FFXIII Producer explains Leona Lewis choice for theme song

In a recent interview with the Dutch version of Official Playstation Magazine, Final Fantasy XIII Producer Yoshinori Kitase has explained the decision that has become a sore point to many Western Final Fantasy fans – the choice of Leona Lewis for the titles theme song.

Responding to the question as to why the original Japanese theme song, Kimi Ga Iru Kara, was replaced with My Hands by Leona Lewis, rather than receive a straight English translation, Kitase explains “We have tried to translate the original theme song, but the singer had difficulties with that. This is a new type of tactic, an experiment if you will. Why not use a different artist for every region?”

He continues “If both the content and atmosphere of the song could match with the game, then we would expect it will score better within that particular region. Square Enix as a company is thinking more and more internationally and localization plays an important part within that strategy.”

So, there you have it. I will be honest and say that I am one of the many that was disappointed the English version wasn’t to receive a translation of the Japanese theme song – quite simply because I think it suits the title, and franchise, perfectly. Nevertheless, it is an incredibly minor blemish on what is set to be not only one of the biggest titles of 2010, but also within the history of the series – bring it on.

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