverage of those instances listed below:
Sora & Riku Join LINE Mobile Disney Tsum Tsum Game 2017
Halloween Town Sora, Donald & Goofy Join LINE Disney Tsum Tsum Game 2017
Sora, Riku, Kairi, Mickey, Donald, Goofy, Shadow, Soldier Tsum Tsums Plushes 2018
Sora, Riku Kairi, and Aqua Join LINE Disney Tsum Tsum Game 2019
Terra, Chirithy & Ventus Join LINE Disney Tsum Tsum Game 2019
Young Xehanort & Pirate Sora Join LINE Disney Tsum Tsum Game 2020
Kairi, Sora, Riku, Mickey, Young Xehanort, Lea, Roxas & Aqua Tsum Tsum Plushes 2020
SuperGroupies have posted some behind-the-scenes shots for their newly-launched Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary collection on their blog. In a series of 2 blogs, they detailed how they created the Keyblades for Ventus, Terra, and Aqua, Roxas, and Sora using 3D printing as well as the photoshoot for Sora, Roxas, and Ventus.
You can watch the Behind-the-Scenes video on the Super Groupies' Youtube channel or by watching it below.
You can check out the blogs by clicking here and here. Our gallery has been updated with photos from both blogs.
The 20th Anniversary collection is available for pre-order from Aitai Kuji! You can check out the full lineup here.
Today, retailer Super Groupies announced their collaborative Kingdom Hearts apparel lineup for the franchise's 20th anniversary. Each member of the Destiny, Days, and Wayfinder trios has their own products with their themed items, release windows, and respective pricing listed below:
Watches ¥25,300 (January 2023 shipments)
Bags ¥19,800 (December 2022 shipments)
Wallets ¥14,300 (December 2022 shipments)
Umbrella ¥8,250 (End of February 2023 shipments)
Jackets (Sora, Riku, Kairi, Xion, Ventus, Aqua, and Terra) ¥18,700 (Roxas) ¥19,800 & (Axel) ¥22,000 (January, 2023 shipments)
Additionally the available sizes for each jacket are listed below:
Sora, Riku, Kairi, Roxas, Axel, Xion: Small, Medium, Large, or X-Large
Ventus, Aqua, Terra: Ladies Medium, Large, or Mens Medium & Large
You can view our galleries as well as each character's themed apparel below, which will be updated as more official images are provided:
SORA
RIKU
KAIRI
ROXAS
AXEL
XION
VENTUS
AQUA
TERRA
New Tetsuya Nomura artwork depicting Sora, Roxas, and Ventus was also teased, viewable via our gallery below. Each purchase from the Super Groupies and Aitai Kuji retailers will gift customers with a postcard of this collective illustration:
Every product's Super Groupies Japan store link is listed below and organized by character:
Sora:
Watch
Backpack
Wallet
Umbrella
Jacket
Riku:
Watch
Backpack
Wallet
Umbrella
Jacket
Kairi:
Watch
Backpack
Wallet
Umbrella
Jacket
Roxas:
Watch
Backpack
Wallet
Umbrella
Jacket
Axel:
Watch
Backpack
Wallet
Umbrella
Jacket
Xion:
Watch
Backpack
Wallet
Umbrella
Jacket
Ventus:
Watch
Backpack
Wallet
Umbrella
Jacket
Aqua:
Watch
Backpack
Wallet
Umbrella
Jacket
Terra:
Watch
Backpack
Wallet
Umbrella
Jacket
Every product's Super Groupies United States store link is listed below and organized by character. Additionally, new information specific to this store's pricing and shipments were provided, also viewable below:
Pre-order Period:
Available from July 25 until Aug. 14 at 8:00 PM, 2022 (Pacific Time)
Release Month:
Watches in Late February 2023
Backpacks and Wallets in Early February 2023
Umbrellas in Early April 2023
Jackets and Coats in Late February 2023
Prices:
Each watch available for $230 before tax
Each backpack available for $180 before tax
Each wallet available for $130 before tax
Each umbrella available for $75 before tax
Each jacket and Xion Model Coat available for $170 before tax
Roxas Model Reversible Jacket available for $180 before tax
Axel Model Coat available for $200 before tax
Sora:
Watch
Backpack
Wallet
Umbrella
Jacket
Riku:
Watch
Backpack
Wallet
Umbrella
Jacket
Kairi:
Watch
Backpack
Wallet
Umbrella
Jacket
Roxas:
Watch
Backpack
Wallet
Umbrella
Jacket
Axel:
Watch
Backpack
Wallet
Umbrella
Jacket
Xion:
Watch
Backpack
Wallet
Umbrella
Jacket
Ventus:
Watch
Backpack
Wallet
Umbrella
Jacket
Aqua:
Watch
Backpack
Wallet
Umbrella
Jacket
Terra:
Watch
Backpack
Wallet
Umbrella
Jacket
Every product's Aitai Kuji store link is listed below and organized by character. The prices and shipment windows here mimic the Super Groupies Japan store:
Sora:
Watch
Backpack
Wallet
Umbrella
Jacket
Riku:
Watch
Backpack
Wallet
Umbrella
Jacket
Kairi:
Watch
Backpack
Wallet
Umbrella
Jacket
Roxas:
Watch
Backpack
Wallet
Umbrella
Jacket
Axel:
Watch
Backpack
Wallet
Umbrella
Jacket
Xion:
Watch
Backpack
Wallet
Umbrella
Jacket
Ventus:
Watch
Backpack
Wallet
Umbrella
Jacket
Aqua:
Watch
Backpack
Wallet
Umbrella
Jacket
Terra:
Watch
Backpack
Wallet
Umbrella
Jacket
Ben Hanson of MinnMax recently conducted a lengthy interview with Pixar's Creative Director of Theme Parks, Tasha Sounart, about a vast variety of topics. One of these detailed discussions regarded the development of the Toy Box world in Kingdom Hearts III.
Sounart first talked about how the D23 fan reactions to the Toy Box world were immensely positive, fueling her with a genuine sense of accomplishment and relief considering the stigma of negativity that gaming communities are generally perceived to have.
As for how this Pixar collaboration for Kingdom Hearts III even came about, Sounart was an integral voice in making it happen. She talked to the Pixar executives hesitant about the idea, forever altering the initially shaky prospect of Toy Story's utilization. Other topics she speaks about are cultural differences with Square Enix's team and the difficulties finalizing the Toy Box casts' animations with English voice work to make it all feel natural.
Lastly, she reveals her dream ideas of how Kingdom Hearts implementation would work in Disneyland.
You can listen to the full Tasha Sounart interview below, with helpful timestamps specifically labeling the Kingdom Hearts segments:
Additionally, Tasha Sounart has previously shared several comments about Pixar's involvement in Kingdom Hearts III over the years. Our prior articles containing those instances are listed below:
Toy Box World Reveal
Remy Cooking Minigame
Several comments pertaining to Disney incorporation
Tasha Sounart informing Pixar Animation Studios Story Supervisor about Kingdom Hearts
Super Groupies has announced that as part of the Kingdom Hearts series' 20th Anniversary celebrations, they will be hosting a Pop-Up Store from July 29th through August 2nd, 2022, on the third floor of Seibu Ikebukuro. Participants can look forward to 45 items depicting Sora and his close allies.
Additionally, if an individual purchases a special, currently unspecified item at this venue, they will receive a large-sized Sora, Roxas, and Ventus postcard. However, there will also be two versions of this product available.
One is drawn by Tetsuya Nomura and will be offered by all vendors in the venue, while the second is a "live-action" version (likely just implying real people cosplaying Sora, Roxas, and Ventus) that will be exclusively offered by the online Sogo & Seibu storefront for a limited-time. Unfortunately, no images of these postcards have been shared yet.
Moreover, the image of Kairi's Melody of Memory throne shown via our gallery above will be a spot for fans to be photographed.
Lastly, prominent Kingdom Hearts community member Audrey of Aitaikimochi has announced that she has been invited to the Pop-Up-Store press release event and will provide coverage of the products displayed there.
We'll be sure to keep you all updated regarding this event's artistic reveals and product arrivals as it occurs next week.
UPDATE 7/29/2022: Following Super Groupies revealing their extensive collaborative lineup of Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary apparel, the company shared official images from where the press event occurred. Audrey of Aitai Kuji also attended the event and shared her own photos.
If you're interested in the Super Groupies lineup of new Kingdom Hearts merchandise, check out our dedicated coverage elucidating pricing, shipment times, and countless product images. Additionally, Aitai Kuji has each new Super Groupies collab item available for pre-order via their digital storefront.
Moreover, Super Groupies posed a behind-the-scenes featurette for those especially intrigued about the photo-shooting process.
Lastly, the gallery below (also pasted above) contains each of these newly added images:
Square Enix has revealed that the ever-elusive Kingdom Hearts III Alba & Ater Chess Set has been delayed across all regional storefronts.
Each delayed date is listed below:
Square Enix JP Store - August 27th, 2022 (Initially April 30th, 2022)
Square Enix EU Store - November 18th, 2022 (InitiallyJuily 29th, 2022)
Square Enix NA Store - October 2022 Release Window (Initially July 2022)
We'll be sure to keep you all contintually updated regarding the shipment status of this Chess Set.
View our announcement coverage.
You can view images of this upcoming product via our gallery below:
Thanks to prominent Kingdom Hearts community member Churro for sharing this significant information.
Square Enix has listed new Kingdom Hearts-themed room fragrance mists available for pre-order via their Japanese digital storefront. Based on Roxas, Xion, and Axel, each of these scents is distinct while also altering depending on how much time has passed.
You'll notice that each mist has three notes attached to them. Their meanings are as follows:
Top Note: These are the scents you'll smell during the first 15 to 20 minutes after the fragrance is applied.
Middle Note: These are the scents you'll smell from 20 minutes to 2 hours after the fragrance is applied.
Last Note: These are the scents you'll smell after more than 2 hours have passed since the initial application. Depending on the provided quality, these last note scents can potentially last as long as half a day.
Descriptions for the Roxas, Xion and Axel room fragrance mists are provided below alongside images viewable via our galleries:
Roxas
Top Note: Orange, Grapefruit, Lemon, Bergamot, Petitgrain
Middle Note: Clover, Jasmine, Lily of the Valley, Sea Salt
Last Note: Musk, Amber, Balsam, Vetiver, Patchouli
Axel
Top Note: Lemon, Apple, Bamboo
Middle Note: Jasmine, Peach, White Rose, Sea Salt
Last Note: Musk, Amber, Cedarwood
Xion
Top Note: Grapefruit, Bergamot, Lemon
Middle Note: Tea Fragrance, Rose, Jasmine, Orris Root
Last Note: Sea Salt, Labdanum, Musk, Tonka Bean, Cedarwood
Thanks to our team's Ryuji for translating certain terms.
Each fragrance mist of the Days trio is ¥5,940, and shipments are expected to occur on October 8th, 2022.
Lastly, store links for the Roxas, Xion and Axel fragrance mists are accessible below:
Roxas
Xion
Axel
NOTE: These items cannot be shipped overseas due to them being marked as flammable.
Room fragrance mists themed around Sora, Kairi, and Riku were revealed earlier this year.
Final Fantasy VII Remake has received many unique mods, comprising cosmetic alterations to gameplay changes. Recently, one standout mod that can be seen as a fusion of both umbrella avenues is by user ColossalCake, depicting protagonist Cloud Strife with the iconic Kingdom Key.
This weapon was actually made from scratch to fit Final Fantasy VII Remake's world better, as its size should reflect. In fact, the sheer difference in size between this recreation and the Kingdom Key in Kingdom Hearts proper has to do with it mimicking the hitboxes of Cloud's weapons in-game. However, the sound effects emitted from the Kingdom Key here are cleverly taken from Kingdom Hearts III.
Regarding gameplay incorporations, the Kingdom Key houses four unique Materia slots, which, for those unaware, are essentially ways to customize weapon builds. Additionally, it can replace either the Buster Sword or Mythril Blade weapons for Cloud.
Lastly of note is that aside from ColossalCake performing the mod's texture and modeling work, the following individuals also provided noteworthy contributions of their own:
matyalatte for their FF7R-mesh-importer, FF7R-DDS-tools, and Blender-Uasset-Add-on tool.
Yoraiz0r for their AudioMog tool.
spiritovod for their Umodel tool.
FluffyQuack for their unrealpak tool.
If you'd like to download this impressive mod and/or view additional screenshots, check out its dedicated Nexus Mods page.
Square Enix has announced that they are collaborating with Japanese 7-Elevens to sell exclusive Kingdom Hearts-related merchandise. Fans will be available to purchase these items physically from stores on July 15th, 2022, while digital pre-orders can be made now for pick-ups later.
Each item is described below, alongside provided store links and galleries.
The newly unveiled merchandise partially comprises 20th Anniversary eco-friendly bags by shop LOVELESS for ¥2,819, containing pouches depicting either Chain of Memories Dive to the Heart Sora or Sora and Mickey from Dream Drop Distance atop a Station of Awakening.
Moreover, Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary LOVELESS Coffee Cup Tumblers will be available for ¥2,409. The Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix title screen artwork is viewable on one Tumbler, while the other shares the iconic Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days clear art.
Lastly, a LOVELESS branded bifold wallet engraved with iconic Kingdom Hearts symbols will be purchaseable for ¥2,640.
Genesis would surely love these products.
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