A Japanese release was announced at a press conference in June 2004 alongside other Xbox titles. It formed part of Microsoft's strategy for promoting the console in Japan, principally by tapping into the RPG market that at the time was dominated by the PlayStation 2. As part of its promotion, several notable voice actors were brought in to dub the characters including Kenji Nojima (Tal), Mai Nakahara (Ailish), Hikaru Midorikawa (Elco) and Yū Asakawa (Buki). The Japanese cover art was designed by manga artist Yamato Yamamoto. It released in the region on 14 July 2005 under the title "Sudeki: Sennen no Akatsuki no Monogatari".