Final Fantasy XI recently marked a momentous milestone as it celebrated its 22nd anniversary, a testament to its enduring legacy in the gaming community. Among its myriad cherished components, the song “Memoro de la Ŝtono” stands out—not solely due to its hauntingly beautiful melody but also because of its thoughtful linguistic choice. In a recent interview, celebrated composer Nobuo Uematsu shared insights about his decision to incorporate Esperanto lyrics, emphasizing his artistic vision for game music that strives to transcend cultural and linguistic limitations.
Challenging Language Norms in Game Music
In the early 2000s, Square (which evolved into Square Enix) was steadily embracing the trend of infusing English lyrics into game soundtracks in a bid to appeal to a broader audience. Uematsu, however, found himself at odds with this prevailing trend. He questioned the rationale behind defaulting to English for vocal tracks in a game that was, at its core, developed in Japan, illuminating the cultural reverberations of such choices.
“At the time, the trend within Square was to use English lyrics for any songs that contained vocals,” Uematsu explained. “I really wasn’t a fan of that trend and felt that if a game was made by Japanese people, why should it have songs sung in a language that isn’t Japanese?”
By daring to challenge these established norms, Uematsu sought to cultivate a more universal approach—one that consciously avoided giving preference to any particular language or culture. His artistic goal was to craft music that transcended regional boundaries, enabling anyone, regardless of background, to appreciate its emotional resonance.
Why Uematsu Chose Esperanto for “Memoro de la Ŝtono”
Uematsu’s initial foray into utilizing non-English and non-Japanese lyrics traces back to his composition of “Liberi Fatali” for Final Fantasy VIII, where he opted for Latin. This choice was a deliberate attempt to render the song equally inaccessible to players across the globe, leveling the playing field in terms of understanding.
“I decided to use Latin for the lyrics in FFVIII’s opening movie so that not only Japanese people but also people from the US, the United Kingdom, France, or wherever else would not be likely to understand them either,” he shared. “I thought that would help even things out somewhat on a worldwide scale.”
For Final Fantasy XI, Uematsu aspired to elevate this concept even further, desiring to select a language that would be even less recognizable to the average player. “With FFXI, I wanted to use a language other than Japanese again,” Uematsu said. “We used Latin in FFVIII, so we should select a language that even fewer people would know for this one. That’s how I ended up choosing Esperanto.”
Esperanto: A Language for Global Unity in Final Fantasy XI
Esperanto, a constructed international auxiliary language introduced by L. L. Zamenhof in the late 19th century, was envisioned to be easy to learn and politically neutral. It embodies ideals of unity and international cooperation—principles that resonate deeply with the global appeal and community-building essence of an MMORPG like Final Fantasy XI.
With the incorporation of Esperanto lyrics for “Memoro de la Ŝtono,” Uematsu intended to cultivate a sense of inclusiveness and promote a shared global community, thus enhancing the MMORPG’s mission of uniting players from diverse nations in a singular, immersive experience. Fellow composer Kumi Tanioka remarked on the profound depth of Uematsu’s commitment to this vision.
“I knew about his desire to use a language that was not specific to any one country, but I never realized just how particular Mr. Uematsu was about the topic,” Tanioka remarked.
A Silent Rebellion Against Industry Norms
Uematsu’s choice also serves as a subtle form of resistance against prevailing industry standards. When questioned if his use of Esperanto could be interpreted as a quiet protest, he responded affirmatively with a chuckle, acknowledging his intentional challenge to the status quo. This sentiment was echoed by Naoshi Mizuta, another prominent composer on the team, who commented on the shifting perceptions surrounding language usage in game soundtracks.
“In recent years, people overseas often think it’s cooler to have Japanese in the games anyway,” Mizuta observed.
Uematsu agreed, adding, “Indeed. That’s why, even today, I think it’s better to use Japanese.”
The Lasting Legacy of “Memoro de la Ŝtono”
“Memoro de la Ŝtono” is celebrated as one of the standout pieces from Final Fantasy XI, earning acclaim for both its captivating melody and unique linguistic choice. Uematsu’s decision to feature Esperanto not only infused an air of mystique into the composition but also enriched the game’s immersive experience, allowing the music to resonate on an emotional level that transcends mere translation. His pioneering approach to language selection has had a lasting impact, showing how game music can bridge cultural gaps by emphasizing atmosphere and emotion over lyrical understandability.
Conclusion
Nobuo Uematsu’s incorporation of Esperanto lyrics into “Memoro de la Ŝtono” underscores his commitment to crafting universally appealing music, rejecting mainstream conventions in favor of a more inclusive artistic vision. As online gaming continues to connect players from various cultural backgrounds, Uematsu’s revolutionary approach to language in video game music localization remains both innovative and significant.
For more insights into the creative universe of Final Fantasy and its music, stay tuned to Noisy Pixel for ongoing coverage of one of gaming’s most influential composers.
**Interview with Nobuo Uematsu: Celebrating 22 Years of Final Fantasy XI**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Nobuo. As we celebrate the 22nd anniversary of *Final Fantasy XI*, your contribution stands out, particularly with the song “Memoro de la Ŝtono.” Can you tell us about the inspiration behind using Esperanto lyrics?
**Nobuo Uematsu:** Thank you for having me! I’ve always believed in the power of music to transcend cultural barriers. When I was composing for *Final Fantasy XI*, I wanted to create something that everyone could feel, without being tied to their native language. Esperanto, being a constructed language aimed at fostering international understanding, seemed like the perfect fit.
**Editor:** You initially opted for Latin in *Final Fantasy VIII*, which was quite unconventional at the time. What drove you to select Esperanto for *Final Fantasy XI*?
**Uematsu:** With *FFVIII*, I wanted to create a sense of distance—no one could truly understand the lyrics, regardless of their background. With *FFXI*, I thought it would be interesting to push that idea even further and choose a language that even fewer people would recognize. Esperanto embodies the ideals of inclusiveness and unity, which aligns beautifully with the community aspect of an MMORPG.
**Editor:** It seems your choice was also a response to industry norms. Can you explain your thoughts on the trend of using English lyrics in Japanese games?
**Uematsu:** Yes, there was a strong push within the industry to use English to reach a broader audience. I found myself at odds with this trend. If a game is made in Japan, why should it cater to English when we could celebrate our own culture? By choosing Esperanto, I aimed to level the playing field and highlight our global community rather than favor one language over another.
**Editor:** Some might interpret your decision as a silent rebellion against industry standards. Would you agree with that sentiment?
**Uematsu:** Absolutely! (laughs) It was a gentle protest, in a way. I wanted to challenge the status quo while creating music that speaks to the universal human experience, not just a specific audience.
**Editor:** how do you feel about the legacy of “Memoro de la Ŝtono” as a part of *Final Fantasy XI*’s enduring success?
**Uematsu:** It’s incredibly humbling. I hope that when players hear the song, they feel a sense of belonging to something larger—a community united by shared experiences and emotions. Music is a powerful connector, and I’m glad that *Final Fantasy XI* can offer that to so many people around the world.
**Editor:** Thank you, Nobuo. Your insights continue to inspire many within the gaming community. Here’s to more memorable compositions in the future!
**Uematsu:** Thank you! It’s been a pleasure.
