Isamu Kamikokuryo, Art directing Final Fantasy

Isamu Kamikokuryo is a veteran art director, who has worked at Square Enix for 18 years on the Final Fantasy series, starting with Final Fantasy X all the way up to Final Fantasy XV, before turning freelance in 2017.
He told us more about the art director position in the Japanese game industry, as we explored some surreal places that inspired him through his career.
Locations:
- Kawasaki Industrial Zone
- Izu Oshima
Music by Hakobune: hakobune.bandcamp.com/
Track List:
Nebulous Sequences - Part. 4
All the other hearts I knew - Blackland Prairie Part 2
All the other hearts I knew - Interlude
Nebulous Sequences - Part. 10
Seamless And Here - Your Unwavering Fidelity
Nebulous Sequences - Part. 6
Away From The Lunar Waters - Away From The Lunar Waters
All the other hearts I knew - All the other hearts I knew Part 1
Seamless And Here - Heathered
Seamless And Here - Seamless and Here
If you enjoy our content, please share, subscribe and/or consider supporting us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/archipel/
Thanks to SubTube for the Portuguese (BR) and Tsvetoslav 'SEAN' Shalev for the Bulgarian subtitles!
#finalfantasy #ff #artdirection

[@franckateba2970]

These guys knows how to direct documentaries

[@ArchipelDocumentaries]

🙏

[@p5rsona]

This actually really inspired me because I am 30, working a 9-5 office job, but want to create art for a living. Never too late.

[@ArchipelDocumentaries]

Indeed!

[@_helloketiii]

This just game me hope 💜

[@connergalles7106]

Well your going to be really good for that to happen maybe. But to be honest it all boils down to you and what you follow

[@shiawasekappukekiful]

You’re only 2 years older than Vincent Van Gogh when he started art for the first time ever, Chase that dream till you catch it, my guy

[@Moodboard39]

Seriously? Cuz you think it look fun? It's not

[@RegalState]

This one is a true gem, a few minutes in and I already feel at peace. There's just something about true unabashed and quiet commentary about the creative process, without anything else that feels like perfection.

[@ArchipelDocumentaries]

Thanks for the kind word.

[@MikasaSiM]

Worked from "... could barely afford art supplies" to driving a Porsche. This is the true examples of "not giving up hope" and "putting all efforts" to be successful. *hats off to this master

[@Arximand]

This documentary is a piece of art by itself. Truly impressed. Best regards from Germany.

[@ArchipelDocumentaries]

Thank you!

[@delpierro0815]

Second that - also from Germany ;)

[@tristantheuerkorn5124]

Same here - nice greetings from Germany.

[@morismoti7900]

What kind of camera to doing documentary like this ?.

[@Moodboard39]

Bit slow though lol guess the magic

[@UKERU00]

Holy shit I always wanted to know more about Kamikokuryo and always found pretty weird how the guy behind the concept for many of square's most famous world's almost got no coverage and as always you guys at Archipel did it again, hell yeah you guys rock!

[@ArchipelDocumentaries]

Glad we could help!

[@lunasea8908]

@@ArchipelDocumentaries can u try interviewing kentaro miura or yoshiaki kawajiri next!!

[@ImSofaKingGood]

I love his designs. He really made the worlds of Final Fantasy stand out from other RPGs for me.

[@Bloodylaser]

FFXII was easily one his best works. He made Ivalice feel alive.

[@Judge_Magister]

Am not even a big fan of the final fantasy series but FF12 is different. Most because of the music, story and the world. Ivalice to me always felt very Persian/Indian style and i am still convinced it was somewhat inspired by the Mahabharata.

[@ilikestuff9250]

@@Judge_Magister 12's take was likely inspired by the version they used in FFTA on GBA which has been confirmed to have been based on a arabian/India esque feel

[@GameArts1]

Kawasaki industrial zone looks like Midgar, freakin awesome. Japan is such a beautiful country, it almost has it all in the sense of nature and city landscape. This was great - I hope to see Yoji Shinkawa on your channel someday, very inspirational videos.

[@ArchipelDocumentaries]

Thank you - there was an attempt made for Yoji Shinkawa, maybe someday...

[@rustyroche1921]

the locations and sound are the icing on this christmas cake

[@ArchipelDocumentaries]

We were quite impressed by the locations as well. :)

[@Dreamboum]

Thank you very much for this video! Isamu Kamikokuryo is one of my favorite artists! I especially love the world he has crafted for FF12 and how much it still stands up timelessly. Kamikokuryo proved that strong art direction can elevate graphics so much further than hardware limitations can allow!

[@ilikestuff9250]

True, visually 12 looks stunning even today

[@havocbringer2100]

Ha, I knew you’d comment whether here or on Twitter.

[@OmegaKatanaXIII]

Dude xii art didn't aged a day since 2006

[@momo-fo2jn]

really comes to life in the zodiac age. jheeze this guy is something else. even the warp zone he came thru was prob oil painted.

[@khaelthas293]

I love the art style of FF12. The architecture, the world, it's just breathtaking.

[@yukinko9402]

FF10プレイさせて頂いてました。 すごく美しい世界観で、水晶の様なものが道の端にあって、すごく綺麗で、いつもこの世界に入って触れてみたいな〜、と思っていました。 こういうすごい方が創られていたんですね。 久しぶりに自分もアートを描きながら、このKZbinを拝見させて頂いて、すごく心に響きました。 アーティストとしての姿勢や、作品を作る時の事など、インスピレーションもたくさん頂きました。 同じ世界に居るけど、全く違う次元に生きて、違うものを見られているんだなあ、そう自分も在りたいと思いました。ありがとうございます。

[@ArchipelDocumentaries]

素敵なコメントありがとうございます！ 引き続きご視聴よろしくお願いいたします。

[@yjh7863]

It's like you're hearing his inner thoughts and seeing through his eyes. The music and photography are so poetic. A very mesmerizing piece.

[@tristanjp6823]

This was such a good one. Kamikokuryo-san seems very down to earth.

[@ArchipelDocumentaries]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@CS-eb6kj]

I watch this everytime when I'm going to do drawing practices, thanks Archipel.

[@ArchipelDocumentaries]

Thanks for watching!

[@ArchipelDocumentaries]

English, Portuguese and Bulgarian subtitles are available under the "CC" menu. Thank you for following Archipel and if you enjoy our content and want to help us keep going, please consider supporting us on Patreon (patreon.com/archipel) or via KZbin memberships (kzbin.info/door/3zoY9LapZERsN7caDKqz0wjoin ).

[@geokorf]

Thanks for all pledgers and to the Archipel. Always bringing best content!

[@TheJohn0363]

A phenomenal man. Worked on my 3 favourite ever games. I owe my creativity and pursuance of game art to this gentleman. Thank you so much sir.

[@goop_lord]

I could watch hours of this.

[@lexibrowning7447]

When he entered, Final Fantasy's worlds became so much more vast and profound

[@user-po2xt5yj6r]

It's much more interesting and valuable than watching TV. Thank you archipel :)

[@tazmania7461]

This Channel is just incredible. Seeing the people behind the amazing art works that I grew up with is fantastic. I've only started drawing recently again at 31 after not doing so for 15 years. I used to all the time as a kid and your videos really help keep me motivated / inspired to continue to learn. Thank you once again!

[@ArchipelDocumentaries]

Thank you, glad we can help!

[@nenjutsu1774]

One thing that i have BEEN very much hoping for is an interview with Kazuma Kaneko!

[@ArchipelDocumentaries]

We've had multiple requests for Kazuma Kaneko in the past, actually there was an attempt back when we did our piece on Soejima but we didn't in the end. Maybe someday if an opportunity presents itself.

[@kieranking7173]

Every shot of the Kawasaki Industrial Zone filled me with nostalgia. It reminded me of a coach trip I took through the South of England at midnight, where I could see the lights of an industrial zone we were passing through. It made me feel cozy to remember.

[@aadi.p4159]

Dude all these vids are soo well produced and the quality is just top notch

[@ArchipelDocumentaries]

Thank you!

[@DANIELPEREIRA-kl2bh]

Thanks Archipel for your work about art, God bless you. I'm from Brazil, but i love Japan.

[@jorgez.e3111]

I felt in complete peace just watching this

[@ArchipelDocumentaries]

Glad you enjoy!

[@nickmichail]

One of the most beautiful Archipel videos to date. Thank you for this precious upload.

[@ArchipelDocumentaries]

Thank you very much!

[@HandleToBeDetermined]

Kamikokuryo-san is such a great inspiration for the late-bloomers!

[@ArchipelDocumentaries]

Indeed, never too late to start :)

[@lAcedUpLiss]

What age did he start? Sorry I think I missed that.

[@namocool]

@@lAcedUpLiss He joined the game industry around 30 IIRC.

[@jimbickle7369]

@@namocool same as Hidetaka Miyazaki, director of the souls series

[@AngelaMerici12]

I like how these creators are so humble. Is incredible they are behind masterpieces!

[@yyyeeeaaahhh5058]

This was such a meditative and inspiring video. I love the section at 21:50, on his reflections of character paths and routes - the footage matches incredibly well

[@scaredycart4232]

I have mixed feeling towards new final fantasy, FF XII probably is my favorite FF from him for design character and landscape. Thank you Isamu Kamikokuryo for your work, and as always great content from Archipel

[@ArchipelDocumentaries]

Thanks for watching!

[@FeliksTrzymalko]

When I first watched your documentary about Swery I was completely hooked in this dreamlike atmosphere of your movies. With every new video I'm completely hook into Japanse games and now I'm revisiting Final Fantasy 13 (though I know its not the best one but seems it's the most approachable) :) Thank you very much for your work. Greetings from Poland.

[@ArchipelDocumentaries]

Thanks for the kind word!

[@sophiemwende2561]

❤❤❤❤❤❤ i found this at the perfect time of my life! Thank you for the inspiration ☺️

[@gustinex]

amazing long interview. its surreal and heartwarming to see what's inside the minds of these greats. these interviews are kinda like a reminder of why we love these games/hobbies, it's because of these phenomenal people pouring their soul and love into their work and art, and they we resonate so much with them. hope you guys keep doing more!

[@andrewhickinbottom1051]

Great documentary! Very chilled and atmospheric, and interesting insights instead of the usual stuff. Loved that calming background music. I also love that the first piece of his art we see is of Fran from FFXII - my favourite FF character of them all!

[@eddypech159]

This is the fourth time I watch this documentary, thanks you so much :)

[@eddypech159]

Fifth time

[@eddypech159]

sixth time

[@inoa8024]

Appreciate your quality content man very aesthetic, they are so cool.

[@Reenfoque]

Your work is so amazingly well documented, edited, and all around created with so much care! THANK YOU SO MUCH for these gems!!

[@ArchipelDocumentaries]

Thanks for the kind word!

[@victoriakaren2324]

This is a great interview it felt as if we are with isamu-san in real time hearing about his stories, and perspective in art as a medium and creativity and how he search for it and view it....

[@teechan7721]

I love it. Essential viewing for any serious students of concept art.

[@georgekl1771]

A big thank you for this masterpiece. I wish you the best from Athens Greece

[@smonster]

I fell in love with his worlds since final fantasy XIII. i cannot express how i feel when i see his artwork; he is my favorite artist out there. i wish i could create such beautiful things.

[@AndreaRodriguez-zf1tl]

This channel is just so unique, in other words, everything here is pure gold

[@ArchipelDocumentaries]

Thank you! 🙏

[@redgammah]

Thank you for this gem of documentary. Stellar work and such a captivating person.

[@ArchipelDocumentaries]

Thank you!

[@redlee64]

Excellent documentary. So amazing to see the artist behind the games I played.

[@AngeloT2001]

Just amazing, thanks a lot for making these

[@ArchipelDocumentaries]

Thanks for watching!

[@titanscar2183]

A new favorite KZbin channel appears Seriously I was almost emotional for half the video and I didn't even know what I was walking into. Stellar content, if not the best I've seen documentary wise to be honest.

[@ArchipelDocumentaries]

Thanks a lot for the kind word!

[@hitachicordoba]

Simply mesmerizing and thought-provoking at the same time. The visuals, ambient BGM and soft voiceover took me to another (more peaceful, contemplative and imaginative) place for 43 minutes. Thanks to you and all artists/creators for your awesome efforts that keep us sane in these insane times.

[@ArchipelDocumentaries]

Thank you, happy to see we can help in some way :)

[@OPrincessXJasmineO]

This is truly fantastic. This man will never know the impact he had on my creativity and consequently, the art I produce. Thank you so much for sharing the beautiful world in your mind. Thank you for reminding us to see the beauty in the details. Your work will always have a special place in my heart 🙏

[@cleitonbarbosa232]

thanks for the documentary it's an important piece warms the heart and inspires

[@ArchipelDocumentaries]

Thank you, glad you enjoyed.

[@ether287]

Your documentaries are so perfectly made that i often forget it is a documentary while i am watching it. I just get immersed into the artist's world and kinda lose myself until it ends.. Thanks for these beautiful videos.

[@ArchipelDocumentaries]

Thanks for the kind word!

[@Sunila_DragonladyCH]

Wow, that was so inspiring! The games he directed are among my biggest influences so that was like breath of fresh air. Thank you!

[@ArchipelDocumentaries]

Glad you enjoyed :)

[@luischavesdev]

The drone really got its chance to shine this time around hahaha And with that I guess we reach the end of the long waited Caravan series, and I couldn't be happier. It was a beautiful journey, and you bet I'll still be here for whatever comes next. So... thanks for the vids, get some booze (or a cup of tea, I dont judge) to spend the new years eve comfortably and safely, and here goes my wishes for a great 2021! Also, thank you for not spoiling ff x, I've had it sitting on my shelf for way too long, but for some reason I never got around to it. Anyway, take care :)

[@ArchipelDocumentaries]

Thank you Luis for your continued support! We'll take the booze option :)

[@411Sleepyhead]

40:10 I love how he continues to draw despite his hate to his drawing

[@dothackjhe]

I think it's more of a case of perfectionism than hate. Essentially, an issue of him seeing imperfections in every stroke of his creations.

[@411Sleepyhead]

@@dothackjhe Oh yeah it looks like that

[@SayaStevan]

I love this! I love your videos, it's really open my mind to how beautiful art is! Many thanks!

[@ArchipelDocumentaries]

Thanks a lot for the kind word!

[@Hadri_ART]

Thank you master, your art made a lot of people (me included) dreaming while playing those games🔥🔥🔥

[@proximacentaur1654]

Wonderfully crafted documentary. 43 minutes of blissful respite. Thank you Archipel.

[@ArchipelDocumentaries]

Thanks for watching!

[@aioria6731]

Final Fantasy XII e um tesouro para os olhos meu game favorito da minha vida

[@games1250]

Beautiful documentary, I split it into about 3 parts to finish it and I enjoyed every minute ^_^

[@ArchipelDocumentaries]

Thank you Mohammad!

[@PlayStationAndNintendo]

Great work as ever. Thanks for sharing.

[@ArchipelDocumentaries]

Thank you always for your support!

[@logosrising865]

this was wonderful. your channel is severely underrated. love your work!

[@blueroman460]

Thanks a bunch for the vids Archipel!

[@ArchipelDocumentaries]

Thank you.

[@ChromeColossus]

These production values are CRAZY! Such beautiful shots in this one!

[@ArchipelDocumentaries]

Thank you! 🙏

[@BrunoMartins-lp2fk]

Beautiful. Thanks a lot for all these amazing videos. Also, would love to see one with Akihiko Yoshida.

[@ArchipelDocumentaries]

Hopefully someday if the opportunity presents itself.

[@17th_Colossus]

This is better than most movies, very well done! Also, I just wanna tell this guy he's only at the halfway point, he's got so much more to create. I forgot who said it but, you should plan like you're going to live till you're 90. I just wish he wouldn't think thoughts like "I'm terrible." One, because it's clearly wrong, and two, because the better way to think is "This is good...but my next piece will be better."

[@sabojezles]

Incredibly satisfying documentary. Thank you.

[@ArchipelDocumentaries]

Thanks for watching!

[@telefrag.]

Way to close a year, you guys! Best wishes for you in 2021!

[@dugmai]

Thumbs up and best regards from Belarus. I don't play video games or watch anime these days. However, I'm mesmerized by Archipel video style. First 8 mins got me carried away. When I watch your documentaries and when I listen to Ryuichi Sakamoto (especially, 'Blu'), I totally sense that atmo that got me in love with FFviii back in my early teen-age.

[@ArchipelDocumentaries]

Thanks a lot for the kind word!

[@dugmai]

@@ArchipelDocumentaries thank you for such a quality content. as i watch your videos, i get this longing to buy a camera and start shooting and editing as well.

[@reefatbakht]

I get you man. That atmosphere is special. FOr me its FF9, the vibe of adventure and peace and joy. It goes through me along with some melancholy when I listen to artists such as Nujabes.

[@tariku-san]

This is truly art. Each documentarie they make is a step higher than the one before. Always a joy watching them. I hope they are able to make one about "Akihiko Yoshida". I would love to know more about him and his thoughts process.

[@ArchipelDocumentaries]

Hopefully someday...

[@df5677]

Wow, this was fantastic, thank you!

[@SmorgasLord]

This is a real treasure. Thank you!

[@ArchipelDocumentaries]

Thanks for watching!

[@JavierCarayol]

Poco se habla de lo que voy a disfrutar de este vídeo cuando tenga los comentarios en español...

[@grayfox8904]

I am sending this channel to as many people as I know. It is so good, we do not deserve it.

[@ArchipelDocumentaries]

Thanks a lot!

[@velvetimpulse]

Another great gem. I've always liked Kamikokuryo-san's art pieces, wish he would publish an artbook compiling a bunch of them - Final Fantasy-related and otherwise.

[@hitachicordoba]

I'd buy it in a second and proudly display it next to my Syd Mead and Ralph McQuarrie artbooks

[@HeelPower200]

would love to see what he can do with PS5 level tech. Dude has incredibly wild imagination and an awesome of world building and scale. Incredible talent and skill.

[@TourmalineDragonfly]

Thank you so very much.. as an artist, it important for me to be reminded that we are all poems and light.. long roads of the mind that can still be the peaceful and fiery energy of a creative being...

[@ArchipelDocumentaries]

Thanks for watching!

[@joelcobb5702]

HIs methods for drawing are great too.

[@ArchipelDocumentaries]

His methods were indeed impressive and unlike what we have seen so far.

[@jaymeister26]

Bravo, Archipel! Your productions are the most tranquil and insightful experiences. The visuals and background music/ambience are perfect! Great work!

[@ArchipelDocumentaries]

Thanks for the kind word!

[@ceral.6852]

Thank you what a great insight to his work !

[@ArchipelDocumentaries]

Thank you.

[@tristanjp2373]

My favorite of the Caravan series.

[@TheEleventeen]

Thank you for this wonderful video !

[@ArchipelDocumentaries]

Thanks for watching!

[@ILoveCiniminis]

You don't see documentaries with this kind of deep atmosphere much. Wonderful. I hop Isamu is fine and healthy as everyone else. I wish that he'll join someone who'll create some incredible worlds with him like FFX and so on...

[@ArchipelDocumentaries]

Thank you! 🙏

[@EricGornicki]

Amazing content! Would love to have more of these with other creatives at Square-Enix like Nomura-san!

[@ArchipelDocumentaries]

We'll be slowing down on gaming content for a while after this one but maybe someday!

[@littlecurrybread]

inspiring, super calming, ty for this

[@ArchipelDocumentaries]

Thanks for watching!

[@brunomedeiros4533]

A incredible documentary! Isamu is one of my art idols on the game industry. He made a magnificent work on Final Fantasy X, XII, XIII and XV world creation. Too bad Final Fantasy XV world isn't full explorable like in XII. I really wanted to explore XV more but the exploration ends right after Altissia and thats too much lore and potential wasted :( I loved to see his toughts and hints on art direction, about worlds which don't exists and about his art journey. Thank you very much Archipel team! Greetings from Brazil :D

[@ArchipelDocumentaries]

Obrigado! Thanks for watching and for the kind word.

[@longdongsilver3267]

Nothing really to say, but I enjoyed this video. Thanks for making and sharing it.

[@ruekannon]

Really amazing video! Thank you!

[@ArchipelDocumentaries]

Thanks for watching!

[@AgustinWander]

This is so inspiring, thank you

[@ArchipelDocumentaries]

Thank you.

[@polrusstomakriss9001]

Oh man so Yoshitaka and this Guy were beast then, best believe I'm checking these guys out because wow this is amazing

[@aurelienbayonne2967]

Toujours incroyable de voir des reportages sur des artistes de ce calibre. Super vidéo ! Bon, je demande hein... prochaine vidéo : Hironobu Sakaguchi ? :)

[@ArchipelDocumentaries]

Seul l'avenir nous le dira... :)

[@Kushina947]

Great video! Thank you so much!!!!

[@ArchipelDocumentaries]

Thanks for watching!

[@Angel-fc2ik]

Man this make me goosebump

[@OPrincessXJasmineO]

So weird that as he's talking about his creative process, and what inspires him, I already knew all those things in my heart. Final fantasy XII was one of the first ever games I played and truly LOVED. I spent so many hours in that game...I practically lived in that world, and melted with it. I truly believe I have pieces of this artist's ...soul or whatever you call the supernatural gems left in artwork by their creators... In me, because I totally get it. I feel it, I know it.

[@ArtistSik]

Love it!, Keep it coming.

[@ArchipelDocumentaries]

Thanks!

[@vitaliyis301]

Thank you for such cool video!

[@ArchipelDocumentaries]

Thanks for watching.

[@hitagi8308]

Please keep up the good work! Hope you all have a happy new year :)

[@joanindrawan9364]

Amazing video, thank you

[@pedropreto9829]

Incredible work. Congratulations

[@ArchipelDocumentaries]

Thank you 🙏🙏