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Japanese composer renowned for creating the iconic soundtracks of the Final Fantasy video game series. Born in Kochi, Japan, Uematsu began self-taught music studies early. After graduating from Kanagawa University, he joined Square (now Square Enix) in 1986. His breakthrough came composing the entire score for the first Final Fantasy (1987), establishing the series' musical identity. He served as the primary composer for the franchise until Final Fantasy X (2001), later contributing key themes. He co-founded the rock band The Black Mages (2002-2010) to arrange his game music. Since leaving Square Enix as a salaried employee in 2004, he operates through his own company, Smile Please, and Dog Ear Records, composing for games (Blue Dragon, Fantasian), films, and continuing Final Fantasy collaborations.

• Despite his monumental influence on game music, Uematsu is largely self-taught as a composer and pianist.
• He repeatedly announced his departure as the main Final Fantasy composer after various titles (notably after VI, VII, IX, and X), only to return for significant contributions or themes on later projects, leading fans to joke about "one last FF".
• In 2018, Uematsu underwent surgery to remove a brain tumor (choroid plexus papilloma). He recovered well and returned to composing.
• His music achieved mainstream classical recognition through the long-running "Distant Worlds: Music from Final Fantasy" concert series, which tours globally and features full orchestras and choirs performing his works.