Square Enix has finally pegged a firm release date on Final Fantasy XIII, announcing that the long-awaited RPG will hit Japanese store shelves on December 17. The date was actually meant to be formally revealed tomorrow during a premier event, but an online ad campaign that broadcasted early broke word today. Looks official enough to us.

As you may have already guessed, this date is specific to Japan only. While an overseas release date has yet to be announced, we’re told Square Enix is aiming to finish localization in early to mid 2010. So if you’re fluent enough in Japanese, you may want to take your chances at importing.

Read more: Final Fantasy XIII Not Coming Stateside Until 2010, Square Enix Moving Towards Simultaneous Worldwide Releases, Square Enix To Cut 300 Jobs In Japan, No Final Fantasy XIII This Year, Square Enix Clarifies Its Position On Overseas Business Development