OrpheusJoshua
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Square Enix's blog recently interviewed composer Yoko Shimomura after she won a BAFTA Fellowship, the highest honor an arts organization can grant.
Throughout the interview, Shimomura answered questions about the award, how she came to compose video game music, and her involvement with specific titles, including the Kingdom Hearts series.
You can view the relevant quoted portion of this Shimomura interview below. It delves into her impressions of Kingdom Hearts as a project and the creativity involved with both Disney Worlds and original world music.
QuoteWhen you were invited to take on KINGDOM HEARTS as a project, what were your initial impressions of the game?
Shimomura: I was a bit surprised when they explained to me what songs they wanted me to write - there was quite a gap there.
I thought: “wait, it’s a Disney game, but you want that kind of song there? That kind of track there?” So, I was quite surprised at the difference.
Many of the Disney properties have such a strong existing musical identity. Was it daunting to create your own tracks for these worlds?
Shimomura: Yes, like you say, there is that difficulty there. And you have to try to achieve a balance there because if you’re too aware of the original music and that’s too much in your head, it becomes difficult to make anything new.
On the other hand, you also want to watch out for the fact that you’re not just doing a rehash of the original work, or the original music from the Disney songs. If it sounds too close, it just becomes derivative of that.
I didn’t focus on expressing my identity with the tracks. I was only thinking to myself: “What will be accepted by fans as new tracks that represent the specific Disney world?”. So, I explored ways to create such tracks.
Of course, I had already watched a number of Disney films at that point. So, I tried to look at it from the fan perspective. I always thought, “Ok, as a fan of this Disney work, is what I’m making right or does it feel out of place?”
So, generally I worked on that basis. I didn’t really try hard to put my own personality or color.
Of course, the series features a lot of original stuff, from characters like Sora and Riku, to new worlds like Hollow Bastion. What inspired the music for these elements?
Shimomura: For the original stuff, I was mainly inspired by the visuals, the backdrops, and the visible elements of those environments.
For Hollow Bastion, for example, I actually got the game, played it and walked around inside the world to get a feel for the place. I really tried to create something based on the visual impressions it gave me.
So, in general, the key factor for the original content was: what are the visuals like, and how do we represent that through the music?
You can view the full interview on Square Enix's blog, which also contains comments about Live A Live and Final Fantasy XV.
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Square Enix's online Japanese store has listed several new pieces of Kingdom Hearts-themed items, comprised of various types of pouches crafted by Artisan & Artist.
All five items are planned to be releaed in Japan on June 14, 2025, though their prices vary. You can view each product via our galleries below, with their store pages hyperlinked above.
Kingdom Hearts x Artisan & Artist Multi Mini Pouch - ¥11,000
Kingdom Hearts x Artisan & Artist Pouch - ¥18,700
Kingdom Hearts x Artisan & Artist Key Pouch - ¥14,300
Kingdom Hearts x Artisan & Artist Vanity Pouch - ¥17,380
Kingdom Hearts x Artisan & Artist Wallet Shoulder Pouch - ¥26,400
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The Sega Plaza crane game service has announced the arrivals of new Kingdom Hearts plushes featuring Heartless, namely the Shadow, Large Body, Soldier, White Mushroom, Rare Truffle, Black Fungus, Pink Agaricus.
The Shadow, Large Body, and Soldier plushes are compiled into one set that is planned to be available on January 24, 2025. On the other hand, the Mushroom Heartless set will be available on February 21, 2025.
However, fans can also obtain these plushes conventionally by pre-ordering them from the retailer Aitai Kuji, with the sets costing ¥2,500 ($16 USD) each. They are all planned to be released at some point in January 2025.
- Shadow, Large Body, and Soldier (8 x 6 x 10cm)
- Mushrooms (7 x 4 x 10 cm)
You can view these upcoming Heartless plushes via our gallery below:
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Kingdom Hearts series director Tetsuya Nomura has shared a new message to fans commemorating the 15th anniversary of Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep.
This secret anecdote extensively discusses the crossroads that have been present throughout the series since its debut in the original secret ending of Kingdom Hearts II, "The Gathering."
Throughout this message, Nomura details the location's appearances in Kingdom Hearts II, Kingdom Hearts Chain of Memories, Kingdom Hearts χ [Chi], and Kingdom Hearts III.
The crossroads always indicate losing something to then gain something else. So, the natural question is what this means for the Fortellers' return in the epilogue of Kingdom Hearts III.
You can view Tetsuya Nomura's full message to fans below:
QuoteIt’s been 15 years since the release of Birth by Sleep (BBS), so I’ve been asked to give you a secret anecdote about how the game itself was born. I’ve already revealed quite a lot, so I had a think about what would be best.
Apparently, the plan is to release my comment alongside the teaser trailer for BBS from the secret movie in KH2. So, taking my cue from that video, I’d like to give you an insight into the crossroads.
In this video, three Keyblade wielders clad in armour wait for someone at a crossroads. Meeting someone at a crossroads is actually a recurring motif in KINGDOM HEARTS.
At the beginning of KINGDOM HEARTS: Chain of Memories (COM), Sora meets someone in a black coat and is invited to Castle Oblivion.
During the climax of BBS, the three protagonists wait at a crossroads for two Keyblade wielders, linked to them by fate. It is where the opposing Unions come together and the Keyblade War breaks out in the KINGDOM HEARTS X series. Those who wish to become the new leader of the Unions in place of the Master gather here in KINGDOM HEARTS Union x. And in KINGDOM HEARTS III, the ancient Foretellers known as the Lost Masters gather at these crossroads.
As you can see, whenever there’s something going on, crossroads act as an important point of divergence. To trace it right back, the motif was inspired by the well-known crossroad myth from American folklore.
The story goes like this: a young man makes a deal with the devil at a crossroads, trading his soul for the ability to play the guitar.
The first time a crossroads appears in KINGDOM HEARTS is in CoM, which is about losing something to gain something. And in fact, all subsequent appearances of crossroads have the same significance.
The greatest example is BBS: a story where all three protagonists pay a heavy price to obtain something.
But wait… when the Lost Masters gather at the crossroads in KH3, what is gained and what is lost?
That’s a story for another time.
Tetsuya Nomura
KINGDOM HEARTS Series Director
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Square Enix has announced that the mobile game Kingdom Hearts Missing Link has been delayed to an unknown date. The team's latest message doesn't reveal any specifics surrounding this delay other than that it was a "difficult decision."
Alongside apologizing to fans, Square Enix also says to look forward to future information, whenever that may be. You can view the latest post from the Kingdom Hearts Missing–Link below:
QuoteWhile preparing for the launch of "KINGDOM HEARTS Missing-Link", we have made the difficult decision to delay the release.
We sincerely apologize to all players who have been looking forward to the release.
We appreciate your patience. Please look forward to further information.Following beta tests on Android and iOS devices containing new story content, information surrounding this game has been entirely silent. Kingdom Hearts Missing–Link was previously planned for a 2024 release.
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Following the additions of several older Kingdom Hearts soundtracks greeting streaming platforms, Square Enix North America has opened pre-orders for physical soundtrack reprints.
In particular, four soundtrack collections are now listed: Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 ReMIX, Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 ReMIX, Kingdom Hearts Dream Drop Distance, and a conjoined release of Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep, Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days, and Kingdom Hearts Re:coded.
Save for the Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 ReMIX soundtrack, which costs $42.99, the other three soundtrack reprints cost $30.99. Additionally, they're all planned to be shipped in September 2024.
The four soundtracks' store pages are listed below. The respective tracklists are also provided.
- Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 ReMIX (Initially released on November 26, 2014)
- Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 ReMIX (Initially released on November 26, 2014)
- Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep & 358/2 Days (+ Re:coded) (Initially released on February 2, 2011)
- Kingdom Hearts Dream Drop Distance (Initially released on April 18, 2012)
It's worth noting that the three-fold soundtrack release of Birth by Sleep, 358/2 Days, and Re:coded does not include the lattermost game's name in the title of the album itself. This titular omission is likely because only seven of the songs in the album originate from Kingdom Hearts Re:coded.
Lastly, Square Enix Japan also has each physical soundtrack available for pre-order. Contrasting the Square Enix North American store's shipment estimations, these Japanese releases are planned for August 16, 2024. Each store link is listed below alongside their prices:
- Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 ReMIX (¥3,960)
- Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 ReMIX (5,280)
- Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep & 358/2 Days (+ Re:coded) (¥3,981)
- Kingdom Hearts Dream Drop Distance (¥3,981)
You can view each of the album covers for each of the soundtracks in our galleries below:
Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 ReMIX
Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 ReMIX
Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep & 358/2 Days (+Re:coded)
Kingdom Hearts Dream Drop Distance
Additional Note: These are all CDs, not vinyl.
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Square Enix and Disney have announced that the soundtracks of Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep, Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days, Kingdom Hearts Re:coded, and Kingdom Hearts Dream Drop Distance are now streaming.
This collective release is divided into two albums: Birth by Sleep, 358/2 Days, and Re: are coded in one, while Dream Drop Distance is on its own.
Further, these releases are separate from the previous soundtrack launches of Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 Remix and Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue, as those only contained remixes and arrangments. These recent releases feature the original compositions instead.
It's also worth noting that not every single song from each title is included; it's primarily the tracks unique to those entries and not repeats of tracks carried over from other games.
The Birth by Sleep, 358/2 Days, and Re:coded album is comprised of 80 songs collectively lasting around three hours and 30 minutes, while the Dream Drop Distance soundtrack features 52 songs across three hours.
Links to each supported streaming service are listed below:
Spotify:
YouTube:
Apple Music:
Amazon Music:
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Square Enix has listed numerous new Kingdom Hearts-themed products on its Japanese online store, comprising Apple Watch Bands and Earphone Case Covers.
The Watch Bands are based on Roxas, Sora, Riku, Kairi, and a Monogram color scheme, each costing ¥4,950. Similarly, the Earphone Case Covers are based on the same characters sans Roxas, as well as a Treasure Chest and the Monogram color scheme for the same prices.
Moreover, each of these products is planned to be shipped on September 28, 2024.
You can view each of these items' store pages below, alongside images via our galleries below:
Treasure Chest AirPods Pro Cover
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Square Enix, Disney, and Sega have revealed a new plush of Sora in his Kingdom Hearts II attire. This item will be part of the Srag Plaza crame game lineup starting June 21, 2024.
The online retailer Aitai Kuji usually has these Kingdom Hearts items available for pre-order, so it's worth keeping an eye out if you're interested.
Other Kingdom Hearts Sega Plaza plushes include Halloween Town Sora, King Mickey, and Roxas.
You can view the new Kingdom Hearts II Sora plush below:
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The official YouTube channel of Utada Hikaru has been uploading several 4K versions of previous music videos, with one of the most recent being "Hikari."
For those unaware, "Hikari" is the Japanese theme song of the first Kingdom Hearts, with the English version being "Simple and Clean."
“Hikari” was first released in Utada’s 2002 album "Deep River" before being used for several Kingdom Hearts entries. This iconic song has also been remixed multiple times, namely PLANiTb and -Ray of Hope MIX-.
A 4K version of the “Passion” music video is scheduled to be uploaded on March 30, 2024, at 8 AM ET/ 5 AM PT.
You can view the 4K music video of "Hikari" below:
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The official Disney Pins Blog has announced that a new Kingdom Hearts pin is now available at Disney Theme Parks via Disneyland, Walt Disney World, and the Disney Store.
Fans can purchase this item and several other recently launched premium pins for $21.99. However, only 3,000 of these pins were produced.
You can view the new Kingdom Hearts pin below. It features Mickey with the Kingdom Key D, which has one of his end quotes from the original game stating, "There will always be a door to the light."
You can view the other newly made available pins via the official Disney Pins Blog.
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Square Enix has announced that the Android closed beta test for its upcoming free-to-play mobile game, Kingdom Hearts Missing–Link, has been delayed to Spring 2024. It was originally planned for January 2024.
The development team apologized for the delay, explaining that they have more adjustments to make in order to ensure it can be played more comfortably.
The iOS closed beta test of Kingdom Hearts Missing–Link was held in November 2023. At the same time, Tetsuya Nomura participated in a Special Focus Group Event in which several story, character, and gameplay details were discussed.
Our team's Kimpchuu shared his impressions of the Kingdom Hearts Missing–Link iOS closed beta test, which you can check out here.
A translation of the latest tweet from the official Kingdom Hearts Missing–Link account announcing the Android closed beta test delay can be viewed below via our team's Ryuji:
Quote[Postponement Notice Regarding the Closed Beta Test of KINGDOM HEARTS Missing-Link for Android]
We have decided to postpone the closed beta test of KINGDOM HEARTS Missing-Link for Android, originally scheduled for January 2024, after concluding that further adjustments are necessary to ensure that the game can be comfortably played on more devices.
We deeply apologize for the delay in notifying those who have applied to participate and for the inconvenience caused by the postponement.
The closed beta test is now scheduled for spring 2024. We will announce the winners and further details on [the official Missing Link X account], so we ask that you wait a little while longer.
Thank you for your understanding and continued patronage.
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The fan-led Kingdom Hearts online convention, March Caprice, has announced new information ahead of its arrival in March 2024.
For those unaware of what March Caprice is about, the following passage summarizes its premise:
Quote"March Caprice is a virtual gathering for fans of the KINGDOM HEARTS video game series. Its goal is to showcase and support the incredible hard work, projects, and talents of the community through the uniting force of the series. We invite all who wish to show off their latest content, ideas, and more to participate and join us in celebrating this incredible series!"
The theme of March Caprice 2024 will be "data," as communicated by the announcement trailer and associated promotional artwork.
Sans the livestreams and Melody of Memory Tourney, sign-ups for the event will close on January 13, 2024. On the other hand, livestream sign-ups will close on February 17, 2024 and Melody of Memory Tourney sign-ups will close on March 10, 2024.
March Caprice 2024 proper will occur between March 24 and March 30, 2024.
You can view more information about March Caprice via the Caprice Release or its official website, where one can also submit via various categories.
Aside from the above, participans can make art, cosplay, merchandise, music, pre-recorded video, writing, and Smash Bros. tournament submissions.
You can view the March Caprice 2024 announcement trailer below:
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Square Enix has listed three new Kingdom Hearts keychains for pre-order on their Japanese storefront; Two Become One, Bond of Flame, and the χ-blade. Each costs ¥2,090 (tax included), with September 9th, 2023, shipments.
We'll update this article if the products become available via other Square Enix store branches and/or Aitai Kuji.
You can view the new keychains via our galleries below:
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Following the release of the Kingdom Hearts 20th Anniversary Vinyl LP Box, a video interview was conducted with the franchise's composer, Yoko Shimomura.
Our team's Ryuji has translated this interview in full, quoted below:
QuoteQuestion: What were your feelings leading up to the 20th anniversary of the Kingdom Hearts series?
Yoko Shimomura: When the first game was released, I had no idea the series would continue, so I was deeply moved to see the 20th anniversary. New Disney movies have been coming out, and there are so many new titles that I never thought I would be able to be a part of.
It's like a dream.
I'm not sure if it's right for me to be involved in such a famous work... I just feel very honored. I am truly blessed and happy to have been able to work on Kingdom Hearts, and my love for Disney's work has deepened even more.
Q: What does Kingdom Hearts mean to you, Shimomura-san?
YS: I can't really compare them all personally, and it's hard to say which one I have a special attachment to, but I have been involved in all the Kingdom Hearts games from the first one to the present. So in that sense, I have been able to continue with the series and continue to play the games, making it a big part of my life.
[The Musical Composition of Kingdom Hearts]
Q: Looking back into “Dive into the Heart -Destati-,” how do you feel about it?
YS: When I was writing the song for "Destati," I had a hard time connecting the world of Disney characters and the tragic chorus, so I had a hard time figuring out what to do! Once I found what kind of worldview Kingdom Hearts had, I didn't have much trouble writing songs afterward.
Q: Do you have any particular thoughts that you continue to put into the music for the series?
YS: I knew that there was an existing worldview, so I knew that I must absolutely avoid destroying it. [In the first Kingdom Hearts game], you had iconic Disney characters such as Alice, Pinocchio, Peter Pan, and so on...each with their own pre-established perspectives that would make you go, “This is how Disney's Alice is like.”
But at the same time, we also had to make sure that I was creating the world inside of Kingdom Hearts, not just copying the same feel as Alice in Wonderland or Peter Pan. I had to ensure it made you go, “So this is how they act inside Kingdom Hearts.” I was very particular about the balance between the two.
Q: What is something you consider very important when creating music?
YS: I think the basic premise is that the players should be able to play the game comfortably. For me personally, since it is called BGM, an acronym that means background* music, I want it to be a behind-the-scenes force.
So, when I listen to the soundtrack again, the melody will naturally return to my mind when I remember the song later. If you listen to the soundtrack again, you will think, "Oh, yes, that's it! That's the song! That's a good song!" That's the kind of point I'm aiming for, or at the very least, something I'm conscious of.
*TL Note: She emphasized the word “background."
[The Series' First Foray Into An Analog Format]
Q: How did you feel about the fact the series will be making its way into a vinyl record for the very first time?
YS: We've been pushing for vinyl records for a while now...so when I saw that they were going to do it, my initial reaction was that “Oh, finally, that series will be etched into vinyl!”
Q: What are your memories of analog vinyl records?
YS: Unlike CDs, vinyl records were widespread back when I was little, so in that sense, I feel very familiar with them as if they were everyday items as a kid. I’m very nostalgic that the vinyl from my childhood are still being produced and sold even today, even though CDs and MP3s, and other digital media formats are becoming more and more popular. I find that records are a fundamental part of music.
Q: How did you feel when you first put your hands on the LP BOX?
YS: In the past, people used to say, "Buy the jacket," but records have significant artistic value, don’t they? CDs are small, so even if there is a booklet, it's still relatively small, and I think the vinyl package is gorgeous. I think of it as something that can be displayed, so I really feel that a lot of effort was put into it. I find it to be smooth, shiny, and beautiful. I hope everyone will have one in their home just to feel how smooth it is!
Q: Do you think there is anything fascinating about vinyl records you rediscovered through their recent re-commercialization?
YS: In a vinyl record, it’s all analog, so you basically listen to the songs in the order they are included, and you can’t exactly skip to the song you want very easily, whereas nowadays, you just pick what you want to listen to, and make playlists and such.
But in the time of vinyl records, the order of the songs was very particular, taking into consideration even the time and effort of turning on what is known as the B-side. If you have the opportunity to try it out yourself, then you’ll be able to appreciate the qualities of the vinyl even more.
[Concerning the Music of the 20th Anniversary Reveal Trailer]
Q: Could you tell us more about the production of "Reality in the Dark" included in the Kingdom Hearts IV announcement trailer?
YS: The song is a little different from the previous ones in the series in the sense that it has a solid, stiffer feeling to it. I created it with the image that even with its newness, you can still feel a bit of the Kingdom Hearts charm.
When I write songs, I tend to use very little brass or other instruments, and I tend to write with restraint. However, for this song, I was thinking: "I definitely want to use [brass instruments] in a spectacular way here," so I included a lot of brass in the demo version when I first made it. I hope it will be a song that gives you strength and a sense of foreboding.
Q: Finally, a message to the fans of the Kingdom Hearts series.
YS: I really like the packaging, and the vinyl record format is a bit nostalgic for me. I am sure many young people today might have never had the opportunity to pick up a vinyl record. That is why I think this is a memorable and commemorative work, so please pick it up and enjoy the music contained in these analog sounds and the visuals of the package. I hope it will become one of your treasures!
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Disney Japan and Japanese company UUL have announced and revealed a slew of new Kingdom Hearts household items purchasable via the latter's storefront.
These products comprise tableware sets representing Destiny Islands and Twilight Town, alongside character-themed cushion covers and rugs.
You can view each piece of household merchandise via our galleries below:
Reliable retailer Aitai Kuji conveniently has these items available for pre-order for global fans.
Firstly, the Destiny Islands and Twilight Town tableware sets cost ¥12,100 each.
Next, each character-themed rug, costing ¥8,000, is listed below:
Lastly, each character-themed cushion cover, costing ¥5,700, is listed below:
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The artist for the Kingdom Hearts series' numerous manga adaptions, Shiro Amano, recently shared new artwork via their Twitter account that crosses over Sora, Donald, and Goofy from Kingdom Hearts with a more niche Square IP, Parasite Eve.
For those wondering why Amano would illustrate a piece connecting to Parasite Eve, of all things, it's because they have quite a personal history with the title, as they discussed in their Twitter thread.
Our team’s Ryuji translated Amano’s statements:
Quote“A long time ago, Tetsuya Nomura read my gag manga about Parasite Eve and invited me to draw the comic serialization for Kingdom Hearts.
Incidentally, for those wondering, the gag manga has not been published in book form, nor is there any plan to do so. The number of pages is not enough at all, and the content is too awful…I would be very happy if you could hold it in your memories…
To say that it is bad is honestly an understatement because it is one of my very first manga [that I’ve drawn], and if, by chance, you were one of the readers who said they liked it and found it interesting, thank you!
The manga also has many, many expressions that are simply unacceptable in this day and age, and I am ashamed of the ignorance of my past self. If I had to choose the right words to describe it, it would be “very bad”. My apologies.”
You can view Shiro Amano's artwork of Kingdom Hearts and Parasite Eve below:
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Following the conclusion of the Kingdom Hearts Second Breath concert, fans began to share new pamphlet artwork illustrated by Shiro Amano, who many will recognize as the artist for the games' many manga adaptations. The original Organization XIII is depicted playing various instruments.
Additionally, Masahiro Sakurai, prominently known for the Kirby and Super Smash Bros. franchises, attended the concert and tweeted a photo of a newly illustrated conductor Sora, also present in the pamphlet.
Another piece of significant information related to the concert is a vague statement made by Tetsuya Nomura. One of the concert's attendees and a highly reliable Kingdom Hearts community member, aibo, shared the following account of Nomura's arrival, translated by our team's Ryuji:
QuoteNomura came up on stage, and Shimomura joked, "Go on! Talk for 30 minutes!" Nomura replied, "Uhh, I don't have that much time, so can we make it 5?" and Ishimoto also came up on stage.
Nomura then added, "Last year, there was an event that determined the direction of the Kingdom Hearts series going forward."
Shimomura then confusingly glanced at him: "Wait, what? What event?"
Nomura then turns to her and says: "Oh. Didn't you know?"
Shimomura made a puzzling face at Nomura.
Nomura: "I'll tell you more about it backstage."
Many fans are panicking over this exchange. However, there are several different tonal interpretations of whether this monumental series change was negative or positive. Due to the inherent uncertainty of this situation and the lack of official clarifications, it's best to keep an open mind and try not to dwell on it.
You can view the new Kingdom Hearts Second Breath concert artwork via our gallery below. The Organization XIII artwork was shared by @princessxemnas:
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Yen Press has digitally released Chapters 27 and 27.5 of the Kingdom Hearts III manga, concluding the party's time in the Kingdom of Corona. The issues' prices vary from $1.99 in the United States to $2.99 in Canada. Additionally, the above hyperlinks will lead you to both chapters' hub pages housing various retailers.
Then, the manga's Japanese retailer, Gangan Online, revealed that Chapter 28, releasing on their website on March 16th, 2023, will feature Arendelle. Currently, their app has that same Chapter, with Chapter 29 planned to launch on April 6th, 2023.
Further, the third volume of the Kingdom Hearts III manga was announced with a cover featuring the cast of Toy Box. So far, Square Enix Japan has the volume available for ¥790.
You can view the third volume's cover art below:
Lastly, the Kingdom Hearts III manga artist, Shiro Amano, has shared a new illustration to commemorate the third volume's launch.
Check out the articles for the previous chapters by clicking on the links below!
- Chapter 0 Prologue Japanese English
- Chapter 1 The New Departure Japanese English
- Chapter 2 Olympus Coliseum Part 1Japanese English
- Chapter 3 Olympus Coliseum Part 2 Japanese English
- Chapter 4 Olympus Coliseum Part 3 Japanese English
- Chapter 5 Olympus Coliseum Part 4 Japanese English
- Chapter 6 Olympus Coliseum Part 5 Japanese English
- Chapter 7 Olympus Coliseum Part 6 Japanese English
- Chapter 8 Olympus Coliseum Part 7 Japanese English
- Chapter 9 The Dark World Japanese English
- Chapter 10 Unbreakable Connection Japanese English
- Chapter 11 The Self inside the Mirror Japanese English
- Chapter 12 Reunion Japanese English
- Chapter 13 Warmth Japanese English
- Chapter 14 Destiny Island Japanese English
- Chapter 15 Remaining Light Japanese English
- Chapter 16 Tracking the Bond Japanese English
- Chapter 17 Following the Heart's Guidance Japanese English
- Chapter 18 Twilight Town [1] Japanese English
- Chapter 19 Twilight Town [2] Japanese English
- Chapter 20 Toy Box [1] Japanese English
- Chapter 21 Toy Box [2] Japanese English
- Chapter 22 Toy Box [3] Japanese English
- Chapter 23 Toy Box [4] Japanese English
- Chapter 24 Toy Box [5] Japanese English
- Chapter 25 Lea and Kairi
- Chapter 26 Kingdom of Corona
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Square Enix North America has listed two new sets of Kingdom Hearts merchandise available for pre-order via their online storefront.
The first is a trio of metal keychains depicting the Dream Sword, Dream Rod, and Dream Shield from the first game. At the start of the title, they are all selectable for temporary usage in Sora's Awakening, but the latter two are obtainable weapons for Donald and Goofy.
The second merchandise set is another trio of metal keychains, this time of the Kingdom Key, Mage's Staff, and Knight's Shield. These are Sora, Donald's, and Goofy's default weapons, respectively, across each game they appear in.
Both sets cost $32.99, with shipments expected to occur during July 2023.
You can view both metal keychain sets via our galleries below:
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Square Enix has revealed new Kingdom Hearts plushes set to appear throughout Japan via Sega Plaza crane games. The new characters depicted as plushes are the Kingdom Hearts I appearances of Kairi and Riku, as well as King Mickey in his coat attire.
Additionally, the second volume of muffler towels was revealed, showcasing Terra, Aqua, Ventus, Roxas, Xion, and Axel.
Aitai Kuji has the Kairi, Riku, and King Mickey plushes available for pre-order for ¥3,500 each, with estimated March 2023 shipping times.
You can view each of these items via our galleries below:
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The Kingdom Hearts community recently untied for an ambitious effort, dubbing the entirety of Kingdom Hearts Union χ [Cross].
Led by Kingdom Hearts content creator damo279, several fans provided their vocal talents for this project, comprising 36,000 words and 1,500 lines across roughly five hours of footage.
Today, the first video of this fan dub was released, consisting of the story content in the original Kingdom Hearts χ [chi], alongside scenes from Kingdom Hearts χ Back Cover and Kingdom Hearts Union χ at specific points to provide clearer narrative context.
The credits for everyone involved in this first video of the Kingdom Hearts Union χ [Cross] fan dub are listed below:
Director, Editor & Producer:
- Damo
Project Manager / Coordinator & Assistant Director
- BatuqueOnda
Assistant Editor & Credits Sequence
- Jeremy Love (2.41 Productions)
Script Transcribing
- Damo
- RKS Legacy
Additional Translations
- Cherrim
Promotional Material
- kimpchuu (@kimpchuu)
Production Consultation
- Damo's Stream
Special Thanks
- DeVon Williams
- BatuqueOnda
Voice Cast
Chirithy / Dark Chirithy
- Kiyah Corse (@MistressNyxVA)
Ephemer
- Christian Roberts (@Sir_ChantisVA)
Skuld
- KindredMelody
Strelitzia
- Julie D. (@JohtoRegion)
Player
- Damo (@KH_Damo)
Maleficent
- Aeba (Absolutely Everything About)
Master of Masters
- Christopher Burns (@ChrisBurnsVA)
Master Luxu
- Devon Otterman (@ShadowShoveler)
Master Ava
- Emia Luna (@emilunagames)
Master Ira
- DeVon Williams (@ThumbOverdrive)
Master Gula
- Caleb S (@KALEEB-CALEB)
Master Aced
- Jackson Lawrence-Yannicelli (@JaXLY1138)
Master Invi
- Faux Synder (@FauxSynderVA)
Darkling #1
- LightyVox (@LightyVox)
Darkling #2
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Immense thanks and congratulations to everyone who worked on this fan dub, as not only is a project of this magnitude inestimably difficult to complete, but it has granted all of us another method of digesting and experiencing the χ [chi] storyline in a new, fresh way.
You can view the first part of the Kingdom Hearts Union χ [Cross] fan dub below:
"Piano Fantasies – music from SQUARE ENIX" concert and album announced for October 31, 2025; Kingdom Hearts songs to be featured
in Kingdom Hearts - General
Posted
Square Enix has announced the upcoming arrival of the "Piano Fantasies - music from SQUARE ENIX" concert performance for October 31, 2025.
This concert will be held at the Daiichi Seimei Hall in Tokyo, featuring 12 arrangements by pianist Mischa Cheung. Various Square Enix franchises will be represented here, including Kingdom Hearts.
The confirmed Kingdom Hearts tracks are "Dearly Beloved," The Afternoon Streets," and "Edge of Existence." Final Fantasy, Chrono Trigger, and Secret of Mana are the other IPs set to be featured.
It's also worth noting that this piano concert will be released simultaneously on CD and vinyl, with pre-orders now available on Square Enix Japan's online store for ¥3,740 and ¥8,360, respectively.
Lastly, a preview video of Cheung's piano-playing capabilities was posted, unveiling a portion of the "Edge of Existence" arrangement.
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