Final Fantasy IX vocal artist revealed

[05.25.00] » Vetran Japanese singer Emiko Shiratori of Olympic fame lends her voice for Final Fantasy IX's main theme, Melodies of Life.

Emiko Shiratori

   Just as Final Fantasy VIII contained songs performed by Hong Kong's popular Faye Wong, the GIA has learned that Square plans to contract another renowned Asian vocalist to sing at least two arrangements for the upcoming Final Fantasy IX. Emiko Shiratori has signed on for the role and will sing the game's main theme, "Melodies of Life," in both Japanese and English. A second song, Galway Sky, will also be performed in an as-of-yet unknown language. It's also not known which language versions of Melodies of Life will be performed within the game and which will remain soundtrack and CD single-only features -- it's possible that the Japanese and English versions will remain exclusive to their respective target audiences.

    A veteran Japanese singer, Emiko Shiratori began her singing career in 1969. Some of her credits recognizable to the gaming industry include singing for the anime movie Doraeman, as well as the Japanese anime T.V. series Moomin. However, Emiko has gained worldwide recognition for her vocal songs chosen for use at the Olympics: the popular "Ballad of a Rainbow and Snow" played at the 1972 Sapporo Winter Olympics, and "Flowers for You" was heard during the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics. Included below is an audio clip of Emiko's "Forest of My Heart", a song commisioned by Japan's Sumitomo Forestry Corporation.

   Though no word has surfaced yet on a full-length soundtrack for Final Fantasy IX, online retailer The Place has confirmed that they will begin taking preorders for a CD single from the game on June 5th in anticipation of an August 9th release. The Japanese, English, and instrumental versions of Melodies of Life will be available on the CD, while Galway Sky will be included as the fourth track. If Square follows the same pattern they took with Final Fantasy VIII, expect a full original soundtrack to follow just weeks after.

   Thanks goes to Matt Cascino for the tip.