Anti-LGBT quotes by Dragon Quest composer prompt response

But the company refuses to clarify whether they'll continue to employ him.

The epic, sweeping soundtracks of the various Dragon Quest games have become a staple of the franchise, and these themes are composed by the famous Japanese composer, Koichi Sugiyama.

Unfortunately, Sugiyama has expressed some regressive views on LGBT and women's rights on Japanese TV, and these clips have now resurfaced and prompted an official response from Square Enix.

As described by GameRevolution, Sugiyama appeared as supporting the Japanese politician Mio Sugita in the Channel Sakura broadcast "Hi Izuru Kuni York" in 2015. Here, he and Sugita laugh at the notion of LGBT support. He also agreed with Sugita that the lack children from homosexual couples might become a huge issue for the country.

According to Anime News Network he even opposed a resolution meant to make the Japanese government apologise for the forced sexual slavery of Japanese women during World War II.

After fan outcry reached a boiling point recently, Square Enix responded, and it would seem that the company is distancing themselves from Sugiyama's views:

"The views of an individual do not reflect the views nor efforts of the company. Square Enix employs a global multicultural staff of various beliefs, sexual orientation, and gender identities. As a matter of policy, we do not condone discrimination or harassment of any kind and we respect the diversity of sexuality and gender identity of everyone around the world."

When asked whether Square Enix will cut ties with the composer, they did not want to comment.