Square Enix released Final Fantasy XII in Japan today, shipping two million units to retail stores across the nation. As always, Square Enix held a special event to commemorate the game's release at the Tsutaya store in Shibuya. At hand were Square Enix president Youichi Wada and the PlayStation 2 game's executive producer, Akitoshi Kawazu. Wada thanked the 200 fans that had braved comparatively cold temperatures and waited in line until the store opened at 07:00 am JST. Kawazu emphasized the game's long development cycle and massive development team, saying it was literally a big title.

One of the first fans to receive his copy of the game immediately took the opportunity to approach Wada and ask for a PlayStation 3 remake of Final Fantasy VII. He apparently caught the Square Enix president off-guard with his request, as the latter could only reply: "It's extremely difficult, but we will look into it".

In the evening, fans could attend a life performance by Angela Aki. Composer Nobuo Uematsu was also in attendance. Like in previous appearances, the songstress performed not only Final Fantasy XII's main theme Kiss Me Good-Bye, but also Eyes on Me, the main theme of Final Fantasy VIII.

Wada briefly touched on the subject of Final Fantasy XII's US and European releases. Square Enix apparently aims to release the game until the beginning of the crucial Holiday season (Thanksgiving) on both sides of the Atlantic.

• Famitsuu
• Dengenki Online