“If I am to return, I want to do so in full health.”

In the latest entry of his blog, composer Nobuo Uematsu has revealed that he will be taking an extended leave of absence from work.

The long-time composer of Square Enix’s Final Fantasy series noted that since founding his music production company Dog Ear Records, he’s been busy with new opportunities – from composing new pieces of music to performing concerts around the world – and it’s this workload and the pace that he’s put himself through that has fatigued him mentally and physically.

“After giving serious consideration to all options, I have decided to take an extended leave of absence and give my mind and body the time they need to properly mend,” explained Uematsu.

He added, “If I am to return, I want to do so in full health. Do not worry. Once I’ve made a full recovery, I’ll be back doing what I do best.”

Earlier this month it was announced that an upcoming October show with the Orchestra Ensemble Kanazawa at the Ishikawa Ongakudō concert hall in Japan would have to be cancelled due to health-related issues.

Although it now appears Uematsu’s hiatus will be an indefinite one, the composer seems optimistic that he’ll return once he feels he’s fully rested and recovered.

“My current plan is to rest for the remainder of the year, and while I cannot commit to a method or time frame for my return, I’m very hopeful,” said Uematsu.