Danica Davidson
June 19, 2025 
Final Fantasy IX came out in 2000, making this year the 25th anniversary of the iconic game! A number of things are planned to mark this event (like special 25th anniversary merch you can preorder through Square Enix). But as something extra special, two pop-up stores dedicated to the game will be appearing in Japan this summer, thanks to Square Enix.
From July 2 to September 7, people can check out the limited-time shop at the Daimaru department store located in Umeda, Osaka. The other pop-up store will be in the country’s biggest city, Tokyo, specifically in the Marunouchi area’s Daimaru department store. The Tokyo one will not be around as long as the Osaka shop. Instead, the Tokyo shop opens its doors on July 25 and shuts them after August 11.
While the shops are open, they’ll be offering exclusive merchandise involving characters like Zidane, Vivi and Princess Garnet. Items include shirts, plushies, tote bags, acrylic stands, acrylic keychains, magnets, mugs and more. People will also be able to take pictures of themselves posed with large images of the characters.
It also appears that more clothing and accessories will be revealed at a later date. People who fork out 5,000 yen (about $34) will also receive a free rubber coaster of a Final Fantasy IX character, selected at random.
You can check out the official website here (it’s in Japanese).
Nintendo gave this official description for Final Fantasy IX:
Final Fantasy IX Summary
Zidane and the Tantalus Theater Troupe have kidnapped Princess Garnet, the heir of Alexandria. To their surprise, however, the princess herself yearned to escape the castle. Through a series of unusual circumstances, she and her personal guard, Steiner, fall in with Zidane and set out on an incredible journey.
Meeting unforgettable characters like Vivi and Quina along the way, they learn about themselves, the secrets of the Crystal, and a malevolent force that threatens to destroy their world.
Source: SoraNews24
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Danica Davidson is the author of the bestselling Manga Art for Beginners with artist Melanie Westin, plus its sequel, Manga Art for Everyone, and the first-of-its-kind manga chalk book Chalk Art Manga, both illustrated by professional Japanese mangaka Rena Saiya. Check out her other comics and books at www.danicadavidson.com.
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