November 3 was Culture Day in Japan, a day meant to promote participation in music, reading, writing, creating works of art, or any other activities that are considered culturally enriching. To commemorate Culture Day, we’d like to introduce some characters and scenes from FINAL FANTASY games related to those things!

Edward (FFIV)

Despite being the crown prince of Damcyan, Edward takes a greater interest in music than political matters. He plays a harp to accompany his Bardsong ability – in the original 1991 release, the ability only inflicts enemies with random status effects, but in the DS release Edward can learn a full repertoire of songs as he levels up!

Relm (FFVI)

Relm is a young girl with a talent for art, and as a descendant of the Magi she can use her Sketch ability to draw portraits of monsters in battle and use their own attacks against them! While cheeky and sometimes outright rude – even to adults despite her young age – Relm has a good heart deep down and loves her adoptive grandfather Strago very much.

Opera Maria and Draco (FFVI)

FINAL FANTASY VI also includes a musical scene! During their journey, the heroes of FFVI learn that wandering gambler Setzer Gabbiani plans to abduct the diva Maria, who will play the star role in the opera Maria and Draco, and so they hatch a plan to have fellow party member Celes take Maria’s place in the show to get access to Setzer’s airship. What follows is a dramatic love story musical, and there’s even a few times where you the player play a part! We won’t spoil the details – give FFVI a shot to find out!

Deuce (FF Type-0)

Deuce is a flutist, using her instrument in battle to play both offensive and defensive melodies. Though she isn’t the type to stand out on the front lines, her abilities make her very useful as a support ally. No music classes are offered at Akademeia, but Deuce has apparently been playing her instrument from a young age.

Armed with books as weapons, the scholar is another cultured job featured in the FINAL FANTASY series. In FINAL FANTASY XI and XIV, you can even adventure as a bard or scholar yourself! We hope you’ll continue to include FINAL FANTASY titles as part of your own cultural enjoyment for years to come!